Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to desist from vandalising public infrastructure, warning that such actions undermine development efforts and slow economic growth.
Shettima made the appeal during the inauguration of the newly completed 33.5-kilometre Elele-Egbeda-Omoku dual carriageway in Rivers State.
The road project serves as a critical transportation corridor linking several communities across Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas, and is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic activities within the state.
Speaking at the event, the Vice President described roads as one of the most democratic tools of development because they directly impact the daily lives of citizens.
According to him, road infrastructure supports farmers transporting produce to markets, traders conducting business, workers commuting to their places of employment, students attending school and patients seeking healthcare services.
He recalled that the Elele-Omoku road had previously become notorious for severe erosion, deep gullies and insecurity, making movement difficult and dangerous for residents and travellers.
Shettima commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for transforming the once-deplorable route into a modern dual carriageway equipped with improved safety features and street lighting.
He noted that the project demonstrates the importance of infrastructure investment in driving economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.
Governor Fubara, in his remarks, described the road as a promise fulfilled by his administration, noting that it had eliminated years of hardship experienced by road users.
The governor said the project had transformed what was once a dangerous route into a safe and efficient highway that would facilitate commerce, movement and development across the affected communities.
The Vice President further urged citizens to protect public infrastructure, stressing that government investments can only deliver lasting benefits when properly maintained and safeguarded by the people.
