Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially flagged off the construction of the 11.27 kilometer Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, marking the beginning of significant infrastructural transformation in the region.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Otti emphasized the strategic importance of Umunneochi in the socio-economic growth of Abia State and the South-East region. He assured residents that the project is just the start of more developmental initiatives.
In addition to the road construction, the Governor revealed that the Leru-Lekwesi-Lokpanta-Lokpaukwu Road has been prioritized for reconstruction based on public demand. He also directed the state Commissioner for Works to inspect the Nmang Bridge for possible repairs, further demonstrating his commitment to improving the area’s infrastructure.
The State Chief Executive unveiled plans to establish a multi-billion Naira agro-processing facility in Umunneochi, one of three such centers planned for the state.
“I’m glad to inform this August gathering that Umunneochi has been selected as one of the three locations where the government will site a multi-billion Naira agro-industrial processing facility, and this will happen very shortly,” he announced.
Designed to revolutionize the agricultural sector, the facility will integrate production, aggregation, and processing of agro-commodities for both local and export markets.
The Governor commended the people of Umunneochi for their support, particularly in efforts to restore security in the area.
“Our success in the restoration of security in this part points to what is possible when we work in unity as leaders to solve the social and economic problems facing our communities,” he stated.
He urged political and community leaders to prioritize the welfare of the people over partisan politics, emphasizing that development should remain a collective goal.
Prominent figures, including Hon. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, lauded the Governor for addressing Umunneochi’s infrastructural challenges. They also urged him to extend his intervention to the Nmang Bridge.
Also speaking, Chief Mathias Umeh, representing Umunneochi state constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, and the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, highlighted the road’s significance to the economy of Abia and the South-East region, commending the Governor’s development drive.
In his address, the state Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, underscored the economic potential of the project, noting that Umunneochi is home to agrarian communities producing cashew, cassava, yams, and black beans in commercial quantities.
He stated that the road would unlock new economic opportunities, boost agribusiness, and generate employment for skilled and unskilled workers, ultimately enhancing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The project, which is expected to be completed in 12 months, includes provisions for culverts, drainage systems, and streetlights in built-up areas. The Commissioner expressed confidence that the contractors would deliver the project to the highest standards.
