Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has officially flagged off the construction of the 11.1-kilometer Obehe-Umudobia-Owaza road in Ukwa West LGA with a promise to end the years of neglect in the Oil Producing Area.
Speaking at the ceremony held at St. Ann’s Secondary School, Ukwa West LGA, Governor Otti reaffirmed that his administration is commitment to ending years of neglect in Ukwa land and ensure equitable resource allocation befitting of an oil producing area.
The Governor emphasized that his administration would collaborate extensively with agencies such as the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other interventionist bodies to restore development in the oil rich area.
“Today we officially declare that the era of neglect of Ukwa and all the communities within the land is over.
“You will not only get what is due you at the resource allocation table, the various levers of our administration will collaborate extensively with the agencies like the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other interventionist establishments to restore the years that has been left to the politics of exclusion and deceit.
“A new age begins today“, Gov Otti assured.
The Governor further assured the people that the Umuzike -Obokwe -Ngwaiyiekwe road would soon be flagged off for reconstruction having been approved in the 2025 budget.
Governor Otti who promised to restore Power supply in Asa land before the end of this month, directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Mr Ikechukwu Monday to visit and evaluate the area with a view to ensuring that electricity is restored.
On the appeal for portable water, the Governor noted that he has already declared a State of Emergency in the Water Sector, assuring that the Water problem confronting many communities in the State would soon be a thing of the past.
Governor Otti who described the road project as an economic lifeline for the people of the area, said the road which is a direct link to the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, would enhance the industrialization, create job opportunities and stimulate the rapid socio-economic development of the Oil Producing Area as well as undo years of neglect caused by poor leadership of past administrations.
“Significant things will happen in the social economic landscape in this area before the end of the year when this road will expectedly be completed.
“This changes will manifest along the frontiers of job creation of new businesses spring up, expansion of opportunities for local entrepreneurs and new investors and the extension of the Aba Urban corridor.
“This project is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along these axis, it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.
“Ukwa shall no longer be a forgotten place. Your land will yield forth it’s best fruits and your barns shall never be empty again. You will enjoy the riches of the environment and the oil in your land shall bring you boundless prosperity”, Gov Otti said.
He announced that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a Modular Refinery within the AIIP to be built by H.I.S Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, has already been allocated land within the park.
Governor Otti who revealed that the road project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, urged the people of Ukwa West to support the contractor to ensure the timely completion of the road.
The Governor also called on residents and businesses to pay their taxes and statutory fees to enable the government extend development to other parts of the State.
He commended the contractor for commencing work even before the official flag-off, describing it as a testament to the seriousness of the project.
In an address, the Commissioner for Works Mr Otumchere Otti noted that the Governor through his numerous people oriented projects has clearly demonstrated the tenets of good governance in his geographical spread of amenities within the state.
“With these road projects strategically spread across the State, you are connecting communities, harnessing their social and cultural potentials for the benefits of all Abians in particular and Nigerians in general“,Mr Otti stated .
He noted that the project with 12-months delivery time line will equally open up the area for greater economic opportunities by creating direct and indirect jobs as well as increase heavy financial flow into the area.
In their goodwill messages, a former federal legislator in the Old Imo state Lady Victoria Akanwa and former SSG, Pastor Ralph Egbu applauded Governor Otti for his landmark achievements across the State and appealed for the restoration of electricity and provision of portable water in the area.
Also, the Commissioner for Environment Prof. Joe Ogbonna who likened Governor Otti’s administration to that of Late Sam Mbakwe, noted that the road took 67 years to be remembered.
