Residents of Ebonyi-Benue border communities have commended President Bola Tinubu for the ongoing construction of the 110-kilometre and 118-kilometre-plus-300-metre sections of the Ibeke-Ishieke-Ndi-ideyi-Ado road project.

They pledged that these legacy projects would translate into massive electoral support for the administration in the 2027 general elections.

They made the commendation on Saturday at Ndidenyi Ishieke community during an inspection of the Trans-Sahara road project at the Ebonyi-Benue border by the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi.

The residents recounted the difficulties they experienced before the commencement of the project, describing the intervention as a major socio-economic opportunity for the communities.

Francis Ekeh, a resident of Ndi-ideyi Village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue, described the project as a defining moment in the history of the area.

Mr Ekeh expressed satisfaction with the development, stressing that the road would serve as an economic lifeline for the people.

“We have long prayed and waited for this moment, which will remain fresh in our memories.

“We believe the ongoing road project will bring development closer to us and provide many of the social amenities we have been craving.

“We used to cross to Ebonyi State for an hour or more to access medical care and education.

“These communities are predominantly farming areas, but we had no access roads to transport our farm produce to urban markets.

“We remain grateful to Mr President and his team for this road intervention,” Mr Ekeh said.

He assured the federal government of overwhelming votes from the communities in the 2027 general elections.

Linus Nwebonyi, a farmer and resident of the area, also commended the Tinubu administration for embarking on the strategic road project.

Mr Nwebonyi said the completion of the road would improve connectivity between the rural communities and major trading centres, thereby enabling farmers and traders to access wider markets and increase their earnings.

Philip Njoku, another resident and commercial motorcyclist, expressed optimism that the project would reduce robbery and transportation difficulties while improving the movement of people and goods across the region.

Mr Njoku said the road would also enhance security, facilitate agricultural activities, boost commerce and create employment opportunities.

He pledged his support for Mr Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Elizabeth Nwogah, a farmer and resident, said the project had renewed the hope of residents in the area.

Ms Nwogah expressed satisfaction with the commencement of the road construction, saying it would bring healthcare facilities and other benefits of government closer to the people.

According to her, many women in the area were forced to give birth at home because of difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities and receiving prompt medical attention.

Ikechukwu Uguru, another resident, said the completed road would provide an important link between communities in Ebonyi and Benue, as well as strengthen commercial activities in the area.

Mr Uguru commended Umahi for his commitment to road infrastructure development and other projects across the country.

“President Tinubu is blessed with a committed, dedicated and strong team that is delivering his administration’s agenda selflessly,” he said. 

(NAN)