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Kingsley Joshua
Years of frustration, deadly journeys and desperate appeals may finally be coming to an end for thousands of commuters and residents across parts of Anambra and Imo states as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the design and procurement of the long-awaited Oba–Nnewi–Uga–Ihube (Okigwe Junction) Road project.
The approval has sparked celebrations across the affected communities, with the member representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuanu, describing the development as a major victory for the people and a reward for years of relentless advocacy.
The 150-kilometre highway, one of two major dual carriageway projects recently approved by the President, is expected to transform transportation and economic activities across the Southeast by linking Anambra and Imo states to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway through parts of Abia State while strengthening connections with the North Central and South-South regions.
For many residents, the approval marks a turning point for a road that had become synonymous with danger, hardship and neglect.
Ugochinyere, who had repeatedly raised alarm over the deteriorating condition of the Akokwa–Arondizuogu–Okigwe axis, recalled that the road had degenerated into a death trap, claiming lives and exposing travellers to frequent attacks by armed robbers.
The lawmaker had earlier sponsored a motion on the floor of the House of Representatives, drawing national attention to the deplorable state of the highway and the suffering of communities dependent on it. The motion received overwhelming support from lawmakers and was unanimously adopted by the House.
In the motion, he warned that years of neglect, coupled with devastating erosion and seasonal flooding, had worsened the plight of residents, disrupted businesses and threatened the economic survival of several communities along the corridor.
The road traverses several federal constituencies, including Idemili North/South, Nnewi North/South/Ekwusigo, Aguata, and Ideato North/South, making it a critical economic artery for millions of people across Anambra and Imo states.
The approval followed high-level engagements between the Federal Government and the Anambra State Government after Governor Chukwuma Soludo met with President Tinubu on July 1. Following the discussions, the Federal Ministry of Works requested formal proposals, which were submitted by the state government on July 3.
Governor Soludo later disclosed that the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, informed him that the President had granted approval for both proposed projects to proceed to the design and procurement stage.
Reacting to the development, Ugochinyere praised President Tinubu for what he described as a demonstration of visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure renewal in the Southeast.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Works, Governor Soludo and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for their roles in ensuring that the concerns of the affected communities received the required attention.
According to the lawmaker, the approval reflects the power of collective action and bipartisan cooperation in addressing the needs of citizens.
“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,” he said.
Beyond easing transportation challenges, stakeholders believe the project will unlock fresh economic opportunities, reduce travel time, lower transportation costs and stimulate trade across multiple states.
The second approved project, the Otuocha–Anam–Abaji Road, is expected to further strengthen connectivity between Anambra State, Kogi State and the North Central region, deepening economic integration and expanding access to key markets.
For communities that have endured decades of broken infrastructure, Wednesday’s approval signals hope that one of the Southeast’s most strategic but neglected road corridors may finally receive the attention many believed was long overdue.
