The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday said that the commissioning of a section of the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway will silence those criticising the project, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration meant well for the country.
In a statement, a copy of which was obtained by the Guardian in Abakaliki, the Deputy National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the May 25, 2025, commissioning of the 30-kilometer Section One of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by President Tinubu will effectively silence the opposition, who have, in previous times, derided this project as wasteful and unfeasible.
He noted that the commissioning, which will include an essential stretch of 10 kilometers of the Sokoto-Badagry route at the Kebbi Axis, stressing that these endeavours will not only represent a monumental stride in our national infrastructure but also stand as a beacon of progress for all Nigerians.
Isiguzoro extended Ohanaeze’s profound appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for their unwavering support for the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, noting that their collective efforts have ensured the rapid and efficient completion of these critical projects.
Moreover, Ohanaeze Ndigbo commended the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for its decisive actions in approving the construction of vital roads and bridges in the Southeast, which includes ₦25 billion allocated for the Abakaliki-Afikpo Flyover, ₦450 billion earmarked for the expansive 77-kilometer Onitsha-Enugu Expressway, and ₦30 billion set aside for Phase One of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road.
He anticipated that the completion of these projects is expected not only to invigorate economic growth in the Southeast but also to restore and enhance confidence among the Igbo populace in the current administration.
He said, “This transformative initiative has effectively silenced a cadre of opposition critics, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi—who have, in previous times, derided this project as wasteful and unfeasible.
“It is now incumbent upon these figures to step forward with humility and acknowledge the monumental strides taken by the Federal Government under the astute leadership of Senator Umahi.
“As the commissioning event approaches, we call on all the critics to extend their congratulations to President Tinubu for this pivotal achievement, and we believe that constructive discourse is fundamental to a thriving democracy, and recognizing exemplary governmental actions paves the way for genuine progress.
“We also take this opportunity to commend Senator Umahi for his leadership and perseverance in driving the success of these monumental projects, which will undoubtedly be celebrated as part of the achievements marking President Tinubu’s second anniversary in office on May 29, 2025.
“In summary, Ohanaeze Ndigbo remains steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the aspirations of the Ndigbo and all Nigerians, and we believe that our paths forward must be united—a collaborative effort toward a brighter, more prosperous future for our beloved nation.”