Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi has lauded the excellent performance of Governor Charles Soludo on his ongoing infrastructural transformation of Anambra State.
He made the commendation at the groundbreaking ceremony of the construction of Phase 2B of the access road to the Second Niger Bridge which has officially been flagged off by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking a significant step in enhancing transportation infrastructure and regional connectivity in the Southeast.
According to Governor Soludo’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, the Second Niger Bridge, inaugurated in 2023, has greatly improved transportation between the Southeast and other parts of the country, but its full benefits have been hindered by incomplete access roads.
The project aims to address this by delivering a 17.5km dual carriageway with seven bridges and modern infrastructure, including security cameras. It will stretch from the Umunya/Ogbunike axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, passing through the Old Enugu Road Interchange, Ogidi, Nkpor-Umuoji Road Interchange, to the Asaba-Igbuzor Road Interchange and Valley Bridge.
Engr. Umahi also eulogised Soludo for his exceptional leadership and transformative achievements in multiple sectors, and in road infrastructure, pointing out that Anambra currently has 18 ongoing federal road projects, including the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which has been split between MTN and another company for effective execution.
He acknowledged Soludo’s achievements in security, education, healthcare, and fiscal management, and in constructing a befitting Anambra Government House. He described Soludo as a strong ally of President Tinubu, stating that their partnership has been instrumental in advancing development in Anambra and the Southeast.
The Minister further urged local communities to support the project and avoid disruptions, while reiterating President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast, with key appointments such as the Chief of Naval Staff and the Minister of Works from the region.
In his remark, Soludo said the Second Niger Bridge would remain incomplete until the entire 35km access road is fully constructed. While acknowledging previous setbacks, he thanked President Tinubu and expressed optimism that, with Umahi as Minister of Works, the project would be completed as planned.
He also advised community leaders, President Generals, and traditional rulers to cooperate in ensuring that local youths do not obstruct construction activities.
Soludo highlighted the importance of sustained federal-state collaboration in infrastructure development, revealing that Anambra had invested over N150 billion in federal roads. He stressed that the dualisation of key roads is critical to preventing future congestion and ensuring long-term economic growth in the region.
At the event, Hon. Chinwe Gwacgam, representing Oyi and Ayamelum Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, called on the federal government to support Soludo’s re-election in 2025, as it would further guarantee sustainable development in Anambra, a gesture he affirmed would be reciprocated by Soludo in a broader political alignment in 2027.
