Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has flagged off the reconstruction of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, describing the project as “the end of a nightmare” for motorists and communities that have endured decades of deplorable road conditions.
The road, which is scheduled to be completed in 18 months, traverses several communities in Ibeku, Umuahia North, and communities in Ikwuano LGA, and terminates at the boundary between Abia and Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held on Friday, at the Timber Market, Ahieke Ndume, Governor Otti said the project symbolises his administration’s commitment to reversing years of infrastructural decay and driving inclusive economic growth across the state.
The Governor, who titled his speech ‘The End of a Nightmare,’ noted that “the prosperity of any community is tied to the availability and spread of support structures to expand the combined productivity of the population”.
“Today, however, we have gathered to collectively declare an effective end to the nightmare. This project, it has to be noted, would not be completed in a day, but from this day forward, you will begin to see clear evidence that indeed, we are faithful to our promise of restoration and ascent.
“When this road is completed in about 18 months or less, as the contractor has promised, we shall gather one more time to congratulate ourselves for outliving what became a telling evidence of patterned neglect,” Governor Otti said.
He explained that although the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road is a Federal highway, his administration decided to intervene after securing necessary approvals from the Federal Government as the majority of users are our people.
“We do not accept the doctrine of dichotomy when it comes to roads, because the majority of the users are our people who ply them in their daily commutes to work or to push their agro-produce to urban markets.
“To that extent, we have since made a resolute commitment that every road that passes through the length and breadth of Abia, whether designated as Federal, State, or Local Government, shall be viewed and maintained to be supportive of our economic and social endeavours,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti, while emphasizing that there is no “magic” to development, noted that his administration’s focus on road infrastructure is already yielding tangible results across Abia.
The Governor expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for granting approval for the State to reconstruct the road and to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for his “firm support and guidance” in processing the technical documents.
He further commended the Federal Government for “refusing to be misled by the petty designs of a few unpatriotic political actors from this State who attempted to scuttle the initiative just to massage their oversized egos”.
He assured residents that the road would be built to modern specifications with solar-powered streetlights, proper drainage systems, and quality asphalt layers to ensure durability.
The Governor, who appealed for patience and cooperation from road users during the construction period, assured that every necessary safety measure would be put in place to mitigate the impact of the inevitable disruptions.
In their separate remarks, the Senator representing Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Senator Austin Akobundu, and the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Mmeregini, described the Federal road as one of immense strategic importance to the people.
They lamented that the road had remained in deplorable condition for decades despite repeated assurances by previous administrations.
Both lawmakers commended Governor Otti for taking the bull by the horns to ensure its reconstruction and for setting aside the usual dichotomy between Federal and State responsibilities in the interest of the people.
Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Izuchukwu Onwughara, described the road as a “major artery” linking Abia and Akwa Ibom States, adding that the construction represents the breaking of a jinx of over 40 years.
“The construction of the Umuahia Ikot-Ekpene Road represents the breaking of a jinx of over 40 years. No more shall we be called names. No more shall commuters hiss and curse as soon as they enter Abia State’s boundaries.
“The project is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State, who has prioritized infrastructural development as a cornerstone for economic growth and social progress,” he said.
The Commissioner disclosed that the road’s pavement structure would include a 7.3-metre carriageway with two-metre shoulders on both sides, a 200mm sub-base, a 200mm stone base, and asphalt layers of 60mm binder and 40mm wearing courses.
Also, the President General, Ndume Otuka Autonomous Community, Sir John Onyiro, lamented that the road has been used by past administrations for political purposes with unfulfilled promises about its reconstruction.
He urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and support Governor Otti for a second term as a mark of appreciation for his commendable performance and development strides as a way of appreciating his good works.
Governor Otti later flagged off the 13.1-kilometre Ariam-Usaka ring road.
