By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Niger Delta Youth For Good Governance (NDYFGG) has appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) to urgently intervene in the rehabilitation of the deplorable Uto–Ewu Axis Road in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

In separate letters dated May 27, 2026, and addressed to the managements of both intervention agencies, the youth group described the road as a critical agrarian and community link route that has become largely impassable, particularly during the rainy season, thereby disrupting economic and social activities in the area.

The letters, signed by the National President of NDYFGG, Comrade Lucky O.O. Ukueku, and copied to relevant government officials and community leaders, urged both agencies to carry out immediate intervention on the road to ease the suffering of residents and support economic development.

According to the group, the Uto–Ewu Axis Road serves as a major link connecting several agrarian communities in Ughelli South, while also providing access to the East-West Road and other major highways.

NDYFGG noted that farmers, traders, school children, health workers and residents depend heavily on the road daily for movement, food evacuation, commercial activities, education and healthcare access.

“The road is vital for food evacuation and rural commerce in Delta State,” the group said in its appeal to the NDDC.

In the letter to the SSDC, the organisation similarly described the road as crucial to rural commerce and food security, not only in Delta State but across the South-South region due to its strategic connectivity.

Deplorable condition

The youth group lamented that several sections of the road had deteriorated badly and become almost impassable, especially during the rainy season, thereby posing safety risks and increasing transportation costs for rural dwellers.

It said the poor condition of the road had continued to isolate communities from markets, schools and healthcare facilities, while also inflicting significant economic losses on farmers and small-scale business owners.

“Community reports indicate that several sections of the Uto–Ewu Axis Road have become impassable, especially during the rainy season,” the statement said.

“This situation poses safety risks, increases transportation costs, and cuts off rural dwellers from markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. Economic losses to farmers and small businesses are significant.”

Appeal for urgent intervention

While acknowledging previous road infrastructure interventions by government agencies in parts of Ughelli South, NDYFGG argued that the scale of deterioration on the Uto–Ewu Axis Road exceeds local capacity and requires urgent federal intervention.

The organisation disclosed that previous efforts to secure timely rehabilitation at the state level had not produced the expected outcome.

Consequently, it urged the NDDC and SSDC to immediately dispatch engineers for technical assessment of the road and undertake emergency remedial works to restore access for motorists, motorcycle operators and pedestrians.

The group also appealed for the road’s inclusion in the priority infrastructure programmes of both commissions for full rehabilitation, drainage construction and surfacing.

“In line with the mandates of both commissions to drive sustainable development and tackle infrastructural deficits, we respectfully request immediate intervention on the Uto–Ewu Axis Road,” Ukueku stated.

He expressed optimism that swift action by the agencies would strengthen public confidence in ongoing regional development efforts and improve livelihoods in Uto, Ewu and adjoining communities in Ughelli South LGA.

NDYFGG further assured both commissions of its readiness to provide community guides and additional documentation to support technical teams during inspection and project implementation.

Copies of the letters were sent to the Delta State Governor, Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, President-General of Ewu Kingdom, member representing Ughelli South in the Delta State House of Assembly, and the Minister of State for Regional Development.