A traditional ruler, Cyprian Nweke, Wednesday, praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for flagging off the construction of a 5-span Enyim bridge in Enyim community, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.
The bridge which is the boundary between Ebonyi and Oju (Benue) is expected to be completed within nine months.
Nweke, while speaking with journalists in his Iziogo community, said the river has claimed many lives, adding that the bridge will save lives and enhance economic activities between the two states.
He described Enyim and Oju as agrarian communities with lots of products, adding that lack of bridge has affected the evacuation of the products, commending Nwifuru for taking the bull by the horn to construct the bridge .
He said, “When we began the journey of advocating for the construction of the bridge project to link the Enyim people of Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi state with our brothers and sisters in Benue state three years ago, we believed it would become a project of great significance—one that our people would appreciate and benefit from for generations.
“My spirit has long held the conviction that the governorship seat of Ebonyi State would come to our place, Izzi. In 2016, I shared this vision with our current Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Builder) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, when he was then serving as Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. He laughed, not out of mockery, but out of disbelief that such a prophecy could come to pass. But today, we are witnessing the reality of that divine revelation.
“The journey to this moment was not easy. As a traditional ruler—not a politician—representing the Izzi people in Ohanaeze Ndigbo, I pursued this vision with dedication and patience. In fact, as recently as yesterday, I was scheduled to be in Gambia to join our Ohanaeze President in the coronation of an illustrious Igbo son. However, I had to forgo that international commitment because of the importance of this bridge project. That alone speaks volumes about how dear it is to my heart.
“The flag-off of the Enyim River Bridge, a 5-span structure linking Ebonyi to Benue, is one of the greatest achievements of Governor Nwifuru’s administration. This project connects the Salt of the Nation with the Food Basket of the Nation. Upon completion, it will enhance trade, ease transportation, and strengthen intercommunal ties between our two states.
“Historically, Abakaliki was the first developed Wawa-speaking area, followed by Iziogo – the location of my palace. However, due to poor road infrastructure, the flow of agricultural produce into Abakaliki town has been hindered. Without food supply from rural hubs like ours, even residents of the state capital risk facing scarcity.
“By God’s grace, Ebonyi State is now led by a humanitarian governor whose passion for community development often keeps him awake at night. Governor Nwifuru is a blessing—not only to Ebonyi, but to Nigeria at large. This bridge project will allow someone like me to drive from my village to Abuja in just a few hours. That is development.”