By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

THE Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, sponsored 25.7km Ogbia-Nembe road connecting 14 riverine communities has been inaugurated.

The single carriage road project with 53 culverts and seven bridges, which cost about N24.5bn, designed to connect Opume, Emakalakala, Akipelai, Etiama, Ogbolomabiri, Bassambiri and communities in the Bayelsa East senatorial district was flagged off in 2006.

Speaking during the commissioning of the road, weekend at Emakalakala in Ogbia LGA, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku said the road will not only enhanced connectivity but also open up new opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life of the people of the area.

He said: “today marks a significant milestone for the people of Ogbia-Nembe in Bayelsa East as we celebrate the completion of the road and bridges infrastructure project. This collaborative effort between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Shell Petroleum Development Company has brought tangible benefits to our communities.

“The construction of seven bridges, 53 culverts, and 4 spurs has not only enhanced connectivity but also opened up new opportunities for economic growth and improved quality of life. Traders and business owners can now conduct their activities seamlessly, paving the way for prosperity in the region.

“Today, as we commission the Ogbia-Nembe roads and bridges in Bayelsa State, we reaffirm our dedication to completing vital infrastructure projects for the betterment of our communities and together, we can build a brighter future for the Niger Delta region.”

Inaugurating the project, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh who represented President Bola Tinubu, described the road as a transformative initiative that will alleviate the challenges faced by the fourteen interconnected communities along the route and called on other International Oil Companies, IOCs to join hands with the NDDC in fulfilling other transformative projects in the Niger Delta region.

He said: “Esteemed guests, it is with profound honor and gratitude that I stand before you today to commemorate the official commissioning of the vital Ogbia-Nembe road and bridges project. This transformative initiative will alleviate the challenges faced by the fourteen interconnected communities along this route.

“I extend my heartfelt commendation to the NDDC, SPDC, and all our esteemed partners for their invaluable contributions to this project. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of effective partnerships in advancing the well-being of our people. The inauguration of this project underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s steadfast dedication to sustainable development, peace, and security in Nigeria.

“The completion of the 27.5-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe road and bridges project promises to catalyze economic growth in the region and enhance the quality of life for residents. I urge other International Oil Companies to join hands with the NDDC in fulfilling other transformative projects in the Niger Delta region.”

Also speaking, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), said the road is an initiative that underscores the importance of giving back to the community and the Niger Delta Region as a whole, signifying how collective achievements can be possible when people unite towards the development.

He said “this project serves as a signature initiative that underscores the importance of giving back to the community and the Niger Delta region as a whole. It stands as a symbol of the collective achievements possible when we unite towards the development of our people.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company remains committed to contributing to the sustainable development of the region. The newly commissioned Ogbia-Nembe roads/bridges will bring immense benefits to commuters and local businesses.”

In his remark, Chief Timi Alaibe, the former Managing Director of NDDC, under whose tenure the project was started said: “The partnership between NDDC and SPDC has yielded tremendous results, showcasing the splendid synergy between the two organisations.

“Numerous attempts were made in various forms to construct the road, with different proposals for the route, design, and alignment.

“I would like to commend the residents of the Ogbia-Nembe, especially led by Professor Ebiegberi Alagoa and Professor Gbenedio, for their significant role as a driving force behind this project.

“The collaboration of the community cannot be overstated, as the benefits of this infrastructure development extend to the entire population of Ogbia-Nembe and the broader Niger Delta region.”