12th April 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News Governance And Development, Business And Economy, News, By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti has continued to make remarkable progress in his single-minded pursuit to transform and reposition the State for greater economic possibilities. Within two years he has been on the political saddle, he has wowed the good people of Abia with a stellar performance that is unprecedented in the 34-year history of the State.

Across the length and breadth of the State, he has embarked on various purposeful and meaningful projects that impact positively on the populace and communities within the entire spectrum of Abia. These projects which straddle many sectors of the economy are being undertaken simultaneously and equitably across the senatorial zones of the State.

One of such landmark projects is the total reconstruction and modernization of the 67.6 km stretch of highway running from Umuahia, the State capital, through Uzuakoli, Akoli Imenyi, Akara, Alayi, Item, Igbere, Abiriba to Ohafia. This strategic road connects many agrarian communities within Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial zones. It is, indeed, a major economic corridor that connects and opens up key commercial centres like Uzuakoli, Akara, Ovim, Abiriba and Ohafia, including farming communities that constitute the food basket of the State.

The contract for the road was awarded last year to three different reputable construction companies, with a view to quickening the delivery of the project within a good time. The stretch from Umuahia to Uzuakoli which is 22.6 km was handled by Craneburg, while the Uzuakoli-Akara–Abiriba segment which is 22.5 km was done by Ferotex Construction Company Nigeria Limited. The portion from Abiriba to Ohafia which is similarly 22.5 km is being handled by ChIna Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC).

Speaking on the occasion of the flag off on February 7, 2024, Otti lamented the neglect in infrastructure which the State suffered under the watch of the previous predatory administrations and assured that his government would right all the wrongs.

“We are committed to our promise to fix Abia State economy in order to wipe away our tears of several decades shed due to dilapidated infrastructure”.

This crucial road has been fully transformed into a beauty to behold, coming with drainages and pathways. According to Otti, the entire 67.6 km stretch is to be fitted with solar-powered streetlights in built-up areas to illuminate the road at night and thereby enhancing security. The road which was constructed in the First Republic during the Dr. Michael Okpara era had suffered degeneration over the years. It is, perhaps, important to note that it has never been reconstructed since after the Second Republic.

Prior to Otti`s intervention, the road was a complete nightmare to commuters who plied the road. The various communities along that strategic corridor suffered serious economic decline as they could not easily evacuate their farm products to the major urban centres of the State like Aba and Umuahia. It was, therefore, not surprising that when the road construction was flagged off, many of the people from the communities along the route trouped out in their number to accord a heroic reception to Governor Otti for coming to their rescue. They were full of praises for him for wiping away their tears. The Governor assured them that the job would be delivered in good time and according to specifications.

The Governor has kept faith with his promise as the road was not only completed within the stipulated time but excellently delivered to the delight of the people.

Speaking yesterday at the formal commissioning of the 46.3 km segment of the road comprising sections 1 and 2 which covers Umuahia through Uzuakoli, Akara, Alayi to Abiriba, Governor Otti highlighted the importance of the road and expressed delight that its completion would bring relief to the people and impact positively on their lives.

“By completing this project, we have not just shortened travel time for drivers and commuters coming into Umuahia from communities within Ohafia, Bende and Isuikwuato LGAs, we have also cut down risks of accidents, security threats and transport costs for scores of thousands of individuals and families. Anybody living or doing business along this axis can now travel safely to Umuahia and other urban centres within and outside the State at any time of the day or night unafraid of harassment by criminal elements who took advantage of the bad state and darkness of the road in the past to wreak havoc on innocent travelers”.

The choice of Obasanjo, an eminent African elder statesman for the commissioning underscores the great importance attached to the road by the Government and people of Abia State. The road is not just any road for the transportation of people and goods. It goes beyond that.

While commissioning the project, Obasanjo commended Otti for his sterling performance in office, describing him as a miracle worker and a true leader.

“You (Gov. Otti) are a man of your word, a goal-getter, a performer. You are a man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader”.
He urged the people of Abia to keep supporting Otti because of his good works.

With the reconstruction and modernization of the road, Otti has succeeded in connecting many hitherto inaccessible communities along that corridor to the rest of the State, thus boosting commerce and agriculture. This would ultimately lead to economic empowerment and shared prosperity.

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

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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