Joy in Abia communites as Buhari inaugurates erosion, flood control project
By Steve Oko
President Muhamnadu Buhari has inaugurated the Oghughe/Urualla Ohukabia Aligbara/Ohukabia, Nduibi Oguduasa erosion and flood control project in Isuikwuato, Abia State amid accolades by the locals.
The project executed through the Ecological Fund Office (EFO), Office of the Secretary to the Federal Government, SFG, is expected to arrest the menace of erosion ravaging the area.
Inaugurating the project, President Buhari said it was meant to address the challenges of soil erosion and flooding that had posed grave danger to communities in the area for many decades.
Buhari who said the project was one of the 20 ecological interventions awarded by the Federal Executive Council in June 2020, commended the contractor for delivering the project.
The President represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, and member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency, Rep. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the project would enhance the safety and well-being of commuters and residents of the area.
“It will mitigate the dangers, losses and damage associated with soil erosion and seasonal flooding of unpredictable intensity, which had plagued the communities for years”.
Buhari also said that the project would provide ample opportunities for the socio-economic growth of the natives.
Speaking in her capacity as the facilitator of the project, Rep Onyejeocha lauded President Buhari for approving the project for her constituency.
“The approval of the project is in tandem with the president’s pledge that no part of the country will suffer neglect, owing to its geographical location or political affiliation because every part of Nigeria is dear to him”, Onyejeocha said.
She thanked the SFG, Boss Mustapha, the contractors and consultants “for their doggedness in ensuring quality and timely completion of the project.”
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, EFO, Dr Habiba Lawal, said: “It is our conviction that this intervention will provide the enabling environment for enhanced socio-economic activities among the benefitting communities”.
He admonished the communities to take ownership of the project and ensure its maintenance and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Chairman, Isuikwuato Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Anthony Ihemeje; and the President General of Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chukwuemeka Oluaoha, expressed profound gratitude to Buhari and Onyejeocha for successfully executing the project.
They recalled the ordeals of the locals due to the erosion and flood menace in the area, saying that the affected portions of the road provided hideouts for armed robbers and kidnappers.
According to them, travelling on the road became a nightmare due to the hoodlums, who were regularly robbing, kidnapping and raping our girls and women.
They expressed joy that security had improved appreciably in the area since the completion of the project.
Thrilled by the succesful execution of the project, the communites conferred on Onyejeocha, a chieftaincy title of ‘Adadiohanma’ (adorable daughter) of Oguduasaa for attracting the project.
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