Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to commence the long-awaited Abia Airport Project before the first quarter of next year, alongside the redevelopment of the Nsulu Games Village.
Governor Otti made this announcement on Monday during the official flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the 11.5km Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road in Isialangwa North Local Government Area.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti
In his speech titled “Unlocking the Prosperity of the Land,” the Governor assured residents that the Abia Airport Project would soon become a reality.
He said: “By the grace of God, before the first quarter of next year—and if it doesn’t happen next month—the Abia Airport Project will be flagged off.”
The Governor highlighted the significance of the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road as a vital link to other development initiatives in the area, adding that the road reconstruction project is strategically connected to the proposed Abia Airport Construction Project at Nsulu.
“This road reconstruction project is strategically connected to other development projects in this region, including the proposed Abia Airport Construction Project at Nsulu, the redevelopment of the Nsulu Games Village into a modern multi-purpose sports complex, and the remodeling of dozens of educational and health facilities in different clans and communities in Isialangwa,” Otti stated.
He further elaborated on the grand vision for the area:
*”The grand design is to maximize the locational advantage of the communities in this part of the State to create new urban centers outside Aba and Umuahia.
This consideration is rooted in the fact that Isialangwa is strategically located between the two major urban centers in the State. The Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road Project and other development initiatives in this part of the State are a glimpse into our bold development agenda, which promises to connect cities and towns, ultimately creating a long stretch of organized and secure urban communities.”*
In recognition of the contributions of former Senator and first Speaker of the House of Representatives, Jaja Wachukwu, the Governor directed the contractor to extend the road by an additional kilometer from Umuelemoha junction to the senator’s residence.
The Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road, slated for completion within 12 months, is expected to catalyze economic growth by boosting agriculture, retail trade, hospitality, and real estate, among other sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Oti, announced that the road had been upgraded from a Trunk A to a Trunk B standard to facilitate the transportation of goods and agricultural produce and to boost business activities in the surrounding communities.
Abia Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Oti
Engr. Oti emphasized the economic importance of the road, which begins at the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway by Ntigha, cuts through Nsulu, and ends at the Ururuka Road. He revealed that the project includes solar-powered streetlights and assured that the Ministry of Works would supervise the construction to ensure timely delivery and strict adherence to specifications.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba
Prominent sons of Isialangwa North, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe; and stakeholder Chief Eric Opah, commended the Governor for addressing the long-neglected road and pledged their unwavering support for his administration.
Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe
Earlier, the Mayor of Isialangwa North LGA, Mr. Innocent Uruakpa, expressed gratitude to the Governor for flagging off the road reconstruction. He lauded Dr. Otti for his commitment to transforming the state and rewriting its development narrative.
