Minister of State for Budget and National Planning Minister, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, said on Saturday that the federal government was focussed on delivery of critical infrastructure to Nigerians in 2022.
He said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration was determined to open up rural areas through construction of roads as part of infrastructure development of the country.
Speaking at the 2021 Au-Ukhua Carnival and Shopping Trade Fair held on Ukhua Primary School Field, Iviukhua Community, Agenebode, Edo State, the minister said not less than 500 rural roads had been constructed across the country.
Agba said this would make transportation of agricultural produce from rural to urban areas an easy task.
According to the minister: “There is a whole lot more to come in year 2022 and the federal government has made provision in the budget to open up more rural areas and ensure that agricultural produce enjoy good transportation and access to distribution in urban areas.”
The minister stated that the federal government would tackle power challenges in 2022, noting: “We are also focussed on improving power supply because with avalability of power, there will be improved security; there will be improvement of communication facility, and medium and small scale industries will be attracted to communities, which will lead to growth and development of rural areas.”
Agba called on communities which had benefitted from such government intervention projects to place emphasis on maintenance, expressing joy that Iviukhua community had keyed in.
He noted that the clearing of the drainages by the community would help check the menance of erosion.
Speaking on the carnival, the minister stressed the importance of cultural festivals in creating awareness and as advocacy tool.
He said: “As we all know, cultural festivals serve as advocacy tools aimed at raising awareness about our social heritage, which is a mixture of customs, traditions, moral values, attitudes, festivals, folklore, beliefs and ideals which we are obliged to pass on from one generation to another.
“Cultural festivals also provide a platform for showcasing, promoting and preserving our cultural heritage. This also applies to this 2021 edition of Au-Ukhua cultural festival. It is a great opportunity to call to mind and celebrate the rich, diverse and unique cultural heritage of Iviukhua community. It is also an opportunity to engage in dialogue towards preserving, promoting and appreciating the Afemai culture.”
He stated further: “Cultural festivals, such as this, have both social and economic angles. In the midst of a chaotic and stressful world, happiness is overshadowed by negativity and insecurity, and so there is the need for festival which can bring positivity to our lives.
“Thus, cultural festivals that give us the opportunity to forget all our worries and celebrate the positive side of life are welcome.
“It also provides an opportunity to reduce friction and brings estranged relatives together in a bond of love.”
He thanked the President-General of Iviukhua Community Worldwide, Dr Kennnedy Izuagbe, for the honour done him, with the presentation of an award for meritorious service to the community.
The minister said: “I want to appreciate Dr Izuagbe and the Iviukhua people because each time I come here, I am well taken care of and they make me feel at home.”
In his welcome address, the President- General, Senior High Chief Izuagbe commended the minister for associating with the people of Iviukhua not only in the area of infrastructure development but also during the cultural festival.
He said that the minister had brought infrastructure development not only to Agenebode but also to Edo State in general, adding that for this, he deserved to be applauded and encouraged to do more.
Izuagbe thanked all sons and daughters of the community for the peace and unity pervading Iviukhua, which has resulted in development and progress for the people.
Dignitaries who graced carnival included the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Francis Alimikhena, constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil, Ambassador Emozozo, Dr Enakhe Usman Idodo, Brig. Gen. Thomas Unokhua (retd), Hon. Kingsley Ugabi, Chief Sunny Akhamiokor, Mr Paul Izenua of Central Bank, and Comrade Jude Imagwe, President of Abuja Chapter of Weppa Uwanno Pyramid Club of Nigeria, among others.
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