Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah on Monday commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, Enugu metropolis.
The roads include Mike Ejeagha Crescent, named after the iconic musician, and the adjacent Obinagu Road. Other roads commissioned are Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road and Nkpor Street.
During the commissioning event, Governor Mbah visited Ejeagha at his residence and announced that the government would assume full responsibility for the musician’s upkeep, calling him a “living legend.”
Mbah praised Ejeagha for his contributions to the cultural heritage of Enugu State.
“Recall that when you gave us your mandate, we told you that you had kept your own part of the deal and that the burden had downshifted to us to fulfill our own part of the social contract,” Mbah said.
He added, “We made a firm pledge that all the roads in the urban areas in Enugu must be paved.”
The governor highlighted that last year, 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads were awarded. While the commissioned roads were not part of those initial projects, Mbah emphasized their significance.
“One of those roads stands out. It is the road that leads to the home of one of our great legends and icons,” he said.
The road leading to Ejeagha’s residence has been renamed Mike Ejeagha Road in his honor.
Mbah noted, “Enugu State is the home of legends. It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons.”
Mbah assured that the road infrastructure developments were just the beginning.
“We want to assure residents of Abakpa and Enugu State that we are not done yet,” he stated.
He announced upcoming projects, including the dualization of Penocks Junction on the Enugu-Onitsha Road to Opi-Nsukka.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser on Project Development and Implementation provided details on the road construction, emphasizing durability and user convenience.
“The typical road cross section of Obinagu Road and Mike Ejeagha Crescent comprise 300 to 600mm-thick sub-grade, 150mm-thick sub-base, 150mm-thick stone base course, 50mm-thick asphalt wearing course, and 600 by 600 to 900 by 900 reinforced concrete drainages and culverts,” Otiji said.
In his response, Mike Ejeagha, represented by his son Emma Ejeagha and daughter Elizabeth Ugwu, expressed gratitude to the governor.
Emma Ejeagha remarked, “Previous governments made promises, however nothing happened. But Mbah never made any promise to us. We only woke up and heavy equipment was all over the place. And like a dream, we have brand new roads.”
Residents of Abakpa Nike also voiced their appreciation, noting that the new infrastructure would positively impact their businesses and daily lives.