Monday, November 3, 2025 - The Federal Government has handed over the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road to the Abia State Government for completion following a request by Governor Alex Otti and the subsequent approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a show of synergy and shared desire to fast-track road infrastructure.
It also authorised Otti to forthwith take charge of the
construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the roads, just as it
called other state governors to follow suit in the overall interest of the
country.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi, who announced and
effected the handover on behalf of the President, at the weekend, during a
civic reception held for the governor by the Bende Progressive Union at the Aba
Enyimba Stadium, said it was in continuation and demonstration of the Renewed
Hope Administration’s resolve to significantly improve Nigeria’s road network
and a show of synergy between the federal and state governments.
Umahi, at the gathering, which had in attendance members of
the National Assembly from the state, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and
other stakeholders, commended Otti’s proactive approach to fixing failed
federal roads and described him as a leader who is focused on the needs of his
people rather than partisan considerations.
The minister said, “So, I am happy that the majority of our
governors are taking the bull by the horns.” Umahi expressed concerns that the
projects had suffered funding constraints over the years that marred their
planned pace and ultimate completion.
He, therefore, urged the people of Abia and the South-East
to fully support the government of the day, as well as endorse President Tinubu
for a second term in office to continue being relevant as an integral part of
the Nigerian project.
Earlier in the day, upon arriving in Aba, the minister, who
paid an unscheduled working visit to ongoing works on the 56.1-kilometre
Section II (Umuahia Tower-Aba) of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the
Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, being handled by Messrs Arab Contractors
(Nig.) Limited, chided the company for not living up to its reputation as a
stickler to quality and time in project delivery.
He consequently gave the contractor one month to complete
the remaining 4.1 kilometres of the contract. Responding, Otti appreciated the
President for granting him approval to fund the projects to completion,
describing it as value addition to the good people of Abia State and Nigeria,
in general.
He further said that it was not the first time that the
state would be intervening in the execution of the Federal Government’s
projects, insisting that “the end justifies the means.”
Also, the Bende Union Leader, in his address,
described the event as a collective endorsement of Otti’s transformational
leadership within his 29 months in office, stating that the state now
experiences a new dawn marked by purposeful leadership and visible development.
Udah, who stated that the people of Bende were known for
their industry, hospitality, and support for worthy causes, announced their
passing of unanimous vote of confidence in Otti and his administration
He, however, tasked Otti to do the needful on
several rural and agrarian roads in Bende and neighbouring communities of
Ebonyi State to enhance agricultural productivity and ease the movement of
goods and people.
The Bende Union, however, announced that Otti was being
honoured for exhibiting a high level of integrity and professionalism in the
2023 governorship election.
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