Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially flagged-off the reconstruction of the 12.6 kilometer Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Umuoha-Oberete-Akirika Obu Road, a vital route that spans across several communities in Obingwa and Ukwa East Local Government Areas.
Speaking while flagging-off the project, held at Orie Agalaba Junction in Obingwa LGA, Governor Otti highlighted the strategic importance of the road, noting that it serves as a crucial link between Abia and Akwa Ibom States. Upon completion, the road is expected to significantly boost economic activity across the affected communities.
Delivering his speech titled, “Still On The Crusade To Connect Our Communities,” the Governor emphasized the economic value of the Ohanze-Ntighauzo-Umuoha-Oberete-Akirika Obu Road, which had been left neglected by previous administrations for years.
He pointed out that this long-standing abandonment exemplifies the neglect the region has faced for decades. Governor Otti further stressed that the road project would not only attract more investments in sectors such as agriculture, real estate, hospitality, and retail trade, but it would also mark the end of years of missed opportunities.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the expansion of Aba, the Governor noted that this project aligns with his vision to extend quality infrastructure to the outskirts of the city. This would make the region more appealing to both prosperity and investment.
The State Chief Executive also pledged to utilize available resources to fulfill his development priorities for the greater Aba urban corridor and collaborate with the private sector to bridge the infrastructure gap between the city center and the suburbs.
He encouraged citizens to contribute to the state’s development by paying taxes, both personal and business, as this would enable the government to fund projects such as this.
In his goodwill message, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, commended Governor Otti for translating his promises into actions, bringing integrity and dignity to governance. He urged the communities benefiting from the project to take ownership of it, ensuring its timely completion and durability.
In his address, the state Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, reiterated the strategic importance of the road, pointing out its connection to many communities and its role in linking Obingwa LGA with Ukwa East LGA.
He lamented the road’s prolonged state of disrepair, but expressed confidence in its imminent transformation, with a completion timeline of 12 months. He also praised Governor Otti’s recognition of infrastructure as the foundation of socio-economic development.
In their speeches, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, and the Commissioner for Petroleum, Prof. Joel Ogbonna, emphasized how the road would improve the economic well-being of the people and herald new opportunities for greater democracy dividends, particularly for the people of Akirika Obu in Ukwa East.
They also expressed hope that the ongoing Ohanku Road project would be extended to Ukwa East LGA.
Prince Kanu took the opportunity to bring the Governor’s attention to the persistent threats faced by the people of Akirika Obu from their Akwa Ibom neighbors, urging action on the matter.
In their remarks, the Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Mr Maxwell Nwadike, the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Mr Chibunna Akara, and Mr. Peter Azubuike, voiced the collective joy of their communities, acknowledging the Governor’s clear vision and dedication to improving all areas of Abia.
In his remarks, Eze Nwabiarije Eneogwe, representing traditional leaders in Obingwa, praised the Governor’s development efforts across all 17 LGAs of the state in line with the spirit of “Onye aghala nwanneya.” He also called for the repair of the Abayi-Umuokoroato-Umuoro-Ntighauzo road to further boost agricultural and economic activities in the region.
Governor Otti was joined by the Head of EU Cooperation, Mr. Maximo Deluca, his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and his delegation during the flag-off ceremony.
