Sir: For the people of Delta and other adjourning states, Saturday, February 22, 2025, will remain an indelible date. On that day, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, commissioned the 9.6- kilometre Abraka-Oben Road reconstructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State. He also launched the reconstruction of the Abraka-Agbor Road.

Aside from preventing accidents and loss of lives as a result of its formerly deplorable state, it is globally acknowledged that infrastructure enables development and also provides the services that underpin the ability of people to be economically productive, for example via transport. The transport sector has a huge role in connecting populations to where the work is.

Also, infrastructure investments help stem economic losses arising from problems such as traffic congestion. The World Bank estimates that in sub-Saharan Africa closing the infrastructure quantity and quality gap relative to the world’s best performers could raise GDP growth per head by 2.6 per cent yearly.  

In addition, a glance through the commentaries by dignitaries present at the commission further reveals that NDDC as a commission has done well.  

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori commended the NDDC for the initiative to reconstruct the all-important access road from Abraka to Oben, saying that Mr President picked very good people in managing different ministries, departments and agencies for the good of Nigerians.

Oborevwori, who made remarks at the inauguration of the reconstructed road, also thanked the President for picking very good people in managing different ministries departments and agencies for the good of Nigerians, Delta State Governor reiterated the state government’s willingness to partner with the Federal Government for the overall socio-economic development of the state. 

Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, Governor Oborevwori said governance philosophy connotes that if the Federal Government succeeds it would dovetail in the success of the subnational governments.

“We believe in the success of the Federal Government because of the nature of our Constitution and its operations, the success of the Federal Government will naturally translate to the success of the states as well.  Oborevwori, therefore, wishes to commend President Bola Tinubu for his support for the board of the NDDC thus far and urging him to continue to do more for the people of the Niger Delta.”

Similarly, speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Momoh, said that the road projects were further demonstrations of the determination of the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta region. The Minister commended the NDDC Board and Management for responding appropriately to the directives of President Tinubu’s charge to turn things around in the Niger Delta region positively.

The royal father noted that the road served as a regional link, connecting Abraka to Benin, and expressed gratitude for connecting the community to their ancestral home.

Jerome-Mario Utomi, a media Specialist, wrote from Lagos.