Abia women dance as NDDC flags off historic Ndiambe road project

DDM News

(DDM) – The usually quiet Umuobasiukwu Kingdom in Ozuitem, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, erupted in celebration this week as earth-moving equipment arrived to begin the long-awaited construction of the Ndiambe road.

For decades, Ndiambe had remained cut off from vehicle access, forcing residents to endure hardship in daily life, trade, and even burial rites.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in collaboration with Karm Offshore Services Limited, officially flagged off the emergency construction of the Umuikwuoma–Ozu road and Ozuitem road with solar street lights, marking the first time heavy machinery had touched the route.

Women sang, danced, and chanted prayers of gratitude as a crawler excavator rumbled into action, grading the road that had long symbolised neglect for the community.

Cannons boomed to signal the start of work, and a colourful procession led to the palace of the traditional ruler, Eze John O. Akaliro, Obasiukwu II, where the event continued.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eze Hardy O. Ejikeme of Ndiagho declared that “after many years, God has heard our cries” and hailed the project as life-changing for Ndiambe.

Residents recounted years of hardship, with traders carrying goods on their heads from distant drop-off points and ambulances unable to enter the village.

The project’s significance was underscored by high-profile attendees, including retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Azubuko J. Udah, who said the road would “transform from impassable to passable” and boost economic opportunities.

NDDC officials, led by Engr. Ndubuisi Nkwoka, formally handed over the project to the community before the flag-off, emphasising the need for cooperation from residents to ensure timely completion.

Eze Akaliro assured that there would be no disruptions from youths, offering even to host NDDC officials at his palace to ease their work.

The contractor, Mark James, Managing Director of Karm Offshore Services Limited and an indigene of Ozuitem, promised to deliver the road to the highest standard, saying he understood the community’s struggles and was committed to changing their story.

The project, categorised as “emergency road construction,” aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aiming to improve rural connectivity across NDDC’s coverage areas.

For the people of Umuobasiukwu, the roar of the excavator was more than the start of a road, it was the sound of long-awaited change finally arriving.

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