Flowerbudnews
President Bola Tinubu was palpably happy and filled with pride Sunday at the ceremony in Lagos to flag off the construction of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
The man who had the vision to tame the Atlantic and spring out a 10 million square meter city out of its bowels, the man who envisioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the Lekki Free Trade Zone, relished the start of the coastal road.
He said the project would revolutionize transportation in Nigeria and bolster the unique economic strength of each zone.
President Tinubu commended the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for being diligent and for his efforts towards the qualitative execution of the strategic coastal highway project.
He also applauded the Chairman of Hitech Construction Company, Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury, and Engr. Ronald Chagoury, whose company is handling the project, for being worthy stakeholders and for believing in the future of Nigeria.
“Together, we worked to tame the Atlantic, and we turned a disaster into a great asset of value. We lost weight and took insults, but eventually, we tamed the Atlantic. We achieved our goals,” the President said, recounting how the indigenous company successfully executed a project to prevent the Atlantic Ocean from overrunning Victoria Island.
“Today is my day to boast. My bragging day. Today, I hold the bragging right”, he said
“The deal is done. The dream is realizable. The determination to build a nation of prosperity is possible. We said we would build this road, and we are determined to do it.
“Do not be afraid. We will do this road, and it will be a success for Nigeria, and we will do even more of this,” the President said.
President Tinubu said the project will ensure that future generations have a good landmark and memory to treasure while serving as a good precedent set for others to follow in the timely provision of world-class infrastructure.
”We have a road that will outlive all of us here. That is how to build the future. This project is more than a mere road. It is a symbol of hope, unity, and prosperity.
”It will connect communities, bring prosperity to people, and create opportunities for millions of our people. For our nation to excel, we just have to be bold and courageous in our endeavours,” the President said.
President Tinubu said it would provide direct employment for thousands of people and indirect jobs for tens of thousands.
He added that it will open economic opportunities for millions of people, fast-track economic development, provide 30 million people with improved access to production and marketing centres, even as it will facilitate the free movement of people.
He said the project will also complement the expansion of the country’s maritime industry in the wake of the recent decision by the United Nations to grant Nigeria an extension of its continental shelf by an additional 16,300 square kilometres.
“We must take advantage of these opportunities,” the President said, adding that the establishment of more export processing zones along the coastal states must be a priority for the country.
Engr. Umahi said due process was followed in awarding the contract for this transformative project, the Minister described President Tinubu as a visionary and courageous leader.
