From Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, is scheduled to flag off the construction of the 3.95-kilometre Old Express Road and the 3.9-kilometre Uratta Road in Aba on October 21, 2026, as the state government intensifies efforts to improve road infrastructure and commercial activities across the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, on Monday, October 12, 2026, during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, following the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Otti.
According to the commissioner, the two road projects form part of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID), the administration’s comprehensive infrastructure programme designed to address long-standing development challenges through modern and sustainable solutions.
Kanu disclosed that construction work had already commenced on both roads ahead of the official flag-off ceremony. He added that additional projects under the ABSIID programme would be formally launched in the coming weeks as the government continues to expand its infrastructure development drive.
ABIA INTENSIFIES ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
The information commissioner revealed that construction and maintenance activities were ongoing at 53 direct-labour project locations across Abia State. He noted that four projects had been completed, while seven additional projects had been incorporated into the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.
Among the completed projects are the access road to Umuobia Housing Estate in Umuahia and Nnono Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
Other completed works include the rainy-season maintenance of approximately 40.6 kilometres of Ururuka Road, which connects communities across Umuahia South, Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South and Obingwa local government areas.
The rainy-season maintenance of Ohiya community road in Umuahia was also listed among the completed projects.
Kanu explained that the government was expanding its road maintenance operations to improve accessibility, reduce the effects of seasonal rainfall and ensure that critical routes remain usable by residents and motorists.
The newly added projects include the construction of Ihie-Obegu Road in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area and the first phase of Nkwereonye-Umuogo Road at Ubakala in Umuahia South.
Other projects are erosion control works at Amaeke Afarata in Ibeku, rainy-season maintenance of the Osisioma Flyover in Aba and maintenance work on Umuahia-Bende Road.
The commissioner further disclosed that 25 roads were currently under contract across the state. He also confirmed the completion of the first phase of Bende-Idima Road, marking another milestone in the government’s road infrastructure programme.
ARIARIA MARKET RENOVATION TO ENTER SECOND PHASE
In a significant development for traders and business owners in Aba, the Abia State Government is preparing to commence the next phase of the Ariaria International Market renovation following the completion of a section of the A Line.
Kanu said the government was determined to ensure that traders who owned shops before the redevelopment exercise would not be unfairly excluded from accessing the newly constructed shops.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Trade and Commerce has been directed to complete the validation of affected shop owners before work begins on the next phase of the renovation project.
The commissioner urged affected traders to complete their revalidation process on or before October 31, 2026, stressing that the deadline would mark the closure of the current opportunity for verification.
The market renovation is part of the state’s broader effort to improve commercial infrastructure, enhance the trading environment and support economic activities in Aba, one of southeastern Nigeria’s major commercial centres.
ABIA TO DISTRIBUTE OVER THREE MILLION MOSQUITO NETS
The commissioner also announced that the 2026 Abia Mass Mosquito Net Campaign would be officially launched on Friday, October 16, at the JAAC Secretariat in Umuahia, beginning at 11 a.m.
He disclosed that approximately 3,003,250 mosquito nets would be distributed across the state as part of efforts to strengthen malaria prevention and protect residents from mosquito-borne infections.
The campaign is expected to support public health interventions by improving access to preventive materials for households and communities throughout Abia.
WORLD SIGHT DAY ACTIVITIES TO FOCUS ON DRIVERS
Kanu further announced that Abia State would commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day on Thursday, October 15, at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal.
He explained that the venue was deliberately selected because this year’s activities would place particular emphasis on drivers and the importance of eye health among road users.
The initiative is intended to draw attention to the role of good vision in road safety and encourage drivers to prioritise eye examinations and appropriate healthcare.
ABIA HANDBALL TEAM QUALIFIES FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
On sports development, the commissioner said the state government’s investment in the sector was beginning to produce encouraging results, citing the recent performance of Abia’s team at the South-East handball competition.
He disclosed that the team had secured qualification for the National Handball Division One Championship scheduled to take place in Abuja.
The achievement, he noted, reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen sports development and create more opportunities for Abia athletes to compete at national level.
GOVERNMENT ASSESSES WELFARE NEEDS OF INMATES
Kanu also revealed that the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development had recently conducted visits to correctional facilities in Aba and Umuahia to assess the needs of inmates, many of whom are young people.
The outreach focused on identifying inmates who require legal assistance, bail support, medical attention and family intervention.
The ministry also examined opportunities for educational support, including preparations for inmates expected to sit for the First School Leaving Certificate Examination (FSLC).
According to the commissioner, the exercise was designed to identify areas where government intervention could improve inmates’ welfare, educational opportunities and prospects for rehabilitation.
LA LIGA WEEK SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER
The state government also announced plans for La Liga Week, scheduled to run from November 26 to December 26, 2026.
Kanu said the programme would be organised in collaboration with La Liga and its Spanish and Basque partners in Nigeria.
The event is expected to provide opportunities for sporting engagement and further strengthen the state’s efforts to promote football and youth participation in sports.
EZIAMA RING ROAD PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE NEARS COMPLETION
Providing an update on another major infrastructure project, the commissioner disclosed that construction of the pedestrian bridge at Eziama Ring Road in Aba had reached an advanced stage.
He said the bridge, upon completion, would provide a safer crossing for pedestrians and help reduce the risks associated with crossing the busy road.
The project forms part of the government’s wider efforts to improve road-user safety while upgrading infrastructure in Aba and other parts of Abia State.
Those present at the briefing included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Director-General of GADA, Architect Uche Ukeje; and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Citizen Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
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With the planned flag-off of the Old Express and Uratta roads, the next phase of the Ariaria Market renovation and several ongoing infrastructure and social programmes, the Abia State Government says it is continuing its drive to improve transportation, commercial activities, public health and youth development across the state.
