ABIA: NDDC delivers solar-powered streetlights to Ohafia communities as indigenes pours encomium on Hon Ikenna Ukwa 

By Chijindu Emeruwa

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at the weekend, handed over the site for the installation of 400 units of solar-powered street lights to Kaplan Consults Limited.

The project attracted by an illustrious son of Abia State, Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa is targeted to cover Amaekpu and Elu Ohafia in Ohafia local government area of the state.

Performing the handover ceremony which took place at the palaces of Ezeogo of Elu Ohafia, HRM Prince Agbai Uma Olugu, and Ezeogo of Amaekpu Ohafia, HRH Eze Awa Nwankwo respectively, Engr Idris Rasaq who led NDDC team, admonished the benefited communities to provide a peaceful atmosphere for the contractor to deliver the solar-powered streetlights project within specifications and deadline.

Giving insight on the project, the contractor, Engr Lawrence Azike Chile of Kaplan Consults Limited, revealed that the project would feature over 400 units of 8 meter-high, 100 watt solar-powered streetlights, with installation expected to begin immediately and completed within one month.

On his part, the project facilitator and prominent son of Ohafia clan, Hon Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa said he attracted the NDDC solar-powered streetlights to the Ohafia communities as part of his developmental initatives aimed at enhancing security, economic activities and night-time social life in the area.

Represented by Mr Richard Ukwa, Hon Ikenna Ukwa who holds traditional title of ‘Omezimba of Amaekpu Ohafia’, hinted that the solar-powered streetlights project covered Ebem, Oboro, Okon, and Arochukwu communities, disclosing that plans are underway to extend the project to other parts of ohafia north constituency.

He reiterated his unwavering commitment to improving human welfares and engendering development through provision of critical socio-economic and infrastructural amenities for the good of the people of ohafia and Abia north district as a whole.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, indigene of ohafia ancient clan, Chief Onyema Agbai described the NDDC solar-powered streetlights installation project as a divine answer to years of communal prayers, opining the project when completed will boost security in the area, and as well create more economic opportunities for residents.

Meanwhile, traditional leaders from Abia north senatorial district have extolled the sterling human qualities of Honorable Ikenna Nicolas Ukwa.

Speaking during the handover ceremony of the NDDC solar-powered streetlights to the contractor held in ohafia respectively, Ezeogo Amaekpu and Ezeogo Elu ohafia lauded Ikenna Ukwa ‘s track development-oriented service, declaring that the latter’s modest strides had superceded that of some elected representatives.

According to them, “Ikenna Ukwa has truly brought light to ohafia. He’s our illustrious son, and we are proud to stand behind him”.