On Monday, the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, in the Enugu metropolis. Among them are the Mike Ejeagha Crescent, where the music legend lives, and the adjoining, famous Obinagu Road, which he renamed him.
Other roads commissioned were Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road and Nkpor Street.
Mbah, who also used the occasion to visit Ejeagha at his residence, announced that the government would henceforth take full responsibility for his upkeep, describing him as a living legend.
“Recall that when you gave us your mandate, we told you that you had kept your part of the deal and that the burden had downshifted to us to fulfil our part of the social contract.
“Recall further that we made a firm pledge that all the roads in the urban areas in Enugu must be paved.
“Recall also that we awarded 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads last year. Those 71 urban roads have since been completed, but some of the streets we commissioned today are not part of those 71 roads.
“In constructing or reconstructing those 71 roads, we identified, in January, some streets, which were not initially captured, hence needed to be treated as an emergency.
“So, we are commissioning four roads here today, and all those roads are pretty significant.
“But one of those roads stands out. The road leads to the home of one of our great legends and icons.
“We have always told people that Enugu State is the home of legends. It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons. And we have one man, Mike Ejeagha, who, through his folk songs, has primarily brought memories of years gone by to our doorsteps. He is a man who reminds us of our golden heritage as a people.
“When we talked about Enugu as the centre of art and culture, this man brought Enugu to that epicentre. So, we are here to celebrate him while he is still living with us.
“So, in honour of him, this Obinagu Road, the entire stretch of the road leading to his home, is named after him and will now be known as Mike Ejeagha Road,” he stated.
Mbah, however, stressed the commissioned roads here were only the beginning of a new era for road infrastructure across Enugu State.
“We want to assure Abakpa and Enugu State residents that we are not done yet. Following our events, you would have noticed that we recently awarded contracts for constructing 141 roads and 20 rural roads. I can also tell you that Abakpa has not been left out.
“Very soon, we will commence the dualisation of Penocks junction on the Enugu-Onitsha to Opi-Nsukka. That contract has been awarded, and work will soon begin.
“I want to assure you that our commitment to serve you with every fibre of our being can never be lost on us. We will work for you with everything we have,” the governor concluded.
Earlier in their remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Project Development and Implementation, assured the governor and residents that the roads were constructed with the durability and convenience of road users in mind.
“The typical road cross section of Obinagu Road and Mike Ejeagha Crescent comprises 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 culvert,” he stated.
Meanwhile, receiving the governor at his residence, Ejeagha, who spoke through his son, Emma Ejeagha, and daughter, Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee Ejeagha), said that Mbah had honoured him beyond his lifetime.
“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. Not long after, Gwo gwo gwo ngwo started trending,” Emma Ejeagha stated.
Also, elated residents, who turned out in large numbers, commended the governor for the roads, noting that the Infrastructure would positively impact their businesses and lives.
Mbah equally did some _Gwo gwo gwo ngwo_ dance steps to the delight of residents.