NDDC Inspects Okrika Bridge Project, Visits Okochiri Monarch
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, says that work will soon resume at the 3.65-kilometre Okrika-Borokiri Road with three bridges connecting Kolabi, Abotoru and Okpoka creeks to Port Harcourt.
Speaking after inspecting the project in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Ogbuku said that the Commission would revive the project because it would provide a lot of benefits to the people.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer was accompanied by the Commission’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (Rtd.), the Executive Director, Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola and other directors.
Ogbuku noted that the project connects several communities to the Rivers State capital, stating: “It is one projects that can take traffic off Aba Road and East West Road. You will find people living in Okrika, Akpajo, Eleme commuting to Port Harcourt through the road.”
He said that when completed, the road would reduce traffic congestion on the refinery road as well as reduce travel time from Okrika to Port Harcourt.
The NDDC team also paid a courtesy visit to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Michael Tom, at his palace in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area.
Ogbuku said it was necessary to visit the Monarch because the Commission had a lot of respect for the traditional institution.
He said: “We are here in Okrika and Okochiri on project inspection. We have inspected about two major projects. These projects, from our findings, are all stalled for many reasons. We felt the need to find out why the projects are stalled and the need for us to re-activate them.
“We assure you that work will soon resume on these projects. For example, the bridge that links Port Harcourt to Okrika mainland, is a very laudable project which is going to ease the traffic on the East-West Road; it is an alternate route to Okrika.
“For us to succeed, we believe that we need the cooperation of everybody. We need the cooperation of the traditional institutions, the state governments and the youths. We are trying to engage the youths.
“We believe it is time to do things differently. In doing things differently, we must be proactive. I assure you, our achievements are already being felt and we are ready to do more and better than what we are doing already.”
In his remarks, King Ateke Tom urged the NDDC to expedite action on some stalled projects in his kingdom. He remarked that on completion the projects would bring more economic and human capital development to the people of Okrika,
The projects, he said, included the Okrika-Borokiri Road and bridges; the Okuru to Ogba Road and bridge, as well as the reclamation of Okhai-Ama to Okochiri Mangrove.
The Okochiri Monarch also requested the NDDC to partner with his Kingdom in promoting the Okochiri International Beach Festival and Carnival, which, according to him, “promote peace amongst our people.”
Ibitoye Abosede, Ph.D.
Director, Corporate Affairs
March 26, 2023.