Residents of Kugbo communities in Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State have appealed to the state government and elected representatives to urgently construct a motorable road linking Akani, Amurutor and Emago to other parts of the state.
The appeal was made by Daniel Itututmeni, a security personnel and native of Kugbo, who said the communities had endured decades of hardship due to the absence of a functional road network.
Itututmeni, who grew up in Akani and attended Community Secondary School, Amorokeni, said he experienced the difficulties firsthand, recalling that trekking more than 20 kilometres to reach destinations was once a common reality for residents.
According to him, the consequences of the poor road extend beyond transportation, as residents also face limited access to healthcare, security, education and other essential services.
He said the affected communities contribute significantly to the food supply of Rivers State, producing banana, plantain, garri, snails, timber and other agricultural products supplied to Port Harcourt and neighbouring areas.
Itututmeni lamented that farmers are often forced to transport their produce over difficult terrain and at considerable cost before reaching markets, thereby affecting their livelihoods and the wider local economy.
“This is not an attack on the government. It is a sincere plea and reminder that there are people in Kugbo who are still living with the same hardship year after year,” he said.
He appealed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Senator representing Rivers West Senatorial District, the member representing Ahoada East/Abua-Odual Federal Constituency, the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Chairman of Abua-Odual LGA to prioritise the construction of the Kugbo Road.
According to him, a motorable road would connect Akani, Amurutor and Emago with the rest of Rivers State, reduce transportation costs, improve access to schools and healthcare, and create opportunities for economic growth and investment.
He stressed that good roads should not be regarded as a luxury, but as basic infrastructure necessary for development, education, healthcare, security and economic growth.
“We are not asking for luxury. We are asking for a road,” Itututmeni said, urging the Rivers State Government and other stakeholders to ensure that the communities do not have to wait another generation for basic road infrastructure.
He concluded with an appeal to the government to remember Kugbo, saying: “Kugbo is part of Rivers State. Akani is part of Rivers State. Amurutor is part of Rivers State. Emago is part of Rivers State. Our people matter, and our communities deserve development.”
