Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced that his administration has secured the Federal Government’s commitment to release funds for the construction of the terminal section of the proposed Abia Airport in Nsulu, raising hopes for the speedy completion of the strategic infrastructure project.
Governor Otti made the announcement on Wednesday, at the headquarters of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Okpuala Ngwa during the formal reception of political stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, and members of his Change Abia Organisation into the Labour Party.
The governor said the anticipated release of funds would significantly advance the airport project, which he described as central to his administration’s long-term economic development strategy.
According to him, the public would begin to utilise the facility within a few years as work progresses on the project, adding that the completion of the airport would transform Abia into a major aviation and investment hub in the South-East region.
“We have got the understanding of the federal government that funding will soon be released for that part of the job.
“So, in a few years, we will be flying and landing at AbIa Airport Nsulu. And of course, you know that the airport doesn’t go without the routes”, he said.
Governor Otti who also provided an update on ongoing reforms and infrastructure projects, described his administration’s approach as a systematic removal of decades-old structural decay before initiating large-scale development, disclosing that the coming years would witness an unprecedented pace of project execution across the state.
The Governor announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of the strategic Ururuka Road, which links Umuahia and Aba without requiring motorists to use the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
He noted that significant projects, including the Abia Medical City initiative, were advancing steadily and would contribute to transforming the state’s economic and healthcare landscape.
Governor Otti commended Ufomba and members of the Change Abia Organisation for identifying with his administration and the Labour Party, assuring them of equal opportunities within the party irrespective of when they joined.
Several speakers at the event, including the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Chief Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, praised Governor Otti’s leadership, arguing that his administration had transformed the state’s landscape within three years and earned widespread support among residents.
Welcoming the new entrants into the party, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr Peter Azubuike, described Ufomba’s decision to join the party as a major boost to its growing political strength.
Azubuike said the party’s leadership and members were delighted to receive the former political leader and his supporters, pointing out that the development is a positive step towards strengthening the party’s structure ahead of future political contests.
Speaking after receiving the Labour Party flag from Governor Otti, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba said his decision to join the party was driven by conviction and the visible achievements of the Otti led administration across various sectors.
He stated that the governor’s performance had restored public confidence in governance and demonstrated that effective leadership could deliver tangible results.
Ufomba further commended Otti’s vision for the proposed Abia Airport, describing it as a transformative project capable of positioning the state as a major hub for commerce, investment and regional connectivity.
He added that the airport project would open new economic opportunities for the state and strengthen its competitiveness within the South-East region.
