By Dr Ikenna Ukpabi Unya
The Member Representing Afikpo/Edda Federal Constituency, RT Hon Iduma Igariwey Enwo, has closed the gap of social amenities, as he brought smiles to farmers in particular and the good people of Ekoli, Letu and Owutu Communities, following the Construction of Roads connecting them, thereby delivering good governance to the people.
For Rt. Hon. Iduma Igariwey Enwo, closing the social amenities gap between the rural and urban dwellers is one of the requirements of good governance. Okpudo does this with admirable clarity and ease. His vision and mission is to integrate the entire road networks in Afikpo and Edda LGAs for easy movement of people and the evacuation of farm produces with dignity and joy.
While briefing the elders and the traditional rulers of Edda clan in August, Okpudo reminded the people that the era of political campaign is gone. And that his major task now is to bring the people closer to themselves by giving them excellent road network.
When Okpudo told his people in Edda that the time has come for Ekoli-Letu-Owutu road to receive the desired attention, many never believed him because, since 1999, the road was only mentioned during campaign periods. To the locals, the road was not destined to serve as a massive connecting point. Therefore, Okpudo was making a futuristic promise.
When contractors were mobilized to start work on the ‘almighty’ Ekoli-Letu-Owutu road last month, the people had mixed feelings. “Should we request for the community Ikoro drummer to roll out a melodious sound of victory or wait a little?” Go ahead and dance, my people. Okpudo will not disappoint or forsake you.
For the people of Ekoli, it was a double honour for them. Apart from the Ekoli, Letu and Owutu road that is on-going, Okpudo also asked the bulldozers to enter Amakwu-Nkagbogo-Ndibom road. What is the message Okpudo is sending out? He is asking the citizens of Ekoli, Letu and Owutu to come home for the Christmas .That he has beautified the home front for them.
If your own community already has good access road, you may not know the significance of what Okpudo has done. With the construction and rehabilitation of these roads, Okpudo has given the people of Edda and Afikpo especially the people of Ekoli, Letu and Owutu the opportunity to deepen intra and inter community movements. The farmers will no longer complain of delay in the arrival of farm produce. Neither does it go bad while seeking means of moving them.
As we are entering the festive period, Okpudo is asking his people to: fix your weddings, child dedications, town hall meetings, burials and others. Do not be ashamed of the state of the roads. Okpudo has taken care of them. We will attend all the ceremonies.