Joy of the students, management, staff, and the community of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Imo state did not know bound as President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday commissioned for use the newly reconstructed the flood-prone and gully erosion site in the institution.
President Buhari who was at the event represented by the member representing Bende Federal Constituency and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu expressed delight over the commissioning of the project, adding that it is one of the ecological projects he awarded in the first and second quarters of 2019, He said.
Hon. Kalu on behalf of the President said, “The project which is one of the Nine (Nine) ecological projects approved by Mr. President for the first and second quarter, 2019, was awarded by the Ecological Fund Office Tenders Board on the 27th September 2019. The importance of this project to the Polytechnic cannot be over-emphasized as it is expected to address the devastating effects of erosion and flood menace in the Polytechnic environment.
READ ALSO: Ikpeazu Vows To Complete Osisioma Flyover, Eziukwu, Others Soon
“The completion of this project underscores the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling problems of its citizens and making life more meaningful for the people of our great nation. I have no doubts in my mind that this Federal Government’s intervention will bring a huge relief generally to the Polytechnic Community that have for a very long time suffered the problems of these ecological challenges.’
According to the President’s representative, the project will enhance the standard of living of staff and students of the polytechnic by reducing the dangers associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced in recent times.
He further added, “Having successfully completed this project, the living standard of the staff and students of the Polytechnic would be enhanced. This would at the same time reduce dangers to lives and properties associated with erosion and persistent flooding that had been experienced in recent times. At this point, let me underscore the present administration’s determination to continue with the implementation of all genuine Government policies, agreements, and contracts at both National and International levels aimed at laying a solid foundation on our quest for virile and prosperous nation on the path of unfettered development.
“At this critical moment of our nation-building and economic recovery, there is no doubt that the project will provide a window of opportunities for economic growth of the Community.’
He also dispelled allegations of discrimination against the people of the Southeast by the President.
He noted that the construction of new runway for Abuja and Enugu airports, Development of capacity at the Eastern ports, Energizing Economies Programme which involved taking clean and reliable energy to markets across the country such as Ariaria Main Market in Aba amongst many other projects are indications that the administration cares about the region.
He also congratulated the Ecological fund Office, the project contractor as well as the project consultant for their diligence and handwork in ensuring timely and speedy completion of this project. He also, on behalf of the Federal Government appreciated the community for their cooperation and provision of a safe environment during the course of this execution. He urged the Polytechnic to cherish this laudable project by preventing indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the drainage channels reminding them that it is their responsibility to maintain the project in order to ensure its sustainability.
Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma represented by his Deputy, Hon. Placid Njoku expressed gratitude to the Federal government for intervening at such a crucial time to the ecological problems facing the Nekede community.
He went further to highlight the numerous problems that they have faced as a result of the flood witnessed in the community prior to this intervention.
The Traditional Ruler of the are in his speech thanked the Federal Government for coming to their rescue
He seized the opportunity to urge the president to look into other ecological issues facing the community such as the contamination of the nearby river and water source for the community.
In Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s entourage was Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, the member representing Bende North at the Abia State House of Assembly who is also the Minority Leader of the House, Chief Daniel Akwari, his Special Adviser on Political matters and Chief Cliff Ogbede who is also his Special Adviser on Education.