The 700 km Lagos-Calabar coastal road project was formally inaugurated on Sunday by Chief Bola Tinubu, who called it a “bold endeavour” that represented Nigeria’s wealth, unity, and hope.
Notable guests at the flag-off ceremony included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, numerous governors, and Minister of Works Dave Umahi, who was held on Victoria Island in Lagos State.
In his remarks, Tinubu emphasised that the route would benefit many generations and stated his resolve to see it completed. He went on to call it his “bragging day.”
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Tinubu articulated, “We said we would do this road, we are determined to do it. The way we are going, we have a road that will outlast us and outlive all of us here present. That is how to build a future.
“The project is just more than a mere road, it is a symbol of hope, unity and prosperity. It will connect communities, bring prosperity to people, create opportunities for millions. We are at it. Looking to the right side of the road, you have opportunities, hold on to the left side of it, you have prosperity. For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavours.”
Highlighting the significance of the coastal highway, Tinubu stated, “During the period of construction, the road will provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect employment for tens of thousands of artisans and more. Economic opportunity for millions is being opened. It will fast-track community development, it will bring development closer to the people and give 30 million people improved access to production and marketing centres.
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“You can easily predict a journey vertically and go along the horizontal line and do the definition for your geometry, free movement of people. Geometry teaches us that a straight line is the shortest distance between two points, go for it.
“How can you exploit it, the maritime industry of this country if you don’t embark on bold endeavours?
“Luckily you read in the papers that the United Nations has just approved the extension of Nigeria’s continental shelf, take advantage of it.
“Establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states, it is a must. The security in our region will be improved. Don’t even just talk of tourism. This is an endeavour that you cannot just estimate the opportunities that await us. You don’t have to travel again to Miami and all that. We have better weather and more sunshine and you can open various shops and economic warehouses, and we will protect the shoreline and I am glad Ondo governor is here. He has been running away from the ocean surge. I wonder whether you were able to campaign there yet.
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“The potential of this road is enormous, we have two spurs which will link up the Badagry-Sokoto expressway, it is under procurement activities right now.”
“Don’t be afraid, we will do this road – 700 km, it will be a success for Nigeria and we will do more than this,” he added.
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