Gwo Gwo Gwo: Mbah names Enugu road after Mike Ejeagha
Joseph Irikefe
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Monday, commissioned four newly constructed and reconstructed roads in Abakpa Nike, in Enugu metropolis, among them the Mike Ejeagha Crescent where the music legend lives and the adjoining, popular Obinagu Road, which he renamed after him.
Other roads commissioned were Texaco Bus Stop-Ifo Road, and Nkpor Street.
Mbah, who also used the occasion to visit Ejeagha at his residence, announced that the government would henceforth take full responsibility for his upkeep, describing him as a living legend.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah (left) during a recent visit to popular Igbo music legend, Mike Ejeagha
“Recall that when you gave us your mandate, we told you that you had kept your own part of the deal and that the burden had downshifted to us to fulfill our own part of the social contract.
Recall further that we made a firm pledge that all the roads in the urban areas in Enugu must be paved.
“Recall also that last year,n we awarded 71 urban roads and 10 rural roads. Those 71 urban roads had since been completed, but some of the roads we are commissioning today are not part of those 71 roads. In the course of constructing or reconstructing those 71 roads, we identified, in January, some roads, which were not initially captured, hence needed to be treated as an emergency.
“So, we are commissioning four roads here today and all those roads are quite significant. But one of those roads stands out. It is the road that leads to the home of one of our great legends and icons.
“We have always told people that Enugu State is the home of legends. It is not just sporting legends. We also have the music icons. And we have one man, Mike Ejeagha, who, through his folk songs, have largely brought memories of years gone by to our doorsteps. He is a man who reminds us of our golden heritage as a people.”
Earlier in their remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, assured the governor and residents that the roads were constructed with durability and convenience of road users in mind.
He said, “The typical road cross section of Obinagu Road and Mike Ejeagha Crescent comprise 300 to 600mm-thick sub-grade, 150mm-thick sub-base, 150mm-thick stone base course, 50mm thick asphalt wearing course, and 600 by 600 to 900 by 900 reinforced concrete drainages and culvert.”
Meanwhile, receiving the governor at his residence, Ejeagha, who spoke through his son, Emma Ejeagha, and daughter, Elizabeth Ugwu (Nee Ejeagha), said that Mbah had honoured him beyond his lifetime.
According to him, “Previous governments made promises, however nothing happened. But Mbah never made any promise to us. We only woke up and heavy equipment were all over the place. And like a dream, we have brand new roads. Not long after, Gwo gwo gwo ngwo started trending.