Governor Alex Otti of Abia State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no community in Abia State is left behind in the push for development.
Governor Otti made the pledge, Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Onuinyang-Okporoenyi-Oboro-Ikwuano road.
The 13 Kilometer Road which cuts across the North Senatorial district of the State, is expected to serve as a vital economic artery, connecting tens of thousands of farmers to urban markets within and beyond Abia.
The Governor highlighted the strategic importance of the road, noting that the surrounding communities are integral to the State’s Agricultural Framework, renowned for their production of cocoa, cassava, cereals, and vegetables.
He emphasized that the project represents more than just road construction, but a testament to his Government’s dedication to foster prosperity, support local industries, and improve the living standards of Abians.
“We made a commitment that not a single community in Abia shall be neglected in our determined push to revive the levers of our economy and create an environment that supports and aspirations of our hardworking population.
“We have gathered this afternoon to witness another demonstration of our fidelity to the covenant that binds us as a people”, the Gov declared.
Governor Otti further reiterated that his Government remains committed to the even development of Abia State to ensure that every community plays a pivotal role in the administration’s governance agenda.
He also stressed that roads, in his administration’s vision, are not just about laying asphalt but about creating pathways to sustainable prosperity.
“In the new Abia we conceive roads as pathways to prosperity for present and future generations. This project underscores our commitment to the even development of the state
“We consider every community pivotal to our governance agenda.
“Our determination to build quality road networks to connect all parts of the state is founded on the conviction that there are abundant human and material resources to be harnessed by opening the roads that were hitter to abandoned through systemic neglect, the Governor noted.
Governor Otti commended the resilience of farmers and traders who, despite years of neglect by previous administrations have continued to drive the local economy through sheer determination and assured them that their contributions would no longer go unrecognized.
“This event presents a great opportunity to thank you for your enormous contributions to the economic and social well-being of our people.
“Never again will your sacrifices and labour go unrecognised and unappreciated by the Government“, he assured.
Governor Otti assured residents that the road would not only be completed on schedule but built to the highest standard to withstand environmental elements.
The Member Representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Chijioke Nwankwo, expressed their gratitude to Governor Otti for his commitment to fixing the road and described the project as a clear demonstration of his determination to govern the state effectively.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, lauded the Governor’s unwavering resolve to open up all parts of the state and noted that the benefiting communities are rich in food and cash crop production but have long suffered from poor road access, which has hindered their economic potential.
He revealed that the road project is divided into two sections, each handled by different construction firms, with a contract duration of six months adding that the road would be constructed with asphaltic concrete, complete with culverts, drainage systems, and street lighting.
The Mayor of Ikwuano, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, and his Bende counterpart, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, commended Governor Otti for empowering the people by providing them with accessible roads.
They described him as a leader who delivers tangible projects and emphasized that the road construction will significantly boost Agriculture in the State.
In their goodwill messages, the Traditional Rulers and Community Leaders, including Eze Engr. Ossy Iromantu of Okporoenyi Autonomous Community, Eze (Prof.) Innocent Ezeala of Ibe Uzo Amawom-Oboro, and Chief Sunny Chigbu of Nkalunta, saluted Governor Otti for remembering their communities, pointing out that the road was last constructed in 1952 by the then Eastern Region Government under Dr. Michael Okpara.
