…Governor Pledges Government Support for Ejeagha’s Upkeep
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, inaugurated four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, Enugu metropolis, on Monday, including Mike Ejeagha Crescent, where the renowned music legend resides. The governor also renamed the prominent Obinagu Road after Ejeagha, celebrating his contributions to the cultural heritage of the state.
The other roads commissioned by Governor Mbah include Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road and Nkpor Street. During the event, Mbah visited Ejeagha at his residence, announcing that the state government would take full responsibility for the music legend’s upkeep, describing him as a living icon.
“Remember when you entrusted us with your mandate; we assured you that you had fulfilled your part, and the responsibility had shifted to us to honor our social contract. We pledged that all urban roads in Enugu must be paved. Last year, we awarded contracts for 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads, all of which have since been completed. The roads we are commissioning today are in addition to those,” Mbah said.
He explained that the newly commissioned roads were identified as emergency projects earlier this year and highlighted the significance of renaming Obinagu Road in honor of Ejeagha.
“One road stands out among these— the road leading to the home of one of our great legends, Mike Ejeagha. Through his folk songs, he has kept the memories of our rich cultural heritage alive. Naming this road after him is a tribute to his contributions to Enugu’s status as a center of art and culture,” Mbah stated.
The governor emphasized that the road inaugurations mark the beginning of a new era for road infrastructure across Enugu State. He reassured the residents of Abakpa and the state at large that more projects were underway, including the upcoming dualization of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Road, extending to Opi-Nsukka.
“We are committed to serving you with every fiber of our being, and our dedication to improving infrastructure will never waver,” Mbah added.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, assured that the roads were constructed with durability and user convenience in mind. The technical specifications include a robust sub-grade, asphalt wearing course, and reinforced concrete drainages and culverts.
At his residence, Ejeagha expressed his gratitude through his son, Emma Ejeagha, and daughter, Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee Ejeagha), noting that Governor Mbah had fulfilled promises that previous administrations had failed to deliver.
“Previous governments made promises, but nothing materialized. Mbah, without making any promises, transformed our roads into brand new ones, like a dream come true,” Emma Ejeagha said.
The residents of Abakpa Nike, who turned out in large numbers, praised the governor for the new infrastructure, highlighting its positive impact on their businesses and daily lives. Governor Mbah also delighted the crowd by performing a few steps of the popular “Gwo gwo gwo ngwo” dance.
