Relief, gratitude and a sense of renewed belonging filled the air in Ozochi Community, Ahoada-East Local Government Area, on Wednesday as Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, commissioned the 14.2-kilometre Obodhi–Ozochi Road and Bridge, bringing an end to decades of isolation and hardship.
For the people of Ozochi, the road represents more than asphalt and concrete; it is a lifeline that has reconnected them to neighbouring communities, markets and opportunities long denied by the absence of motorable access.
Speaking during the commissioning at Ozochi Playground, Governor Fubara restated his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountable governance, assuring residents that Rivers State’s financial records remain intact, verifiable and will be opened to public scrutiny.
But for the host community, the focus was firmly on what the project has already changed.
“It would take almost a whole day to reach Ozochi,” the community’s traditional ruler, His Royal Highness, Eze Prince Ike Ehie, JP, recalled while addressing the gathering. According to him, travellers from Port Harcourt and other parts of the state had to journey to Okogbe in Ahoada-West, ride motorcycles through dilapidated paths to Ozochi Waterside, cross the river by boat and then continue the journey on foot or by bike into the community.
“Today, that suffering is history,” the monarch declared, drawing loud applause from residents.
Governor Fubara said the Obodhi–Ozochi Road was conceived as a strategic intervention to address long-standing development gaps in Ahoada-East and Ahoada-West. Initiated in November 2022 by his predecessor, the project was prioritised and completed by his administration, with the original scope expanded by four kilometres to meet the needs of the people, bringing the total length to 14.2 kilometres.
Describing the road as a transformative project, the governor noted that it has opened up previously inaccessible communities, improved mobility and strengthened economic and social activities in the area.
“This is our way of saying thank you for the support and love you have shown,” Fubara said, acknowledging the contributions of community leaders and stakeholders to his emergence as governor.
In an emotional show of appreciation, the people of Ozochi presented 15 cows to the governor — one for each kilometre of the road — and also gifted him 500 plots of land as a symbol of gratitude and collective ownership of the project.
“What you have demonstrated today is love,” the governor said, assuring the community that their requests, including the proposed extension of the road, would receive positive consideration.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the Obodhi–Ozochi Road and Bridge Project spans 14.2 kilometres with a carriageway width of 7.3 metres, adding that it was executed in line with approved engineering standards.
In his remarks, Chairman of Ahoada-East Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, described the project as a turning point for Ozochi and surrounding communities, noting that improved access would enhance trade, education, healthcare delivery and overall quality of life.
For the people of Ozochi, the commissioning marked the end of years of isolation and the beginning of a new phase defined by access, inclusion, and the promise of development finally reaching their doorstep.
