Abia to flag off two roads in Aba, begin second phase of Ariaria market renovation
Abia to flag off two roads in Aba, begin second phase of Ariaria market renovation
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Alex Otti, will on October 21, formally flag off the construction of the 3.95-kilometre Old Express Road and the 3.9-kilometre Uratta Road, both in Aba.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
He said, “These projects align with the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project ( ABSIID) that embodies the Otti-led administration’s infrastructure strategy of addressing long- standing challenges with modern scalable solutions..
“Construction work has already commenced on the roads ahead of the formal flag-off ceremony, more road projects would be flagged -off in due course as part of the ABSIID Projects.
“Work is ongoing at 53 direct-labour project locations across the state, out of which four projects had been completed, while seven new projects had been added to the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme.
“The completed projects include the construction of the access road to Umuobia Housing Estate in Umuahia and Nnoǹọ Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
“Others are the rainy-season maintenance of approximately 40.6 kilometres of Ururuka Road, which traverses Umuahia South, Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South and Obingwa local government areas, as well as the rainy-season maintenance of Ohiya community road in Umuahia.”
Prince Kanu listed the newly added direct-labour projects to include the construction of Ihie-Obegu Road in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area; the first phase of Nkwereonye-Umuogo Road at Ubakala in Umuahia South; erosion control works at Amaeke Afarata, Ibeku; rainy-season maintenance of Osisioma Flyover in Aba; and maintenance of Umuahia-Bende Road.
He also revealed that 25 roads are currently under contract, adding that the first phase of Bende-Idima Road had been completed.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the state government is preparing to commence another phase of renovation work following the completion of a section of the A Line, in Ariaria.
He explained that the government is committed to ensuring that traders who owned shops before the renovation are not denied access to the newly constructed shops during the redevelopment process.
He added that the Ministry of Trade and Commerce has been directed to conclude the validation of affected shop owners before the commencement of the next phase of the renovation exercise. The affected traders have until October 31st to get re-validated before this window of opportunity closes.
The commissioner announced that the 2026 Abia Mass Mosquito Net Campaign would be formally launched on Friday, October 16, at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, by 11 a.m.
He said about three million, three thousand, two hundred and fifty. (3,003,250) mosquito nets would be distributed across the state during the exercise.
Prince Kanu also announced that the state would commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day on Thursday, October 15, at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal. He explained that the choice of the terminal was deliberate, as this year’s activities would focus on drivers and the need to promote eye health among road users.
The commissioner said the state government’s investments in sports continued to yield positive results, citing the recent achievements of Abia at the South-East handball competition.
He disclosed that the state’s team has secured qualification for the National Handball Division One Championship scheduled to hold in Abuja, following its performance in the regional competition.
Prince Kanu also said the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has recently visited correctional facilities in Aba and Umuahia to assess the legal, health, welfare and educational needs of inmates, most of whom are young people.
He explained that the outreach was designed to identify areas where inmates required legal aid, bail assistance, medical attention and family support, while also examining opportunities for educational development and preparation for their First School Leaving Certificate Examination,(FSLC.).
The commissioner further announced that La Liga Week would take place from November 26 to December 26, 2026, with activities to be organised in collaboration with La Liga and its Spanish and Basque partners in Nigeria.
Prince Kanu disclosed that the construction of the pedestrian bridge at Eziama ring road Aba, has reached an advanced stage, He said the bridge, when completed, would provide a safer crossing for pedestrians using the road.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, the DG GADA, Architect Uche Ukeje and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha were present at the briefing.