The deplorable state of Naze-Nekede-FUTO -Obinze Road has assumed a more dangerous dimension with sections of the road including number 12 bus stop near Gas plant is apparently cutting into two.
This is even as the collapse of the bridge linking Umuoma with New Road seems imminent.
Generally, the condition of Naze-Nekede-FUTO -Obinze road has not only become pitiable, but is now fast degenerating into a tragedy that calls emergency.
Residents are in tears; and a daily basisBA big tragedy indeed.
“Deep potholes, overgrown bushes, stagnant water, and ruined drainage systems come into view,” that was how an anonymous commentator described the present condition of the road.
The Naze-Nekede-FUTO-Obinze road which wasonce envisioned as a vital lifeline connecting some of the most strategic communities in Owerri, Naze, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Ihiagwa- FUTO Road in Owerri West LGA of Imo State of Nigeria, has now become a symbol of dashed hopes, abandonment, rot, and dangerous decay.
The big question remains: with the present administration in Imo State just months away from hitting six years in office, when will the on-going distress, suffering and untold hardship of the people of Nekede, Ihiagwa, Polytechnic and FUTO communities come to end?
There are emerging indications that the contract for the construction of this crucial road was awarded to Leo9 Construction Company by the current administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma, with the contract sum said to be running into millions of naira.
Initially, hopes soared high on the part of the people of Owerri West in particular and Imo State in general.
Bulldozers moved, stones were laid, and some sections appeared promising. But then—everything stopped.
A resident of Umuoma Nekede, who pleaded anonymity while expressing disappointment at the state of affairs of the Naze-Nekede-Ihiafwa-FUTO-Obinze road echoed:
“We thought we’d finally have relief from the dust and erosion, but all of a sudden, they just packed up and left. Since then, it’s been a nightmare.”
Another resident, a woman and trader from Ihiagwa, who also craved anonymity, said: “Even the new bridge near Nekede collapsed. Cars can’t pass. Rain has washed everything away. We are suffering here!”
The road is a typical story of collasped road infrastructure, especially, the collapsed bridge near the Nekede new road.
From the popular Nokia House, through Maternity Junction, down to Ihiagwa Market, every step along this road echoes neglect and danger. What was once a lifeline has now become a death trap, especially during the rainy season.
Giving the worsening condition of the said road, residents of the area may be wondering what the contractor behind the Leo9 Construction Company is up to, especially, as some top personalities in government from the area appear to be silent over the situation.
TheNaze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-FUTO-Obinze Residents including students, staff of Polynek and FUTO are in pains.
Now, the people of Owerri West, alongside concerned stakeholders across Imo State, are crying out.
They are urgently appealing to the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to intervene.
If the contractor was reportedly mobilized with funds,
the question remains: Where is the work?
This is not just about a road. It’s about safety, accessibility, and the social contract between the government and the people.
Until something is done, and urgently too, the Naze–Nekede–FUTO–Obinze Road will remain a gaping wounds in the heart of Imo’s infrastructure story.
