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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The people of Okpuno, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, last Saturday, erupted in jubilation as an 850-metre road constructed by the chairman of Pinnatech Group, Chief (Dr.) Christopher Ndubuisi, popularly known as Ikenga Umuawulu, was officially inaugurated.
The project, known as Pinnatech Road Okpuno, is part of the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative of the Anambra State Government, through which individuals and private organisations complement government efforts in delivering critical infrastructure to communities.
For residents of the area, the event marked the end of years of hardship associated with the poor condition of the road. During the rainy season, the road reportedly became particularly difficult to navigate, affecting workers, traders and schoolchildren who depended on it for daily movement.
Speaking at the event, the Mayor of Awka South Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Okafor, commended High Chief Christopher Ndubuisi for keying into the PPCP initiative of the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.
He described Ikenga Umuawulu as a worthy partner in the administration’s drive to build a livable, prosperous, and economically vibrant Anambra State.
In recognition of his contribution to the development of the area, the Mayor officially unveiled the road with the name- Ikenga Umuawulu Crescent, creating a permanent reminder of the philanthropist’s intervention and commitment to grassroots development.
Representing the governor at the event, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Okey Ezeobi, thanked Ikenga Umuawulu for complementing the government’s infrastructure drive. He noted that the intervention demonstrated the importance of private-sector participation in accelerating development and urged other individuals to emulate the gesture.
Before commissioning the road, Dr. Christopher Ndubuisi reiterated his belief that Awka, as the capital city and seat of government of Anambra State, deserves infrastructure that reflects its status. He acknowledged the enabling environment provided by the governor and said his intervention was his own contribution towards the continued growth and development of Anambra State.
Commissioning the road, Ikenga Umuawulu charged the residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure that it is preserved for generations to come. He dedicated the project to the philosophy that continues to guide his actions: “Let Love Lead” and also reaffirmed his conviction that “Better is not good enough, Best is yet to come”.
A resident of the area, Joel Uchegbu, said the significance of the project went beyond the physical infrastructure. He described himself as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the road, recalling the difficulties residents previously experienced whenever it rained.
He said the poor condition of the road had affected movement and, at times, made it difficult for children in the area to get to school. He expressed gratitude to Ikenga Umuawulu for bringing relief to the community and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon him.
A school proprietor in the area, Emmanuela Nwogbo, who could not hide her delight on the development, told Daily Sun that the stretch of the new road in the area, courtesy of Ikenga Umuawulu, has not only increased the prospects of her school but, also, opened up the area for greater viability and productivity.
She expressed delight that access into the area has been made easier through the newly inaugurated road, while value of properties in the area will also appreciate because of the latest development.
The commissioning was attended by dignitaries, including the elder brother and mentor to Ikenga Umuawulu, Chief Emmanuel Ndubuisi (Ukpaka na agba na Ụdu mmiri), and the President of Pinnacle International, Chief David Nwosu.
The completed road has not only restored access to the community but, also, demonstrated the impact that strategic collaboration between government, private individuals, and communities can make in advancing infrastructure development across Anambra State.
