The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, when completed, will improve regional connectivity, expand trade, and ease the transportation of agricultural produce and industrial goods in the region.

Gift Johnbull, the senior special assistant to the president on community engagement, South-South, made this known while speaking to journalists on Friday in Abuja.

She commended President Bola Tinubu for projects being executed in the South-South region, including the Benin-Asaba dual carriageway, Benin Bypass, the Benin-Sapele-Warri corridor, the Auchi-Ehor road and the East-West Road.

She ‌said the projects are expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and ease the transportation of agricultural produce, oil and gas resources, and other goods across the region.

Ms Johnbull also identified projects being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni, the Ogu Road Network, Obehie-Oke-Ikpe Road, Bonny Ring Road and Okrika-Borokiri Bridge.

She declared the region’s support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election.

”President Tinubu’s infrastructure drive under the Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at improving connectivity, expanding economic opportunities and addressing development challenges across the South-South communities,” she said.

According to her, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project has restored over one million mangroves, provided potable water to 49 communities and created more than 7,000 direct jobs.

She also referenced the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and cottage hospitals as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery, alongside other interventions targeting underserved communities across the region.

On electricity, Ms Johnbull highlighted Rural Electrification Agency projects, including solar mini-grids in Etung council area, Cross River, and Ogu-Bolo, Rivers, as well as the $750 million renewable energy programme.

On education, she said nearly 198,000 South-South students had benefited from more than ₦17.6 billion in loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.

She also listed housing projects in Asaba, Uyo and Port Harcourt; compressed natural gas buses in Benin City and Port Harcourt; and the Three Million Technical Talent programme.

Ms Johnbull said solar-powered health facilities and other development initiatives were also improving access to essential services, economic opportunities, and living conditions for residents across the region.

Cletus Ojuiso, a grassroots supporter from Cross River, commended Mr Tinubu for empowering South-South residents through community engagement.

He said that the administration had enabled many young people, including disadvantaged students, to complete their education.

Victoria Uko, senior legislative aide in the House of Representatives, said that the database of women with permanent voter’s cards had been compiled to support mobilisation efforts and to ensure votes for Mr Tinubu.

Ms Uko urged women in the South-South to support Mr Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. 

(NAN)