Jubilation in Umuahii, Obi-Mbieri as Eze Osuji Declares Emergency on Rural Roads
....Spends Over ₦800 Million on Afor Nne Udo–Umuokwaraehiji–Ogwa Road
By Kelechi Ugo
Residents and road users in Umuahii, Obi-Mbieri Community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, have expressed joy over the ongoing construction of rural roads funded by the traditional ruler of the community, HRH Eze Dr. Josiah Nzeremibe Osuji (Ezeukwu I of Obi-Mbieri), and his family.
The project, described by community leaders as a “state of emergency on rural roads,” covers major routes linking Orie Mbieri, Afor Nne Udo, Baptist Church, Umuokwaraehiji, and Ogwa-Mbaitoli, and includes the construction of asphalt roads with two major drainage systems to address erosion challenges.
Parts of the road had earlier received intervention from the Umuahii General Assembly in the Diaspora, but the current project represents a comprehensive rehabilitation of the road network.
Speaking while leading journalists on an inspection of the project, the former Coordinator of Mbaitoli East Development Centre and President-General of Umuahii Town, Chief Hon. Ugonna Achuko, dismissed allegations of illegal sand mining in Obi-Mbieri as false and misleading.
According to him, sand being excavated from a borrow pit in Umuahii is used strictly for road rehabilitation and gully erosion control within the community.
“There is no illegal sand mining going on in Umuahii or anywhere in Obi-Mbieri. What is happening is the rehabilitation of roads and construction of drainage systems to control erosion,” Achuko said.
He explained that the projects are being undertaken by HRH Eze Osuji, his children, and indigenes of the community living in the diaspora, including the Umuahii road and the Okwuoba-to-bridge road.
Chief Achuko stressed that neither he nor the community derives any financial benefit from the sand excavation.
“No kobo is paid to me or to the community. Our responsibility is only supervision and monitoring to ensure that the work is properly executed,” he stated.
He added that sand used for the project is paid for directly to the landowners at ₦4,000 per trip through the Community President, and is used exclusively for community development purposes.
The President-General further clarified that the borrow pit belongs to families from Okwuoba and Duruonina in Umuahii, and was originally created in the 1980s during the construction of the state ring road from Ukwuorji–Atta Junction to Mbaise.
According to him, the landowners have agreed to suspend any commercial use of the pit until the community projects are completed.
Describing claims of commercial sand mining as “false and malicious,” Achuko alleged that the accusations stem from internal disputes within the community, led by a former traditional prime minister and his associates.
“This individual has made it his mission to attack everything Eze Osuji, his children, and the sons and daughters of Obi-Mbieri are doing to develop the community,” he alleged.
Chief Achuko disclosed that officials of the Imo State Government, including the Commissioner for Works, Chief Ralph, and the Director-General of IRROMA, Barr. Ononuju, have visited the community to assess the level and quality of work being executed by the royal family.
The Chairman of Umuokwaraehiji Village, Engr. Chigozie Iwunze, the Youth Leader, Mr. Onwueme Chibueze Akubuo, and Mr. Anosirike Patrick (Eze Umuokorobia) expressed happiness over the project, describing it as a major relief to residents and road users.
They prayed for God’s continued protection over the traditional ruler and his family, while reiterating that no illegal sand mining or sale is taking place in the community.
Speaking to journalists via telephone, Prince Ikechukwu Charles Osuji, son of the traditional ruler, said the family derives joy from giving back to society.
He recalled earlier interventions by the royal family, including the establishment of the Royal College of Health, Umuahii, and the award of scholarships to indigent students.
According to him, over ₦800 million has already been spent on the ongoing over 4-kilometre road project, with more funds expected before completion.
“This project has no political undertone. It is purely our contribution to community development,” Prince Osuji stated.
