According to him, teamwork will drive the process of development for the well-being of the people. He described the project as a major initiative that would drive progress in Rivers State, noting that Borokiri and Okrika serve as major hubs in the oil and gas industry, and as such, play crucial roles in the economic advancement of the Niger Delta region, and Nigeria.
Iyaye stated that people’s needs should take precedence over political considerations, adding that development thrives in a peaceful environment.He said: “Although this project was awarded in 2012, it has faced delays for various reasons. Upon the inauguration of the current NDDC Board, we prioritised completing this significant project, viewing it as a legacy initiative alongside the Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni local government areas in Rivers State.”
He told the stakeholders that the Kaa-Ataba Bridge project was progressing satisfactorily, noting that the contractors had assured that vehicles would be able to access it before the end of the year.
The ED, in a statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, disclosed that some key NDDC projects were delayed because the commission did not have an approved budget for the past four years.
“However, the President recognised the need for funding, and approved the 2024 NDDC budget, which now includes financial provisions for this legacy project,” he added.
In a goodwill message, the Amayanabo of Kirike Kingdom, Okrika, King Tamuno-Omisiki Opuiyo, thanked the NDDC for organising the stakeholders’ engagement and assured that the communities in his domain would cooperate with the commission to ensure the project’s timely completion.
The Amanyanabo of Bolo Kingdom, King Micah Acheseinimie Frank, advised Niger Deltans to desist from mixing politics with development. Speaking on behalf of other stakeholders, a former Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr. Sampson Parker, thanked President Tinubu and the NDDC for reviving the Okrika-Borikiri Bridge project.
