Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has flagged off the construction of over 70 kilometers of roads in the Enugu North Senatorial Zone to boost economic activities and improve connectivity across the area.
The Enugu North Senatorial Zone includes Nsukka, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Eze North, Udenu, Uzo-Uwani, and Igbo-Etiti Local Government Areas.
Among the projects is the 52-kilometer Lejja–Aku–Ukehe–Egede–Afa–Akpakwume–Eke road, which traverses Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti, and Udi Local Government Areas.
During the flag-off ceremony on Saturday in Nsukka, Mbah described the project as a vital step toward economic growth, emphasizing that road infrastructure is a key driver of development.
“This is symbolic because we are flagging off a very critical road— from Lejja through Aku and Ukehe to Egede, Afa, Akpakwume, and Eke,” he said.
“When we talk about growing our economy exponentially, we highlight that it will be driven by the private sector and facilitated by government. Roads are the best enabler for this.”
“We are building roads that connect communities and link people to opportunities. The stretch here is about 52 kilometers, but combined with other roads from Umuachara to Barracks and from Mechanic Village, the total length is about 70 kilometers.”
The governor stressed his administration’s commitment to delivering on promises without politicizing infrastructure projects.
“We are not a government given to posturing or empty promises. When we commit to something, we deliver. These roads benefit Ndi Nsukka, the entire northern zone, and Enugu State as a whole,” he added.
Addressing journalists, Nsukka Local Government Chairman, Mr. Jude Asogwa, expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the projects as transformative.
He noted that the projects would significantly improve connectivity within the council area. He also mentioned ongoing roads in Nsukka town, including the New Anglican–Ogrute Road, roads in Mechanic Village and Enyiuchi, and routes linking neighboring states like Anambra and Kogi.
Asogwa stated that the current administration had invested over N20 billion in infrastructure within Nsukka in 48 months, describing it as unprecedented.
He added that the road projects would stimulate economic growth, ease transportation, and strengthen inter-community relationships.
The Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Tony Ezema, also praised the initiative, calling it historic.
He highlighted that some roads had been in poor condition for decades, especially during the rainy season, causing serious challenges for commuters.
“This road has been one of the worst in Nsukka. During the rainy season, it becomes almost impassable. I even had an accident on this road once,” he said.
Ezema also noted that the reconstruction would improve access to key institutions, including a Federal Government College and several farming settlements.
He expressed optimism that the project would enhance both economic and social activities across the zone.
