Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe (PDP-Cross River) has facilitated the reconstruction of a bridge destroyed by the federal troops during Nigeria’s civil war in 1967.
The 57-year-old abandoned bridge in the Ukpagada community in the Nkum clan of the Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River links seven other communities in the area.
The site engineer, Mr. Ogbe Audu, who conducted newsmen around the project, said the bridge would be ready for inauguration in April.
He said that the old bridge had been replaced with a modern one with a specification of 120 metres long, spanning across the Mmol River.
He expressed appreciation to the community for their hospitality, adding that the project, which was facilitated by Sen. Jarigbe Agom, was funded by the Federal Government and supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works.
“It is clear that it is the most modern bridge that meets global standards,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Ukpagada, Ntol Mobre, said the project was a big relief in uniting the people and accelerating socioeconomic activities.
Mobre disclosed that farmers suffered several economic losses as their farm produce always got spoiled due to a lack of access to convey the produce to urban markets.
“For over 55 years since the civil war ended, my people have suffered untold hardships.
“I am happy that my community will once again be accessible through that bridge project.
“I commend Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe for facilitating such a gigantic project for his people and beyond.
“I assure him of continuous support and prayers, as the project will not serve my people alone but will adjourn the villages of Nkum and Bansara in Ekajuk Ogoja urban and neighbouring Ebonyi State,” he stated.
Meanwhile, a 30-year-old man has trekked from Ogoja in Cross River to Abuja to appreciate Sen. Jarigbe for his developmental strides in Cross River North Senatorial District.
He said it was the only way he could honour a man who had changed the narration of the Northern Senatorial District of the state, which had seemingly been abandoned by successive governments in the state.
Richard Monko, who spoke to NAN from Abuja on the phone, said the journey, which took him four days, covered a total distance of 479.9 kilometres from Obudu to Abuja.
Monkom said that the journey also afforded him the opportunity to formally meet with his idol and role model, who had made an effective representation to his constituents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Jarigbe represents the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River in the Senate.(NAN)
