The member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuanu, has hailed President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works, Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas following the approval of the Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe road project, declaring that years of relentless advocacy have finally yielded fruit.

President Tinubu recently approved the design and procurement of the 150-kilometre Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road as part of two major dual carriageway projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and boosting economic activities across Nigeria’s South-East.

The approval followed engagements between the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government, with discussions beginning during Governor Soludo's meeting with the President on July 1, 2026. The Federal Ministry of Works subsequently requested formal proposals, which the Anambra State Government submitted on July 3. Governor Soludo said the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, informed him on July 15 that the President had approved both projects to proceed to the design and procurement stage.

The highway is expected to connect Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway through parts of Abia State, strengthen links between the Southeast, North Central, and South-South regions, facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time, and stimulate economic growth across the affected states.

Hon. Ugochinyere, who had consistently championed the rehabilitation of the road, described the approval as a victory for the people of Ideato, Okigwe, and surrounding communities who have endured years of neglect and hardship. The lawmaker had earlier moved a motion at the House of Representatives, painting a grim picture of the road which he said had become a death trap in recent times. According to him, the long-neglected Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe road had not only claimed many lives but had become a free zone for armed robbers who unleash terror on innocent road users on almost a daily basis.

In his motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House, Hon. Ugochinyere noted that the road cuts across Idemili North-South, Nnewi North-South-Ekwusigo, Aguata, and Ideato North-South federal constituencies of Anambra and Imo states. He urged the House to prevail on the Ministry of Works and Housing to commence full-scale rehabilitation of the roads in order to reduce the suffering of his constituents. He also warned that with the rainy season, the already deplorable state of the road had worsened, with torrential erosions threatening the lives, businesses, and economy of inhabitants of the affected communities.

The motion was supported by Hon. Uche Elodimuo (Nnewi North/Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency), Hon. Uchenna Okonkwo (Idemili North/South Federal Constituency), and Hon. Dom Okafor (Aguata Federal Constituency). Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had then referred the motion to the House Committee on Works to ensure full compliance with the resolution.

Speaking on the development, Hon. Ugochinyere saluted President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development in the Southeast. He also commended the Federal Ministry of Works under Senator Dave Umahi for its responsiveness, Governor Soludo for his proactive engagement with the Federal Government, and Speaker Abbas for his unwavering support in ensuring that the motion received the attention it deserved.

"This approval is a clear expression of what we can achieve when we work together across party lines for the good of our people. Years of advocacy have paid off," Hon. Ugochinyere was quoted as saying. "The Oba-Uga-Akokwa road will not only save lives but will open up our communities for economic prosperity. I thank Mr. President, the Works Ministry, Governor Soludo, and the Speaker for making this a reality."

The highway projects are also expected to enhance trade, lower transportation costs, and strengthen economic integration across multiple geopolitical zones. The Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, the other approved project, will link Anambra State with Kogi State and North Central Nigeria.

•Ideato Rep Member Ikenga Ugochinyere

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