King Appolus Chu Unveils New Roads, Displaces Kidnappers, Drives Eleme’s Transformation

 
Mary Nnah

 
Eleme, Rivers State, is witnessing a remarkable transformation under the leadership of His Royal Highness, King Appolus Chu. The monarch’s ambitious road network project has opened up previously inaccessible areas, boosting economic activities and improving security.
 
The new roads have made it easier for residents to move around, farm, and conduct businesses without fear. Property values have skyrocketed, and the community is attracting investors. The roads have displaced kidnappers and other criminal elements, making the area safer.
 
The official tour of the newly created road network held on February 15th, 2026, in Eleme, Rivers State, showcased the monarch’s efforts to boost economic activities and improve security in the region.
 
Speaking on the drive behind the initiative, King Appolus Chu said, “It has been a place where people couldn’t farm for almost 30 to 40 years. There wasn’t any farmland on these routes because of kidnappers – that is where they kept their victims. You couldn’t go there because there were no routes for patrols. So, someone would become a victim in that captivity. This bothered my heart and the community’s heart. We had to make a sacrifice and open these roads. Now, the kidnappers have left on their own. We fought the criminals diplomatically without confrontation.”
 
King Appolus Chu’s plans for Eleme are ambitious. He envisions a future where the community is safe, accessible, and economically vibrant. “We are in phase five now. We want to develop the marked areas. We are not stopping, we’ll continue. The goal is to ensure the community is safe, accessible, and economically vibrant. We will keep working towards that. We will create more jobs, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for our people. It is a big task, but we are up for it,” he said.
 
As the king looks to the future, he is optimistic about the transformation of Eleme. “I’m hoping that in the next 15 to 20 years, when you come back here, you won’t recognize the place again,” he said with a smile. “There are many people that God would have used to achieve this dream. That He chose me is my honour and privilege. I call on our people to do the little they can in supporting the government to make life better for us, rather than leaving everything for the government alone.”
 
 
The Etsu Nupe, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar CFR, was present at the inspection as a special guest of honor. He praised King Appolus Chu’s contributions to national development, saying, “The more we have roads, the nearer we will be to each other, and the better our economic activities will be. These roads will empower many people and enhance their lives. We thank His Royal Highness, King Appolus Chu, for his wisdom and efforts in developing the community, not just through roads, but also economically.”
 
He added that the roads would make it easier for locals to transport goods, like tomatoes and potatoes, to markets in Port Harcourt, boosting economic growth. “Making these roads goes a long way in actually enhancing and empowering many people,” he said, thanking King Appolus Chu for his vision and leadership.
 
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, praised King Appolus Chu’s initiative, saying, “Our farmers in Nigeria are women. These are farmlands, and this project allows access to farm land and will strengthen Nigeria’s food security. We applaud him for this.”
 
She highlighted the impact on women’s safety, “In the past, women were raped on these farms due to a lack of access. Now, they’ll be safer and more productive.” Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged other entities, like NDDC and the Ministry of Regional Development, to support the project, enhancing security and productivity.
 
She commended the king’s initiative, looking forward to partnering to create a women’s agro zone, garment factories, and attract investors. “Eleme is ready for investors,” she said, highlighting the potential for growth and development in the area.
 
Eleme LGA Chairman, Obarilomate Olor, praised King Appolus Chu’s development efforts, saying, “This new city he’s creating shows his philanthropic spirit and generosity. He’s a large-hearted person, loved by his people, and has their support.”
 
King (Dr.) Philip Osaro Obele, the Oneh Eh-Eleme, praised King Appolus Chu’s efforts, saying, “The very road we are standing on now is the original road right from the time of our origin. And this is the farm road. From what we are seeing here now, we know that our people were passing through difficulty. And that is why there were a lot of kidnappings and killings on this road when people went to the farm. As you are going around, there is no farm you have seen here because people were not farming because of the fear of being kidnapped. With what he has done now, opening up all the forests here, all this land will now be utilized. And as we are moving around, you see expansion of the community, growth of the community and development of the community. He has done very well.
‘Look at his age, and he has done all these. He may not be the one who is so rich. But the little God has given to him, he has the mind to say every person should benefit from. So, it is a great thing he is doing to open up the area to deliver the people and save the people from marauders”, King Obele noted.
 
Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, commended King Appolus Chu’s efforts, noting, “I call on the Ministry of Regional Development to step in, reinforce, and tar these roads. The community will greatly benefit from this. This is amazing, wonderful, and excellent work.”
 
Dr. Meshack Congo Maichibi lauded King Appolus Chu’s initiative, saying, “This isn’t the first time he’s done something like this. Opening this city is a huge step, showing his vision for a bigger community tomorrow. This route will attract investors, especially from the north, creating opportunities for people here.”
 
The road project, when completed, will undoubtedly create a lasting legacy that will continue to pave the way for economic progress and development in Eleme. As one resident put it, “This is not just a road; it’s a lifeline to a brighter future.