25th October 2025, NewsOrient, Governance And Development, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Governor Alex Otti scored yet another goal on Friday in Abia State as he flagged off the reconstruction of the dilapidated Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene highway, which for several years has been a terrible nightmare to the communities along that corridor.

For over twenty four years, the residents and people doing business along that axis have endured untold pains and hardships as a result of the poor situation of that vital road link that connects Abia to Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Benue and the States in the North Eastern flank of the country.

To the vast majority of people in Abia, particularly the residents of Umuahia and Ikwuano, the flag-off is a dream come true, considering the fatalities and mishaps that have continued to occur on the road which was left to deteriorate to an intolerable condition. The picture becomes clearer when it is realized that critical government institutions are located along this corridor. They include the Timber Shed in Ahiaeke; Government College, Umuahia; Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike; Abia State University, Umuahia Campus; and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.

The road is the main artery from Umuahia, the Abia State capital to Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. As a result, a lot of heavy traffic is experienced on the road with many articulated trucks and heavy duty vehicles compounding the situation. It is on record that many commuters, including students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture have lost their precious lives on that road, especially the stretch from Ehimiri Estate through Ahiaeke to the University gate at Umudike. This has compelled the students, on several occasions, to stage public protests, blocking the road and calling on concerned authorities to come to their rescue. This has been the parlous state of affairs before the Otti intervention.

Addressing a mammoth crowd at the flagging-off ceremony held at Ahiaeke, Governor Otti commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi for giving Abia State Government the approval to undertake the reconstruction of the federal highway which has been mired in intrigues and controversies from the time of President Musa Yar`Adua. Several contracts had been awarded by the previous federal administrations from Obasanjo to Buhari for the construction of the same road but with little or nothing to show for it. But this time around, Abians are expectant that Otti would perform similar magic he did on the 67 Km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba-Ohafia road which clearly stands out as a signature project.

Otti told the enthusiastic crowd which included traditional rulers, residents, traders, students and government officials that the event was “the end of a long night and the beginning of a new dawn for Abia”. He stated that his administration`s approach to development is rooted in a clear philosophy: that no society can prosper without deliberate investments in infrastructure”.

He further noted: “Those who built the world`s greatest civilizations-from Rome to America, China, and the UAE-all started by building strong roads and other infrastructures. There is no magic to development. Roads open the doors to prosperity”.

It is this philosophy of deliberate investments in infrastructures that has guided the Otti administration in the current economic transformation that is going on in Abia State today. The Governor rightly and strongly believes that infrastructure is the enabler of wealth creation, economic empowerment and shared prosperity.

There is no doubt that when the road is completed, it would boost trade and commerce, grant access to the farming communities in the area, facilitate agricultural production and help the people to build economic resilience.

Governor Otti disclosed that the job has been awarded to a reputable company, GELD Construction Limited, the firm that successfully built and delivered the iconic Omenuko Bridge in Ozu Abam, Bende LGA. The company has promised to deliver within 18 months.

He further noted that the scope of work on the 25 km road, which terminates at the border with Akwa Ibom, includes solar-powered streetlights and modern drainage systems to improve security, safety, and night time business activities.

Within the same Ikwuano axis, Governor Otti also flagged off the reconstruction of the 16 Km Ariam-Usaka Ring road. This is one road that is very dear to the hearts of the people of Ikwuano, a fertile food producing belt of Abia State.

This bold effort by Governor Otti would, undoubtedly, open up the various farming communities in that sector and empower them economically.

Many of the villages in that area have been inaccessible for years.

By undertaking the construction of this road, Otti has brought hope to the people and given them opportunity to prosper in their various vocations.

For the people of Ikwuano, a Daniel has come to judgment, and he will forever be remembered as the man that wiped off their tears.

In a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, “these projects reflect Governor Otti`s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal, rural connectivity, and economic rejuvenation across Abia State.

The reconstruction of these critical road corridors will further open up communities in Ikwuano and enhance trade, agriculture, and mobility between Abia and neighbouring States”.

Governor Otti deserves all the accolades and commendations he has continued to receive from Abia people because of his good works.

One good turn definitely deserves another. There is no doubt that he would be rewarded with a second term in 2027 for his excellent performance.

May Abia continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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