The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has lauded the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for the quality and pace of ongoing road projects in Aba, the state’s commercial hub.
Umahi, who gave the commendation during a joint inspection with Governor Otti on Sunday, praised the reconstruction efforts on several critical roads, including the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, iPort Harcourt Road, Omuma Road, Obiohia Road, and Ohanku Roads.
“I commend you, Your Excellency. Incidentally, you are a man of few words but full of action.
“We have seen that it is not all about the party but the occupant of that position and so Otti is working, Otti is a gift to Abia people and Nigerians”, Sen Umahi declared.
He highlighted the support from President Bola Tinubu, and commended the Federal Government for prioritizing the Enugu/Port Harcourt Express Way based on the level of pressure mounted by Governor Otti who had visited the President severally on account of the project.
“First is to commend the President for this project, it is part of the priority project. The interest that the Governor of Abia State has shown; he has met with the President several times. He put us on our toes, that’s why we prioritize the project and it’s quite very commendable.
“And I have also witnessed the roads, incidentally I was told that it is a federal road – the famous Port Harcourt Road. I want to say that I watched the social media and Abia Broke record when Julius Berger was offloading their equipment.
The Works Minister recalled his involvement as a young Engineer in the Ndiegoro Flood Control Project, noting that since then, no major project has taken place in Aba.
He however expressed delight over the dualization of Omuma Road and the expansion of Port Harcourt Road, which now features three lanes each way.
“I’m so, so excited. I am an infrastructure person. I am a result-oriented person. We have inspected a lot of projects. I was so enthused that Omuma Road is not only being reconstructed, but it’s being dualized.
“Nobody believed that Port-Harcourt Road could contain 3 lanes – a carriage way, 6 altogether and the quality of the work.
“I also went to Omuma Road, it’s the same thing, we’ve inspected about four major roads. The SSA to the President sent me a text that he has never seen this quality of infrastructure, I was even jealous as if we are not doing a good job at the Expressway. So, I’m so excited”, he said.
Umahi also acknowledged the challenging state of Ohanku and Obohia Roads, which are now undergoing the much-needed reconstruction saying, “Ohanku and Obohia roads that are presently being targeted alongside other roads, used to be a nightmare”.
Umahi while applauding Governor Otti’s financial management, lauded the pedigree of his team, and announced that the Nigerian Council of Works recently singled out the Abia state Commissioner for Works Mr Otumchere Oti for his consistency, integrity and honesty.
Addressing the jubilant crowd, Governor Otti who thanked the people for their unwavering support, assured that the Ohanku Road ABA, would be completed in six months.
The Governor promised that the road would be done using Rigid Pavement Technology to enable it last longer, adding that the project is contracted to a reputable construction firm.
Also Speaking, the Member Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Sir Obi Aguocha said Governor Otti has within the period under review changed the narratives and called on the people of Aba to sustain their prayers and support for the Governor.
