The Federal Government has commenced the construction of a 2.5-kilometre road linking three communities in Enugu State, in a move aimed at boosting rural connectivity and economic activities.
The Federal Commissioner representing Enugu State at the Federal Character Commission, Peter Ogbonna Eze, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists at the commission headquarters on Wednesday in Abuja.
He also reiterated the Commission’s resolve to sanction Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that violate federal character principles, stressing that strict compliance would be enforced to ensure fairness and equity in public service appointments.
Eze, who also serves as the Committee Chairman on Works, Transport, and Aviation at the commission, said the road links Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo communities in Igboeze North Local Government Area to link neighbouring Kogi state, and is expected to improve access to farms, schools, and businesses.
He said the intervention underscores the government’s commitment to improving road connectivity while complementing the state government’s development efforts.
According to him, the road project was initiated through his office, but is being funded by the Federal Government.
He said, “This is a 2.5km road linking three communities, Aji, Isiugwu, and Ufodo, in Enugu State. The project is ongoing, and the first kilometre is nearing completion. Once the asphalt is laid, we will move to commission it.”
The commissioner noted that the road would feature asphalt finishing and double drainage systems to ensure durability and proper water management.
Eze attributed his drive to facilitate the project to the infrastructure-focused leadership of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, whose policies, he said, had inspired federal representatives from the state to complement ongoing development efforts.
“My governor, as of today, has paid so much attention, that is, Governor Peter Mbah, paid so much attention to the infrastructure development in Enugu State, ranging from growth, education sector, and health sector. And he has also made it clear that tomorrow is here in Enugu State. And for someone who saw tomorrow, he feels that tomorrow should be felt by every Enugu indigent.
“And not just in words, but in action. For him to engage in the level of massive infrastructure development, the best we can do as people who are operating at the federal level is to also learn from him, learn from his drive, support him, and follow in his footsteps. So it is out of following his footsteps that I got the passion and the drive to also do something for the community,” he said.
He added that improved road infrastructure would enhance access to farms, schools, and businesses, thereby improving livelihoods and supporting government investments such as smart schools across the state.
“Road is a critical aspect of development. It improves access to farms, schools, and markets, and ultimately enhances the quality of life of the people,” he added.
Speaking further, Eze commended the Petroleum Technology Development Fund scholarship scheme, describing it as impactful and noting a significant increase in participation from the South-East region.
He said the level of engagement from the region marks a departure from previous trends of low turnout.
“The PTDF scholarship scheme is fantastic. I am impressed with the level of participation from the South-East. It is very high compared to what we used to have before,” he stated.
Eze, who is also a member of the petroleum resources committee in the commission, disclosed that the screening exercise for the region was conducted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
He added that candidates from the South-East also participated in screening exercises held in other regions.
“This gives us hope that the narrative is changing. The South-East is showing more interest in national programmes, and that is a positive development,” he said.
On whether oil-producing states in the South-East benefited from additional slots in the overseas scholarship scheme, Eze affirmed that statutory allocations were adhered to.
He said, “All oil-producing states in the South-East, including Abia and Imo, have always received what is due to them. The slots are statutory, not discretionary.”
Eze also disclosed that the Federal Character Commission would take legal action against Ministries, Departments, and Agencies that fail to comply with federal character principles in recruitment and operations.
He said the commission, under its Executive Chairman, Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, had intensified oversight to ensure equitable representation across the country.
“We have engaged several MDAs, and many are responding positively. However, those who fail to comply will face legal action, as empowered by the Federal Character Act,” he said.
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