Jonathan urges private support for Nigeria’s infrastructure development

A philanthropist built an 8.5km road in Enugu State.

President Goodluck Jonathan on Monday urged affluent Nigerians to assist government at all levels to provide basic amenities for the people.

Mr. Jonathan made the call at the inauguration of 8.5km asphalt road and a classroom block built by a philanthropist, Chris-Baywood Ibe, for his community in Isu Awaa, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The President, represented by the Chairman of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, Ezekiel Adeniji, said that such assistance would improve the living standard of the people.

Mr. Jonathan said while it is the responsibility of government to provide basic amenities for the people, a little help from well meaning Nigerians will go a long way in improving the country.

He commended the philanthropist for the gesture, saying it is worthy of emulation.

“The road is of high standard and in line with the Transformation Agenda of the present administration’’, he said.

In his remarks, Mr. Ibe, a Lagos based businessman, said the gesture was part of activities to mark the silver jubilee of his wedding and wife’s 50th birthday.

Mr. Ibe said the road linked four communities comprising Agbogugu, Isu Awaa, Agbudu and Ihe.

He said the projects were part of his humanitarian services to his people, adding that it was not politically motivated as he had no interest in partisan politics.

Earlier in a church service, the Anglican Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Emmanuel Ugwu, urged politicians and well meaning Nigerians to always give back to the society that made them.

The cleric described Mr. Ibe’s gesture as “exceptional”.

“If one man can build an 8.5km of asphalt road, a storey building for primary school and a church auditorium for his community, what is left for government to do will be less’’, he said.

(NAN)