Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commissioned the 22.5 kilometer, third section of the reconstructed Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road and named it Chief Otisi Kalu Road in honour of the late political associate and prominent son of Abiriba Kingdom.
The newly completed 22.5-kilometre road forms part of the state government’s ongoing infrastructure renewal drive aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities across Abia North.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Abiriba Junction, Governor Otti said the late Chief Otisi Kalu was one of the strong pillars of his political movement and played a significant role in the struggle to free Abia from poor governance.
He noted that Sections One and Two of the road project had earlier been commissioned by former President and named after the late Professor Joe Irukwu.
According to the Governor, the decision to immortalise Chief Otisi Kalu was in recognition of his contributions and exceptional intellect, which he described as remarkable and far-reaching.
Governor Otti also commissioned several other projects across Abia North, including the Nunya–Eluama Road in Isuikwuato, the reconstructed 7-kilometre Abiriba Ring Road, the 2.35-kilometre Obilohia–Amune–Ovim Umuakwu Road in Isuikwuato, Chris Uche Road in Igbere, internal roads within the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende, and Eluoma Road in Uzuakoli.
He commended China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CECC) for delivering the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road project according to specification despite challenges encountered during construction.
The Governor explained that unforeseen underground issues delayed the completion of the project, adding that the contractor acted professionally by drawing the government’s attention to the problem before proceeding with remedial measures.
He stated that his administration embarked on the various road projects to improve access to communities, boost commerce and enhance the living conditions of residents.
Governor Otti further explained that the internal roads at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp were previously in a deplorable state, necessitating urgent intervention to provide a more conducive environment for corps members.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, said Section 3 of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road would have been completed alongside Sections One and Two last year but for the underground complications discovered during construction.
At the commissioning of the Obilohia–Amune–Ovim Umuakwu Road in Isuikwuato, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, and former Governor of old Imo State, retired General Ike Nwachukwu, lauded Governor Otti’s project-driven leadership.
They maintained that the Governor had redefined governance in Abia State through infrastructural development and quality project delivery, expressing confidence that his performance had strengthened his political standing ahead of the 2027 elections.
In Igbere, a stakeholder and Bende Federal Constituency hopeful, Dr Chima Anyaso, commended the Governor for what he described as an impactful three years in office.
He stated that the proposed Umunna Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre would create employment opportunities, improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the sense of inclusion among residents of Abia North.
Also speaking with journalists during the commissioning ceremonies, the Director-General of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Elder Obinna Odum, applauded Governor Otti for extending developmental projects across Abia North and other parts of the state.
Odum said the Governor’s achievements had distinguished his administration and assured that the people would support him in 2027.
