By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was a kick-off of another significant project as the Mayor of Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Hon. Van George Ezeogidi (Ijele Utuh) flagged off the construction of a mini bridge linking Isigwu and Amadim villages in Ukpor, a grassroots development initiative sponsored by philanthropist Chief Chinedu Okechukwu Emenu, popularly known as Omenukoaku.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place over the weekend, marked the commencement of the project which is expected to improve access between the neighbouring villages and ease movement for residents and other road users.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ezeogidi commended Emenu for sponsoring the project, noting that the intervention aligns with the development vision of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, and the state government’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) approach to grassroots development.
The Mayor noted that the initiative reflected the importance of collaboration between government, private individuals and communities in addressing local infrastructure needs and development challenges, most especially at the grassroots level. He also appreciated the benefactor for investing his resources in a project intended to serve both the people of Ukpor and beyond.
According to Ijele, the PPCP model, as promoted by the Soludo administration, encourages community participation and partnership with individuals and other stakeholders to support development efforts at the grassroots. He noted that the mini bridge project represents one of such interventions aimed at improving local connectivity through private philanthropy.
The flag-off ceremony was also attended by the benefactor’s father, Mr Leonard Emenu; the Chief of Staff to the Nnewi South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Anamene; the Managing Director of Nnewi South Development Control, Mr. Obinna Chukwujekwu; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Mayor on Special Duties, Hon. Amobi Oforma, among other dignitaries and stakeholders.
Upon completion, the bridge is expected to provide a more accessible link between Isigwu and Amadim, improving movement for residents and other road users while supporting daily activities within the area.
The project also adds to community-level efforts to address infrastructure needs through cooperation between public authorities and private benefactors, with residents expected to benefit from improved connectivity once construction is completed.
