Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has inaugurated the 5.2-kilometre Akwanga-Jos bypass in Akwanga Local Government Area.
The governor opened the road on Saturday as part of activities marking Nasarawa State’s 30th anniversary. He also inaugurated one-kilometre roads in Akwanga, Nasarawa-Eggon and Wamba LGAs. The roads were built by the respective local government chairmen.
Sule said the bypass would ease traffic in Akwanga and support local businesses. According to him, the road has reduced travel distance for motorists heading from Keffi or Gudi towards Jos. It will also help reduce accidents and protect township roads from heavy traffic.
“This is more than a road. It is an economic corridor,” Sule said.
He added that the bypass would create room for new development around Akwanga.
The governor said contractors built the bypass to the same standard as the federal highway. That standard should allow the road to handle heavy-duty vehicles. He also promised to install solar street lights along the route. Meanwhile, the Works Commissioner, Yakuba Kwanta, said the road would encourage new settlements and businesses. The Chun Mada, Samson Gamu-Yare, also praised the project. He said the bypass would ease the daily pressure on motorists and residents.
As part of the anniversary programme, Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe announced several activities. The celebration will begin with Juma’at prayers at the Old Secretariat Mosque. Project inaugurations will follow across the state. An interdenominational church service will also hold at St. William’s Cathedral in Lafia.
Other activities include visits to correctional facilities, a novelty football match between Plateau and Nasarawa, and a reunion. The state will also host an Award of Distinction before the Independence Day celebration. Akabe said the anniversary would celebrate Nasarawa’s people, culture and shared identity.
