Residents of Obuno Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area have expressed relief following the extension of road and basic infrastructure projects leading to Smart Schools and several hinterland areas by the council chairman, Hon. John Ogbodo.
The council boss, who recently embarked on an inspection tour of ongoing projects across the local government, said his administration, in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s agenda, is deliberately shifting focus to neglected rural communities to ensure inclusive development.
During visits to project sites in Obuno Akpugo, the chairman noted that development must not be concentrated only in urban centres while rural dwellers continue to grapple with poor access roads, erosion challenges, and lack of basic amenities.
He stated that the construction of rural access roads linking all Smart Schools in the council would ease the movement of farm produce to markets, reduce transportation costs, and improve socio-economic activities within the agrarian communities.
According to him, bringing governance closer to the people remains a core mandate of his administration, stressing that every ward in the council area would feel the impact of ongoing projects.
Some members of the community who spoke to DAILY GAZETTE during the inspection, including Mr. Chika Nwodo, Margret Nneji, and Nwabueze Nnamani, commended the council chairman for prioritising the hinterlands, noting that some of the affected roads had been in deplorable condition for years.
They expressed optimism that the intervention would not only improve connectivity but also attract further development, including small businesses and social services, to the communities.
The chairman reassured residents that more initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, and agricultural support would be rolled out in the coming months, maintaining that grassroots development remains the foundation for sustainable growth in Enugu State.
