Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, marking the end of decades of neglect and hardship for motorists and residents along the route.
Speaking at the Umuahia Timber Market during the flag-off ceremony on Friday, Governor Otti described the project as a significant step in his administration’s drive to reverse years of infrastructural decay across Abia State. His speech, titled “The End of a Nightmare”, highlighted his commitment to ensuring that every road within the state whether federal, state, or local receives equal attention.
“We do not accept the doctrine of dichotomy when it comes to roads,” Otti declared. “Most of the users are our people, and they deserve safe and motorable roads regardless of the road’s ownership status.”
The governor revealed that despite the road being a federal highway, the state government secured necessary approvals from the Federal Government to undertake the reconstruction, which is expected to be completed within 18 months. He also thanked President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for granting the approvals and supporting the initiative.
Governor Otti further criticized some “unpatriotic political actors” who, he said, attempted to frustrate the project for selfish reasons.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) and Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini, Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, commended Governor Otti’s leadership and described the road as economically strategic, having remained in deplorable condition for over four decades despite previous government promises.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, represented by Engr. Izuchukwu Onwughara, stated that the project demonstrates the governor’s visionary leadership and his belief that infrastructure is key to economic growth. He assured residents that the road would feature solar-powered streetlights and other modern amenities, urging communities to support and protect the project.
Sir John Onyiro, President General of Ndume Otuka Autonomous Community, expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that the road had long been used as a political campaign tool by past administrations. He promised that the people would reward Otti’s sincerity with continued support, even beyond 2027.
In a live virtual session, Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano–Umuahia Federal Constituency, praised the governor for breaking long-standing development barriers across Abia’s three zones. He cited the ongoing rehabilitation of Port Harcourt and Ohanku Roads in Abia South, the Omenuko Bridge in Abia North, and now the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road in Abia Central, describing them as transformative and historic.
The event drew a large crowd of dignitaries, lawmakers, and community stakeholders who hailed the governor’s developmental vision and commitment to the welfare of Abians.