12th September 2026, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, Governance And Development, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

The concept of a “New Abia” as being propagated by the administration of Dr. Alex Otti is not a mere figure of speech or metaphorical claim. A new Abia is truly evolving. And it is real. It can be seen and felt, not only in the commercial city of Aba, which has witnessed tremendous transformation, but also in Umuahia, the state capital and other parts of Abia.

Upon his inauguration as the 5th elected governor of Abia State on May 29, 2023, Dr. Otti had promised to reposition the state for greater development and transform Umuahia into a position befitting its status as a state capital.

Otti, within three and half years of his stewardship, has kept faith with his solemn commitment.

The intentionality on his part to open up Umuahia and transform it into a beautiful cosmopolitan city is clearly not in doubt. From the ongoing urban renewal programme of the government, the picture that is emerging is a deliberate and sustained effort to beautify the city and make it an attractive destination for business, investments and tourists.

The latest in the modernization efforts of the government is the decision to construct a major link road connecting Bende Road across the Umuahia Railway station to the Okpara Square in the heart of the city.

This is thoughtful and visionary. If the project is delivered, it has the potential of not only easing traffic congestion in the town, but would serve as a major booster to trade, commerce and inter-city transportation in the state.

The road, as conceived, is to stretch from Bende Road at the old Okpara Clock Tower by the Umuahia Post Office across the Umuahia Railway Station to Okpara Square through Bob Ogbuagu Road which many people erroneously refer to as Bank Road. Governor Otti, had some weeks ago, held meetings with the Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, to ensure there are no encumbrances with regard to the right of way.

Based on the outcome of the discussions of the governor and the Railway authorities, the Nigerian Police Station at the railway station which stands on the way of the proposed road is to be relocated to another area. Part of the agreement reached between the Abia State Government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation is the integration of the railway network in the town to the newly commissioned ultra-modern Professor Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, thus making the Bus Terminal a key hub for intra- and inter-city transportation.

Governor Otti and his team deserve special commendation for thinking outside the box and being proactive. The General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomoh, disclosed to newsmen in Umuahia that the owners of shanties located along the railway axis of Goods Shed had since been served notice to remove them as construction was expected to commence soon. Agomoh noted that the grace period given to them had already expired, adding that the task was expected to be carried out without hitches.

There is no doubt that this project, when fully consummated, would change the social and economic dynamics in Umuahia, and redefine the profile of the city. The opening up of the city would, expectedly, throw up economic opportunities as Umuahia becomes a destination of choice for business and leisure.

May Abia continue to prevail!

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

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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