Trofani, in Bayelsa, gets first road via NDDC

FOR the people of Trofani community, Sagbama Local council of Bayelsa State, it was celebration time yesterday as motor vehicles drove into the area through a 17-kilometre Odi-Trofani Road, constructed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

It was the first time a vehicle would enter the area since the community was founded.

Until now, the only means of movement to the community was a rigorous journey by boat or pontoon through the Patani end of the River Niger in Delta State.

On sighting the NDDC vehicles making the maiden trip into their land, the community went agog with shout of "motor bodo, motor bodo," (motor has come, motor has come) renting the air.

Addressing the people, the NDDC Acting Managing Director, Mr. Timi Alaibe, who was inspecting the commission's projects in the state, said braving the environmental challenge and constructing such a road network to the community was not only an indication of how dear the NDDC and the Federal Government hold them, but also a sign that there was hope for Trofani people.

"For the first time in the life of this community, cars are driving in. We have blazed the trail in driving through this road to your community, though work is still in progress", Alaibe said.

While noting that the Olusegun Obasanjo administration had brought a lease of life to the people of the Niger Delta region, he said the NDDC would continue to do what it could to give succour to the people of the oil-rich area.

The Chairman of Trofani Community, Mr. Valentine Warebi Ekiseowei, said he did not believe a vehicle would drive into his community in his lifetime. He expressed appreciation to the NDDC for executing the project.

it is amazing that it took hostage taking to get the attention of Nigeria on the Niger-Delta situation. well for those of u who are saying that the militants are fighting to enrich themselves i have this to tell u, they are only collecting more funds to fight the battle. As a nation we have lost a very vital element of human existence - TRUTH. In Nigeria today what we get here and there are half-truths - if i recall half-truths are lies. Until we start speaking the truth, the issue of the Niger - Delta will always arise. Before now it was illegal bunkering that was the major issue to the FG, the militants have added a new dimension to it, and i feel in my spirit that if we continually avoid saying the truth, a new dimension will be added in the near future.

God Help Nigeria

dblock:
Finally someone who has the same perspectie as me. I've said this in a couple of threads before, The government may have neglected the region and they may not be in a position to condemn, but the militants of the Niger Delta are seriously not representing the region but hoping that the government will give in and install them as the default government of the region, which of course no Nigerian president will do wether it's Abacha or Nnamdi Azikwe, or Gowon or OBJ, the day that the Government give in completely is the day that pigs will fly