Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, OON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his prompt response for solution to the deplorable condition of the Asaba-Benin Expressway.
Elumelu also expressed appreciation to the President for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway, describing the projects as critical interventions that are significantly improving transportation, commerce and economic activities across Delta State and the wider South-South region.
The former Minority leader, in a statement, joined the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, in acknowledging the President’s intervention, particularly at a time when the deteriorating state of the Asaba-Benin Expressway had become a source of serious concern to motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the corridor.
According to Elumelu, the condition of the road over the years had imposed considerable hardship on the people, resulting in prolonged travel time, increased transportation costs, damage to vehicles and avoidable risks to road users.
He noted that the Asaba-Benin corridor is far more than an ordinary federal highway, stressing that it serves as a major economic artery connecting communities in Delta State to Edo State and other parts of the country.
Elumelu particularly emphasised the strategic importance of the road to the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, whose communities are intricately connected to Asaba and other major commercial centres through the road network.
He said the road facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, goods, services and commuters, while providing critical access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and other economic opportunities.
“The importance of the Asaba-Benin Expressway to our people cannot be overstated. It is a major gateway to Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Delta State and indeed the entire South-South region.
“When a road of such strategic importance becomes impassable or difficult to navigate, the consequences are felt directly in the homes, businesses and communities of our people. That is why the intervention by President Tinubu is deeply appreciated,” Elumelu said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for the progress being recorded on the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway project, executed by Hartland Construction Company, observing that the rehabilitation works have reached an advanced stage and are gradually bringing the long-awaited improvement to the critical corridor.
According to him, the progress recorded on the Asaba-Onitsha Expressway is a welcome development, particularly given the enormous economic and social significance of the corridor to Delta and Anambra states.
Elumelu observed that the completion of the rehabilitation would enhance smoother movement between Asaba and Onitsha, strengthen commercial activities, improve road safety and further consolidate the position of the two cities as major economic hubs in the region.
He therefore expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for paying attention to the infrastructure needs of the region and for responding decisively to the concerns surrounding the critical road corridors.
The former Minority Leader also commended His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, for his thoughtful intervention and demonstrated concern for the welfare of the people of Asaba and Delta State.
Elumelu described the Asagba’s position as a reflection of responsible traditional leadership, noting that the monarch had continued to use his revered position to draw attention to issues affecting the wellbeing, development and prosperity of his people.
He said the Asagba’s advocacy on the condition of the roads was particularly commendable because of the direct impact of the infrastructure deficit on ordinary citizens.
“I commend His Royal Majesty, Asagba Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, for his thoughtful intervention and genuine concern for the people. His voice on this matter is a voice for the ordinary people who use these roads daily and whose livelihoods depend on efficient transportation.
“Such responsible and people-oriented leadership from our traditional institutions deserves commendation and support,” Elumelu stated.
Elumelu stressed that functional road infrastructure remains indispensable to economic development, arguing that no meaningful economic transformation can be sustained without efficient transportation networks that connect communities, markets and production centres.
He called for sustained attention to the maintenance of the roads after rehabilitation, urging relevant authorities to ensure that the huge resources being committed to the projects are protected through regular maintenance and effective monitoring.
He said the people of the constituency and the state would continue to appreciate projects and policies that directly improve their quality of life, stressing that infrastructure development remains a critical component of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
