Governor Peter Mbah Flags Off 43.7km Road Dualisation in Nsukka
… Mbah is godsent to Nsukka zone – Igwe Asadu
… You’ve proven yourself more Nsukka than any Nsukka man – Ezenta Ezeani
… Enugu has suddenly become a reference point for transformational projects – Dennis Agbo
Governor Peter Mbah today flagged off the construction and dualisation of the 43.7km Penoks-Abakpa Nike-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi Nsukka Road with streetlights and an 18-month completion timeframe. This aligns with his administration’s vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Opi, attended by political heavyweights and leaders of the Nsukka Zone, Mbah emphasized that the project, which includes straightening many bends, would drastically reduce accidents and criminal activities on the road.
“In the build-up to the election and in my acceptance speech after my election, we pledged to dualise the Penoks-Abakpa-Ugwogo Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road because we realised from the outset that if we had to grow this economy exponentially, no section of this state should be left behind—especially an economic hub like Nsukka Zone. So, all we are doing here today is connecting those dots,” he said.
Mbah lamented that a trip from Enugu to Nsukka currently takes over an hour. His administration’s goal is to reduce travel time to about 30 minutes by dualising the 3.6km from Penoks Junction to the T-Junction flyover and the 41km Abakpa Nike-Opi Nsukka Road. This will make it possible for people to comfortably live and work in Enugu and vice versa.
He also noted that his administration’s grassroots-based development and economic model places Enugu North Zone at a significant advantage.
“We are doing projects based on electoral wards. Guess who the greatest beneficiaries of this model are? It’s Nsukka Zone. You have 102 electoral wards. That means you will end up with 102 smart schools, 102 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, and over 1,000km of roads, since we will construct at least 10km of roads per ward,” he remarked.
Reactions from Leaders and Stakeholders
The traditional ruler of Edem-Ani and Chairman of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Samuel Asadu, praised the project:
“The people of Nsukka cultural zone and Enugu North Senatorial District never imagined the possibility of this lifetime project. The only way we can pay you back is that you don’t need to campaign here for your second tenure—we will do that for you. You are Godsent to Nsukka, Enugu State, and Nigeria at large.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezeani Ezenta, acknowledged Mbah’s achievements:
“I feel emotional because a lot was said during the election. But today, by your good work, you have proven yourself even more Nsukka than any Nsukka man.”
Former Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, described the project as:
“Gigantic, huge, unbelievable, and marvelous. It will open Nsukka Zone and the entire state to the world. This is a legacy project. Your name will never die. Your spirit shall never die. We will continue to support you.”
Other key figures, including the Chairman of Nsukka LGA, Hon. Jude Asogwa, former Secretaries to the State Government, Dr. Dan Shere and Prof. Simon Ortuanya, also praised the initiative.
Political and Economic Implications
In a press statement issued on Monday, Hon. Dennis Agbo, Member representing Igboeze North/Udenu Federal Constituency under the Labour Party, described the project as transformational:
“This road will greatly facilitate commerce, ease mass transit, and support our hardworking farmers by improving the evacuation of farm produce. It will also help in fighting crime and criminality.”
Agbo further commended the governor’s vision:
“Our governor has clearly demonstrated his uncanny ability to see and unleash the enormous potential of our dear state and people. It is heartwarming to note that Enugu has suddenly become a frontline state and a reference point for transformational project initiatives.”
Commitment to Quality Execution
Meanwhile, the CEO of COMAG Construction Company, Cosmas Agu, pledged to deliver a high-quality project on schedule.
With this project, Governor Peter Mbah is taking a significant step toward enhancing infrastructure, economic development, and regional connectivity in Enugu State.
