NDDC Solar Lights in Umuihugba Umuodu Owerri Municipal attracted by CDB Williams strengthen business, security

By Ikenna Orioha

Umuihugba Umuodu autonomous community in Owerri Municipal Local Government Area of Imo State looks more beautiful as businesses and social activities are strengthened, insecurity reduced.

This feat is due to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) sponsored Solar Lights that illuminate the entire community which were attracted by a visionary, fair, astute politician, illustrious son of Umuihugba community and Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Hon. CDB Williams.

The NDDC Solar Lights which are 229 in number, were neatly and evenly fixed in the entire Ihugba Street, Amaram Street/Amaram Extension, Christ Church Road (extends to the Market), Kagha Street, Odor Street, Chikwere Street, Mbaise Road (from Fire Service to Douglas), Parts of Tetlow Road, Zanders Street, Madumere Street, Njeribeako Street and Oparaugo Street. All the dark sports within the neighbourhood, the town hall, health centre, traditional meeting places (obi) of all the five villages of the autonomous community (Umunwagbara, Umuajemo, Umudike, Umuchuduo, Umummiri and parts of Umuihugba Layout) are all covered.

Speaking to media professionals in his residence at No. 68 Ihugba Street, in Owerri Municipal, Hon. CDB Williams noted that the feat was a healthy partnership between the NDDC in its “Light Up the Niger Delta” Program, Umuihugba community, and Imo State in general.

The SA hinted that these Solar Lights come up by 7:00 PM and go off by 6:30 AM, aiding security, strengthening social and economic activities in the community, stating that lights expose criminals who have now reduced their criminal activities, warranting people to do their business up till the night. “POS operators are very relaxed now operating in the night, just as other business persons in the area.”

He emphasized that the light project will add impetus to the vision of Governor Hope Uzodimma on security, having earlier directed all the autonomous communities in Imo State to set up Vigilante Groups that would be well equipped to battle issues of insecurity in the communities to maintain peace.

“The provision of these Solar Lights that come up by 7: 00 PM and go off by 6: 30 AM become one of the most effective tools against crime as night marauders can easily be picked from any distance within the community as all the dark sports are fully lit by the illumination of the solar lights”, he added.

CDB Williams who has shown resilience and capacity in leadership and politics having attracted good things to the community such as the Umuihugba Health Center, tarring and drainage of the hitherto unpaved portion of Amaram Street, under Governor Hope Uzodimma’s “five Kilometres per Local Government Road program” and other developmental projects within Owerri Municipal Local Government, thanked the NDDC, the Governor of Imo State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the “Light Up the Niger Delta” program which he reflected is impacting greatly on indigenes and residents of Umuihugba community which he believes is among the first communities to have benefited.

CDB Williams called on the people and residents of Umuihugba Umuodu autonomous community to often show support to the policies and programs of the APC led administrations at all levels, as they carry out their economic and social activities, feeling safe and comfortable, assuring them that the 3R administration steered by Governor Hope Uzodimma would leave no stone unturned in implementing fully its Urban Development and Renewal policies gearing on sustainable peace, security, social and economic development.