Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the people of Ukwa West Local Government Area that the construction of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi–Uratta Road will be included in the Abia State Government’s 2027 budget.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Friday, August 28, 2026, when members of the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council paid him a courtesy visit at his office.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Council, Eze Anthony Chinyere Dike.
During the meeting, the Governor directed relevant commissioners and government officials to ensure that the road project is properly captured in the 2027 budget estimates, stressing that government projects can only be effectively implemented when they are formally provided for in the state budget.
Gov. Otti Commends Traditional Rulers for Restoring Peace at Inner Galaxy
Governor Otti also commended the traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Ukwa West for their efforts in restoring peace in the Inner Galaxy area.
The Governor praised their leadership and cooperation in addressing the challenges surrounding the company and helping to restore stability in the area.
He noted that the peaceful resolution of issues affecting communities and businesses remains important to the overall development and economic growth of Abia State.
Governor Otti further thanked the delegation for recognising the efforts of his administration in restoring electricity to several communities in Ukwa West.
Governor Promises Attention to Electricity and Development Challenges
The Abia State Governor assured the traditional rulers that the various requests presented during the visit would receive appropriate government attention.
Among the concerns raised were reports that Owaza and Umuorie communities were still without electricity, despite the wider power restoration intervention carried out in parts of Ukwa West last year.
Governor Otti also promised to look into requests relating to the resumption of development projects and the provision of utility vehicles to support the activities of traditional rulers in the area.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to ensuring that development reaches communities across all parts of Abia State, including the oil-producing communities of Ukwa West.
Traditional Rulers Praise Otti’s Development Drive
Earlier, the Chairman of the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Anthony Chinyere Dike, praised Governor Otti for what he described as significant progress in infrastructure and development across Asa land and other parts of Abia State.
Eze Dike informed the Governor that peace had been restored in the Inner Galaxy area in accordance with the Governor’s earlier directive.
He credited traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders for working together to achieve the restoration of peace.
The traditional ruler also commended the Otti administration over the revocation of the Enyimba Economic City project, the ongoing housing development in Obehie and the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road.
According to him, the projects are expected to contribute significantly to economic development and improve the wellbeing of residents in the area.
Appeal for ASOPADEC Projects to Resume in Ukwa West
The traditional rulers expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government for restoring electricity to parts of Ukwa West and appealed for communities yet to benefit from the intervention to be considered in future phases.
They also raised concerns over the suspension of development projects by the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) in Ukwa West.
The delegation appealed to Governor Otti to intervene and ensure that the commission returns to the area to continue its development activities.
The traditional rulers further thanked the Governor for the Civic Centre project in Ukwa and renewed their appeal for the rehabilitation of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi–Uratta Road.
They also requested utility vehicles to support the work and mobility of traditional rulers within the local government area.
Governor Otti was joined at the meeting by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; the General Manager of ASOPADEC, Ven. Dr. Joshua Onyike; the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, alongside other government officials.
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The latest assurance on the Obuokwe–Umuekechi–Uratta Road is expected to bring renewed hope to residents of Ukwa West as the Abia State Government prepares its 2027 budget and continues its development agenda across the state.
