“This bridge means more to me than a trip abroad,” says HRH Eze Cyprian Mbam Nwekee
By Victor Nwegede
In a powerful testament to grassroots advocacy and generational transformation, the Traditional Ruler representing Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State in Lagos, His Royal Highness Eze Cyprian Mbam Nwekee, De Gbirim Gbaram I of Izhi Nation, has described the flag-off of the Enyim River Bridge as a dream fulfilled and a personal mission accomplished.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State flagged off the construction of the bridge project on Wednesday, noting he awarded the contract to Sappers Engineering Nigeria Limited, and expressed optimistism for quality delivery in the record time.
Speaking at his palace in his Izziogo country home in Izzi LGA after the launch of the much-anticipated bridge project linking Enyim community in Ebonyi to neighboring Benue State, Eze Nwekee revealed that he had to cancel an international engagement in Gambia to witness the historic event.
“I was scheduled to be in Gambia for the coronation of an illustrious Igbo son with our Ohanaeze President. But I chose to forgo that because this bridge project is too dear to my heart," he said.
The five-span Enyim River Bridge is expected to boost economic activities, improve transportation, and rekindle long-standing ties between the Salt of the Nation—Ebonyi State—and the Food Basket of the Nation—Benue State.
Beyond economic impact, the traditional ruler reflected on the deep historical roots of the project, recalling how the dream of a bridge dates back decades to the era of late King Ichiki Izam and former Governor Jim Nwobodo.
“For too long, our people risked their lives crossing rivers in canoes. We lost a young farmer that way. That memory still haunts our community,” Eze Nwekee stated with emotion.
A survivor of a childhood accident involving a flooded wooden bridge, the monarch said his life’s experience fuels his dedication to seeing safe infrastructure built across his homeland.
He praised Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for turning a prophetic vision into reality, describing him as “a humanitarian whose commitment to development keeps him awake at night.”
With optimism in his voice, the royal father declared: “This bridge is more than concrete. It is the beginning of a new era—of safety, prosperity, and connection.
"The Enyim Bridge is expected to be a cornerstone of regional development, linking fertile farmlands to urban markets and revitalizing commercial centers like the once-thriving Iziogo Market," he concluded.
