Gov. Alex Otti Commissions Major Roads in Umuahia, Names Roads After JOJ Okezie and Uma Ukpai
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned several newly reconstructed roads across Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.
During the commissioning ceremony held on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, Governor Otti announced the renaming of the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road as JOJ Okezie Road, while the Tower–Onuimo Road was officially named Uma Ukpai Way in honour of two respected figures from Abia State.
The newly commissioned roads include Orpet–Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Ndume Road, Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road, Madonna Hospital Road in Afara, Justice Okoroafor Close, Library Avenue Road, Umubioko–Amakama Road, Nsukwe–Umuogo Road, and the newly renamed Uma Ukpai Way.
Speaking at various project sites during the commissioning exercise, Governor Otti appreciated residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the construction process.
According to the Governor, the decision to name the roads after Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai and the late JOJ Okezie was aimed at honouring their contributions and lasting impact on the state and society.
“What we have come here today to do is not just celebrate the completion of these roads, but also celebrate our fathers in this state who made remarkable impacts during their lifetime,” Governor Otti stated.
Speaking on the reconstruction of the Tower–Onuimo Road, now known as Uma Ukpai Way, Governor Otti commended Craneburg Construction Company for delivering a high-quality project.
He explained that the road project was designed to improve traffic flow and ensure that visitors entering Abia State are welcomed by modern and well-constructed roads.
“The whole idea is that once you enter Abia State, you will immediately notice the difference through quality road infrastructure. This road has been completed with street lights, drainage systems, and proper road markings, and it is built to stand the test of time,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructural renewal across the state, stressing that road development remains critical to economic growth, mobility, and urban transformation.
Also speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, revealed that many of the roads were previously in terrible condition before the intervention of the present administration.
He particularly highlighted the Orpet–Umuafai–Ahiaeke Road and the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road as routes that had become nearly impassable before reconstruction work commenced.
The Commissioner praised Governor Otti for prioritising road infrastructure and commended Craneburg Construction Company for maintaining high construction standards across multiple projects in the state.
Engr. Oti further disclosed that although the Tower–Onuimo Road was originally a federal single-carriage road, Governor Otti directed that it should be expanded into a dual carriageway for the benefit of residents and motorists.
“You directed that the road should be dualised, and today we have successfully delivered a six-kilometre dual carriage road. Even though it is a federal road, the Governor believes that any road that benefits Abia people deserves attention regardless of ownership,” he stated.
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The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials and dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, members of the National and State House of Assembly, commissioners, political stakeholders, and community leaders.
