In a spirit of gratitude and renewed hope, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. O. D. Nwandu (LLB), Akaraka III of Ihitteaforukwu Ancient Kingdom, joyfully announces the official flag-off of the long-awaited Aba–Branch–Ngor Okpala Road, scheduled for Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
This landmark project is the result of a strategic partnership initiated by the Government of Imo State, under the purposeful and visionary leadership of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma (Onwa Ndi Imo), in collaboration with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), led by its dynamic Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
Their united effort reflects a shared commitment to accelerate infrastructural growth, rural transformation, and economic revitalization across Imo State bringing visible change to long-neglected communities.
The construction of this vital road, awarded to Boliv Engineering Company, will open new corridors of trade, communication, and connectivity unlocking immense opportunities for the good people of Mbaise, Mbano, Ngor Okpala, and adjoining regions leading to Port Harcourt.
Speaking from the Obi Oha Royal Palace, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. O. D. Nwandu (LLB), expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Hope Uzodimma for his unwavering love and commitment to the Mbaise Nation, describing the project as “a legacy of leadership, vision, and humanity.”
“This development is not just a road construction.
“It is the manifestation of purposeful governance and the power of partnership between the state and federal agencies, driven by sincerity of purpose and dedication to the people.” His Majesty stated.
He further emphasized that the road connects nations within a state, standing as one of the most strategically important routes in the region.
It cuts across five key Local Government Areas; Ehime Mbano, Ahiazu Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ezinihitte Mbaise, and Ngor Okpala — creating an unprecedented link that unites communities from the northern, central, and southern parts of Imo State.
Beyond its state impact, the road leads directly to Port Harcourt through Etche in Rivers State, transforming it into a major economic corridor that will ease movement of goods and people, expand markets, and shorten travel time between Imo and Rivers States.
Addressing the Recent Falsehood
However, His Majesty addressed the falsehood recently circulated by Senator Patrick Ndubueze, who falsely claimed that the Aba–Branch–Ngor Okpala Road was attracted through his office and being executed by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“This is a big lie from the pit of hell. Such a claim is a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and to discredit the genuine efforts of the real actors — the Imo State Government, the NDDC, and dedicated stakeholders like my humble self Chief Tony Chukwu and the Catholic Bishop of Mbaise Diocese Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, C.M.F whose vision, lobbying, and commitment brought this great project to life.” His Majesty declared.
His Majesty further stated: “Let it also be clearly understood that the Imo North Senator, Patrick Ndubueze, could not have been that desperate to lay false claim to a project he neither initiated nor facilitated. We must resist the politics of false credit and focus instead on celebrating true collaboration between the NDDC, the Imo State Government, and the people who genuinely worked for this success.”
The monarch went on to commend the NDDC’s swift response to issues earlier presented before the Commission concerning this road and related infrastructure needs — praising Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for his responsive and people-oriented leadership.
He also extended profound gratitude to His Lordship, Rev. Dr. Simeon Okezuo Nwobi, C.M.F., Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, for his consistent prayers, encouragement, and moral guidance throughout this process of transformation.
Indeed, the ongoing partnership between the Imo State Government and the NDDC, under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, continues to transform both rural and urban communities — inspiring renewed faith in the promise of good governance and development across the state.
LONG LIVE THE MBAISE NATION.
LONG LIVE IMO STATE.
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Dim Emeka Obasi ( Ihi Nnanyereugo Ihitteafoukwu) – Director Media and Publicity of the Obioha Royal Palace Ihitteafoukwu
