NDDC Commences Construction Of 17.5km Odupkani Road Project

[00:00:01]The Niger Delta Development Commission has commenced the construction of a 7 175 km road linking Cross River State to Arochukwu in Abia State.

[00:00:13]For residents long challenged by poor access and difficult movement, the project is bringing renewed hope. Tina Akwuke has details.

[00:00:24]>> The journey tells the story before the people speak.

[00:00:28]From Calabar through long stretches of difficult roads and across the river by speedboat, getting to Atan Onoyom is long, difficult, and far from straightforward.

[00:00:40]For residents of area and neighboring communities, this has long been the reality. But on this day, the mood is different. There is excitement, hope, and a sense that change may finally be here.

[00:00:54]The 17.5 km Atan Onoyom Arochukwu road has now been officially handed over for construction, a project expected to improve connectivity and boost economic activities across the corridor.

[00:01:10]Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman Senate Committee on NDDC described the project as a major intervention that will open up rural communities, improve access, and create new opportunities for residents and businesses across the area.

[00:01:25]>> Today is the site handover by the Niger Delta Development Commission, and that is because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has handpicked and selected the best minds and the best people for the job. There's no more promises, empty promises. It's now promises being kept.

[00:01:41]I also have to acknowledge the support of my governor, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, who gave his full support for this project to be initiated.

[00:01:48]>> For residents, the impact goes beyond construction.

[00:01:52]>> It's been uh more than a century.

[00:01:55]More than a century.

[00:01:57]The road has been impassable.

[00:02:00]It has been one of the things that has brought underdevelopment to this area.

[00:02:06]>> Okay, the road has been a very bad road for a very long time. We have been suffering. As a former youth leader, we have been praying for God to intervene so that we can have a good road as others. But as God has made it today, we have witnessed the the the starting of the road.

[00:02:23]>> Expected to be completed in 2 and 1/2 years. Residents say their greatest expectation is to finally witness a road that connects them fully to surrounding communities and beyond.

[00:02:35]>> The Niger Delta Development Commission today flagged off the construction of the 17.5 km road. Residents of this community are very, very excited with the government and they are hopeful that the road will come to completion. Tina Aqueque, TVC News, Odubani, Cross River State.