Enugu Gov't Approves 151km Rural Roads, Begins Renovation of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium

The Enugu State Government has approved the construction of 151.55 kilometres of rural roads across various communities in the state as part of efforts to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities in rural areas.

The approval was made on Monday during the State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Enugu. Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Benjamin Okoh, said the projects align with Governor Peter Mbah’s target of delivering 10,000 kilometres of roads across the state.

Mr. Okoh explained that the approved roads cut across different senatorial zones, including the 52.2-kilometre Nsukka–Lejja–Aku–Akpakwume–Eke–Ebe road and other projects in Enugu North Senatorial District totalling about 70 kilometres. Other projects include the 10.1-kilometre Ezeagu–Umumba–Oye–Ebenebe road, the 14.5-kilometre Enugu–United Palm Plantation access road, and the 3.6-kilometre Umuabi–Umuaga link road.

He added that more than 2,000 kilometres of rural roads have been captured in the 2026 state budget, noting that the administration has already recorded significant progress in urban road development, with over 95 per cent completion achieved in ongoing phases.

In the sports sector, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Lloyd Ekweremadu, announced that preparations are underway for the Enugu City International Marathon scheduled for August 30, 2026, as well as the National Sports Festival billed for November 27, 2026.

Mr. Ekweremadu disclosed that Enugu State recently emerged overall winner at the National Para Games in Abuja, securing 40 gold, eight silver, and seven bronze medals. He also confirmed that renovation works at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium are ongoing and are expected to be completed ahead of the festival. The project is being handled by the China Communications Construction Company.

On tourism development, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the government has approved access roads to key tourist sites such as Ngwo Pine Forest, Nsude Pyramid, and Awhum Waterfall. She added that ongoing tourism infrastructure projects, including a canopy walkway, zip line, and the Cross of Hope at Okpatu, are aimed at boosting tourism arrivals to about three million visitors annually.

According to her, the combined infrastructure, sports, and tourism initiatives are designed to position Enugu State as a major hub for investment, recreation, and economic growth.