Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has called on the Federal Government to rename the second bridge to be constructed across the River Niger, ‘Asaba/Onitsha Bridge’.

The governor made the call at Onitsha during yesterday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the second bridge, performed by President Goodluck Jonathan. He said that the second bridge is significant and important not just for Delta and Anambra states, but for the entire country.

According to Uduaghan, the socio-political and economic benefits of the bridge to the country cannot be quantified in addition to the boost it will give the nation’s unity and integration.

He commended President Jonathan for ensuring that the event has become a reality, saying: “Mr. President, we want to thank you for the efforts you have put in to ensure that you are flagging off the construction of this bridge today.”

Uduaghan promised the support and cooperation of Delta State Government to ensure that the project is completed on schedule without hitches. “Let me assure the contractor that you are safe in this place, your workers are safe and you equipment and facilities are safe, too,” he said.

In an interview at the Asaba International Airport, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, said the second bridge would help hasten industrialisation and boost commercial activities in the South-East/South South regions and the country in general.

According to him, “The groundbreaking ceremony today by President Goodluck Jonathan will help boost the economy of this state, the South-East region and the country. It is a bridge that will promote commerce in the area and hasten our industrialisation.”

Chief Elue noted that the Second Niger Bridge has been on the drawing board for over 20 years, commending President Jonathan for making the initiative a reality and calling for its early completion.

•Photo shows, from left: President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Second Niger Bridge . . . yesterday in Onitsha. Photo: Henry Unini.