Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in the Abakpa Nike area of Enugu metropolis, including renaming one in honor of music legend Mike Ejeagha. Among the roads commissioned are the newly named Mike Ejeagha Crescent, where the iconic musician resides, and the adjoining Obinagu Road, also renamed in his honor. Additional roads commissioned by the governor include the Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road and Nkpor Street.
Honoring
a Living Legend
During
the commissioning ceremony, Governor Mbah paid a personal visit to Mike Ejeagha
at his residence, announcing that the state government would now take full
responsibility for the veteran musician's upkeep. He praised Ejeagha as a
"living legend" whose contributions to Nigerian folk music have
enriched the cultural heritage of Enugu State.
“Enugu
State is proud to be home to legends, not just in sports but also in music and
arts,” Mbah stated. “Mike Ejeagha, through his folk songs, has kept our
cultural memory alive. It is only fitting that we honor him while he is still
with us.”
Commitment
to Infrastructure Development
Governor
Mbah used the occasion to reiterate his administration's commitment to urban
development, especially in road infrastructure. He reminded the public of the
government's pledge to improve urban roads and mentioned that 71 urban roads
and 10 rural roads had been completed since last year. The four roads
commissioned during this event were not part of the initial 71 roads but were
identified as requiring urgent attention and were completed promptly.
“These
roads are crucial to us,” Mbah explained. “But one road stands out: the road
leading to the home of one of our greatest icons, Mike Ejeagha. This road is
now officially named Mike Ejeagha Road in his honor.”
Future
Plans for Road Expansion
Governor
Mbah assured residents of Abakpa and the broader Enugu State community that
this is just the beginning of an extensive road infrastructure expansion. He
announced the awarding of contracts for the construction of 141 additional
urban roads and 20 rural roads. He also mentioned plans to commence the
dualization of the Penocks junction on the Enugu-Onitsha road all the way to
Opi-Nsukka, signaling an ambitious vision for the state’s infrastructure.
“We
are committed to serving you with all our resources and energy,” Mbah promised.
“The work is far from over, and we are just getting started.”
Assurance
of Quality and Durability
Addressing
the quality of the newly commissioned roads, the Commissioner for Works and
Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on
Project Development and Implementation assured the public that the roads were
constructed with high durability standards. They detailed the robust
construction specifications, which include a thick sub-grade, sub-base, stone
base course, asphalt wearing course, and reinforced concrete drainage systems
designed to ensure longevity and convenience for road users.
Residents
and Ejeagha Express Gratitude
Mike
Ejeagha, represented by his children, Emma Ejeagha and Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee
Ejeagha), expressed deep gratitude to Governor Mbah, stating that the governor
had exceeded their expectations without making any prior promises. Emma Ejeagha
noted, “Previous governments made promises but delivered nothing. Governor
Mbah, however, came through without a single promise, and today, we see the
results with brand new roads.”
The local community also turned out in large numbers to show appreciation, praising the governor for the new roads, which they believe will significantly enhance their businesses and daily lives.
In conclusion, Governor Mbah's efforts to develop Enugu’s infrastructure and honor local legends like Mike Ejeagha have been well-received by the community, reflecting a promising start to his administration's broader development agenda.
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