Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has showered encomiums on Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, describing him as a goal-getter, a man of integrity, and a leader with a clear vision for development.
Obasanjo made the remarks, on Friday, during the Commissioning of the newly reconstructed 46.3km Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara- Isiukwuato – Abiriba Road (sections 1& 2.), now renamed Joe Irukwu Way by Governor Alex Otti in honour of the late former President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Joe Irukwu, who hailed from the State.
The road which connects Umuahia North, Bende, and Ohafia Local Government Areas, is expected to facilitate trade, improve transportation for farmers and businesses, as well as open up economic opportunities for rural communities.
Obasanjo lauded Governor Otti’s performance in office, noting that the road, which was once a nightmare to travel on, can now be accessed within 45 minutes, a feat he described as “miraculous”.
“You are a man of your word ,a goal getter, a performer. You are a man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader.
“This road you are all talking about, I traveled on it to Abiriba. It was hellish and when I was told that road you have done will get me from Umuahia to Abiriba in 45 minutes, I said this man called Alex Otti is a miracle worker.
“Governor, I say more grease to your elbow. I appreciate good things and would continue to encourage the good to continue to be better”, Obasanjo declared.
Obasanjo also addressed the importance of leadership and the need for competent teams at every level of governance and urged Abians to appreciate and support the Governor, whom he called a rare kind of leader.
“You said you have had leaders before,but one thing g you must know is that good leaders don’t flock and when you get a good leader like you have got in Dr Alex Otti, let us make good use of him.
“We human beings we don’t appreciate good things when we have them until we don’t have anything. We have appreciated the Governor and let us encourage him.
“I will continue to give encouragement whatever it takes to be behind you. It doesn’t matter what anybody will say about you provided you are performing.
“It is because you are doing well that they are talking about you, if you are not doing well they will ignore you.Do what is right and God will continue to bless you”, he said.
The Elder Statesman applauded the Governor’s non-transactional approach to governance, adding that the progress in Abia is proof that prudent management of resources, even in difficult times, can yield meaningful results.
“You have an idea of what you want to achieve, and you did not come for transactional politics because you are contented”, Obasanjo noted.
The ex President emphasized that the newly commissioned road is expected to significantly ease transportation, boost local economies, and enhance both State and National economic development and prayed for continued wisdom and strength for Governor Otti as he pilots the affairs of the State.
In his address, Gov. Otti described the project as a milestone in his Government’s determination to do things differently and build infrastructure that lasts.
He noted that the remaining part of the road project known as Section 3—from Abiriba to Ohafia—is being handled by a reputable construction company is nearing completion.
The Governor said the newly rehabilitated road would not only shortened travel time, enhanced security, and reduced transportation costs for residents and businesses along the axis.
He said that with the improved road network, commuters and traders could now move freely at any hour without fear of harassment by criminals who had previously exploited the bad condition of the road.
In a speech, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, said that the road would give a new lease of life to the citizenry.
Sen. Abaribe commended the State Government for its efforts in ensuring that the people of Abia continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
In their separate speeches,the lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Mr Obi Aguocha, the Chairman of Bende LGA, Mr Uwabunkeonye Bassey, thanked the State Government for alleviating the suffering of the people in the area.
They said that the communities in the area known for their agrarian prowess and the newly rehabilitated road would boost agricultural productivity in the area.
The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, in his remarks earlier, disclosed that the project involved comprehensive repairs of failed sections of the road using a stone base and binder course.
Engr. Oti said that some portions of the road were also reconstructed to improve vertical alignment and raise low-lying areas prone to flooding.
According to him, a 40-millimeter(mm) thick asphaltic concrete wearing course was laid on the entire carriageway, while the road shoulders were constructed with a 30mm thick asphaltic concrete wearing course.
He said that other key components of the project included the construction of culverts and drainage systems, repair of washouts, slope protection works.
Engr. Oti said that installation of solar-powered street lights in built-up areas, road markings and other ancillary works were also completed as part of the project.
He further appealed to members of the communities along the road corridor to take ownership of the infrastructure by safeguarding it against any activities that may reduce its lifespan.
