Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru
The City of Abakaliki, the Capital of Ebonyi State, is currently undergoing critical remodelling and expansion. The fulcrum of this modern development is at the heart of the city, VANCO Junction. From there on, the expansion is expected to span through Afikpo Road, Ogoja Road, and the likes of Ojowere Street.
This ongoing infrastructural development – a three-deck flyover is expected to cause the expansion of the above-mentioned roads and streets. Importantly, the new development is in line with the original master plan of Abakaliki. But unfortunately, landowners took advantage of the situation by encroaching on some spaces that ordinarily should be reserved for road construction.
While this is the case, some others, like residents and building owners along Ojowere Street and Afikpo Road, may not have encroached on Government land, but the expansion will necessitate the demolition of some of their structures. Due to the fact that most of the structures and land in those areas were built or acquired a long time ago, it is possible that some may have lost their Certificates of Occupancy.
The Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has promised that with or without a C of O, he will pay compensation to the land/property owners whose structures will be demolished, provided they did not encroach on Government space.
He made this known during a town hall meeting in that regard, and reaffirmed his position in an unscheduled public engagement he had with some residents of Ojowere Street in Abakaliki on July 3, 2025, during the inspection of the ongoing infrastructural development.
The expansion and remodelling of the City through the VANCO junction area is necessary to accommodate population growth, improve economic viability of the State, enhance livability, and of course, the infrastructural development of the State.
© Leo Ekene Oketa
