Nasarawa Gov Inaugurates 5.2km Akwanga-Jos Bypass, Other Roads
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has inaugurated the newly completed 5.2-kilometre Akwanga-Jos bypass in Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
Sule also inaugurated one-kilometre roads constructed in Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon and Wamba Local Government Areas by the respective council chairmen as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the inauguration of the bypass on Saturday, the governor described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at easing traffic congestion in Akwanga and stimulating economic activities along the corridor.
According to him, the bypass would provide an alternative route for motorists travelling from Keffi or Gudi towards Jos, reducing travel time, minimising accidents in Akwanga town and prolonging the lifespan of township roads.
Sule said, “This is more than a road. It is an economic corridor. For years, our people in Akwanga have suffered traffic gridlock and accidents because all vehicles going towards Jos must pass through the heart of the town.
“Today, we have provided an alternative route that will bring relief to our people and open up new areas for development.”
The governor commended the contractor for completing the project on schedule and according to specifications, noting that the bypass was constructed to the same standard as the federal highway to withstand heavy-duty vehicles.
He also promised that solar-powered street lights would be installed along the road to improve visibility and enhance the safety of motorists at night.
Sule assured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the development of urban and rural roads across the state’s 13 local government areas.
The chairmen of Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon and Wamba LGAs, Sadiyanu Isa-Andaha, Ilita Aliyu and Ezekiel Jaga respectively, thanked the governor for granting greater autonomy to local governments in the state.
They pledged to undertake more projects with direct benefits to residents at the grassroots while complementing the efforts of the state and Federal Governments.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe, said activities for the state’s 30th anniversary would include Juma’at prayers, project inaugurations across the state, an interdenominational church service at St. William’s Cathedral in Lafia and visits to correctional facilities as part of the prerogative of mercy programme.
He added that the celebration would also feature an inter-state novelty football match between Plateau and Nasarawa, a Plateau-Nasarawa @30 reunion, an award of distinction and the Independence Day celebration.
Akabe said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate the people, cultures and shared identity of Nasarawa State, while recognising the contributions of its founding fathers, former and serving governors, traditional rulers, women, youths, public servants and other citizens to the state’s development.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Yakuba Kwanta, said the bypass would encourage the emergence of new settlements and stimulate commercial activities along the route.
The Chun Mada, Samson Gamu-Yare, who commended the project, said the bypass would bring an end to the difficulties experienced daily by motorists and residents due to congestion in Akwanga.
He described the road as a significant intervention, noting that Akwanga serves as a gateway to the North-East and Plateau State.
The inauguration was attended by Senator Danladi Halilu-Envulanza, traditional rulers, commissioners, leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state and residents of the affected communities.
