In a move to grow the economy of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike on Wednesday rolled out 15 roads in Okochiri Kingdom.
The 15 roads comprise of one link road and 14 Internal Roads, constructed to boost connectivity of the ancient riverine community.
Commissioning the 11.5-kilometre Okochiri Internal Roads, Governor Wike said that his administration resolved to construct the community roads to bring development to the people of the area.
He said with the completion of the Okochiri Internal Roads, economic activities will appreciate, alongside the improvement of the value of community lands.
“This is pure development to the people of Okochiri town. Now, the people will have access to their communities and the value of land will appreciate.
“We are executing projects and that is why we are commissioning projects. We want good things for our people. Therefore, we will continue to develop our communities “, the governor said.
While commending the people of the area for supporting the contractors to deliver, he lauded Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo and the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom for placing their people ahead of personal considerations.
On the forthcoming elections, Governor Wike said that his focus, for now, is to serve the people, noting that when it is time for politics, he will enter the political mode.
He said: “We are focused on working for the people of Rivers State. Our objective is to deliver. We are masters of this game. This is our job. When the time for politics come, we will know the professionals”.
Former Minister of Transport, Dr. Abiye Sekibo said with the kind gesture by the Rivers State Governor, the Okrika people will support Governor Wike one hundred percent.
“The support of Okrika people for Governor Wike has nothing to do with party politics. It is because he has wiped away the tears of our people.
“Governor Wike must accept our call on him to contest the 2019 General Election. We will contribute to buy the governorship form for him. Our people will deliver the votes”, Dr. Abiye Sekibo said.
He said though he served at different levels of Government, he was unable to attract projects of this nature. He, however, said that with his relationship with the Wike administration, he has been able to attract major road projects for his people.
“I can now look my people in the face and say that my relationship with government brought meaningful projects. For us Okrika people, we have no choice but to stand with Governor Wike in 2019”, he said.
Rivers State Works Commissioner, Mr. Dum Dekor said no roads existed in the area before Governor Wike embarked on the construction of the internal roads.
Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Mr. Philemon Iwoloma said that the rollout of the internal roads shows Governor Wike’s love for grassroots development.
The occasion was attended by traditional rulers, youth, and women groups. The Amayanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Tom, in a speech read on his behalf, said Governor Wike has made history by constructing and commissioning projects in the area.
