The Enugu State Government has approved the construction of 151.55 kilometres of rural roads to open up communities and boost connectivity across the state.
The decision was taken on Monday during the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting at the Government House, Enugu.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Benjamin Okoh, said the approval was in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s promise to deliver 10,000 kilometres of roads.
According to Okoh, the projects cover several rural corridors aimed at improving access and stimulating economic activities.
Key projects include the 52.2-kilometre Nsukka–Lejja–Aku–Akpakwume–Eke–Ebe road and other roads in the Enugu North Senatorial District, totalling about 70 kilometres.
Other approved roads are the 10.1-kilometre Ezeagu–Umumba–Oye–Ebenebe road, the 14.5-kilometre Enugu–United Palm Plantation access road at Ibite-Olo, the 3.6-kilometre Umuabi–Umuaga Link Road, and the 18.23-kilometre Eke–Obinagu–Obodo Nike–Umu Ode–Oruku–Aguikpa–Amechi Idodo Road, among others.
The commissioner noted that all the approved projects are rural roads. He explained that the government had already made significant progress on urban roads, recording over 95 per cent completion in the second phase of urban road construction.
Okoh added that over 2,000 kilometres of rural roads had been captured in the 2026 state budget, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
In the sports sector, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, announced that the Enugu City International Marathon would hold on August 30, 2026, as part of efforts to position it as a major global sporting event.
He also confirmed that the National Sports Festival would begin on November 27, 2026, with preparations already at an advanced stage.
“Enugu State recently recorded a strong performance at the National Para Games in Abuja, winning 40 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals to emerge overall champions,” he said.
Ekweremadu disclosed that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium were ongoing and would be completed ahead of the festival. The renovation is being handled by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).
He added that the state is about 85–90 per cent ready in terms of accommodation for over 8,000 expected participants.
On tourism, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the EXCO approved the construction of access roads to key tourist sites, including Ngwo Pine Forest, Nsude Pyramid, and Awhum Waterfall.
She noted that ongoing projects such as a canopy walkway, zip line, and the Cross of Hope at Okpatu are aimed at attracting up to three million tourists annually to the state.
Madueke emphasised that the government’s infrastructure push, combined with tourism and sporting activities, would transform Enugu into a major destination for investment, recreation, and economic growth.
