Governor Alex Otti’s Commitment To Rebuilding Ohafia-Arochukwu Highway
By- Charles Chinekezi.
In a powerful and symbolic gesture on August 28, 2024, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, took the bold step of flagging off the reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Highway at Old Soldier Junction, Ebem Ohafia. This event marks more than just the beginning of a road project—it signifies a historic turnaround in the fortunes of the Arochukwu community and a promise fulfilled by an administration that has made trust and service its cornerstone.
For decades, the journey to Arochukwu was an ordeal, encapsulated in the old saying, “na o nweghi uzo e si a ga Aro di nso” (there is no easy route to Arochukwu). The once-vital corridor that connected Abia State to neighboring Cross River and Akwa Ibom States had become a treacherous path, a symbol of neglect and broken promises. But with the launch of this reconstruction project, the Otti administration is not only restoring a crucial route but also reigniting the economic and social opportunities that once thrived along this road.
Historically, the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road was more than just a transport link; it was a lifeline for over 60 communities, facilitating trade, education, and the pursuit of dreams across state lines. The road’s deterioration mirrored the decline in leadership that lost sight of the broader vision held by the likes of Sir Michael Okpara, whose Eastern Region Government had initially built the road to empower the people. With the reconstruction now in motion, Governor Otti is reviving this vision, paving the way for a future where Abians can once again dream without limits.
The road to this moment has been fraught with challenges. Previous attempts to reconstruct the road, including the ill-fated effort by the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund in the 1990s, were thwarted by political instability and a lack of commitment. Even more recently, the Federal Government’s half-hearted attempts in 2012 left the road in a worse state, with nothing to show for the funds reportedly approved. The Otti administration, however, has decided to take destiny into its own hands, with full approval from the Federal Government, to finally bring an end to the suffering endured by the people.
Governor Otti’s approach to governance is rooted in the belief that the state’s most important obligation is to solve problems, create economic advancement opportunities, and build new systems of advantages for future generations. The Ohafia-Arochukwu Road project is a testament to this philosophy. By ensuring the road reaches the border with Akwa Ibom State, where the neighboring government had already completed its portion, the Otti administration is laying the groundwork for renewed regional cooperation and economic integration.
The significance of this project extends far beyond the physical reconstruction of the road. It is about restoring the agricultural corridor of Abia State, which is crucial for job creation, poverty alleviation, and long-term food security. The project is also poised to open up new frontiers for investment, particularly in the limestone and kaolin-rich areas of the state. With the reconstruction underway, investors are likely to view Abia State as a land of opportunity once more, ready to contribute to the state’s industrial growth and GDP.
Furthermore, the project aligns with Governor Otti’s broader development agenda, which aims to create opportunities across the state, encouraging individuals to invest in their communities, raise families, and enjoy the fruits of their labor. The road’s reconstruction is expected to revitalize the Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA), which has suffered due to poor access. With improved infrastructure, ASCETA will once again become a hub for teacher training and education, contributing to the state’s long-term educational goals.
As the reconstruction project progresses, with contractors working from both the Ohafia and Arochukwu ends, Governor Otti’s administration is calling on all stakeholders to support this transformative initiative. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, and its success will depend on the cooperation and vigilance of the people.
Governor Otti’s message is clear: this project is about more than just building a road; it is about building a future. It is about ensuring that the resources of Abia State are used for the benefit of all its citizens, creating an ecosystem of opportunities that spans agriculture, commerce, tourism, education, and industrial manufacturing.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Governor Otti has assured the people that their taxes and statutory fees will be used judiciously to fund projects that enhance the collective economic and social well-being of the state. He also emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant against those who seek political office without the commitment to service, ensuring that the privilege of public trust is never again abused.
The reconstruction of the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road is a landmark achievement for Governor Alex Otti and his administration. It is a project that symbolizes the breaking of a jinx, the fulfillment of a promise, and the beginning of a new chapter for Abia State—a chapter where trust is earned, progress is visible, and the future is bright.
Freepressnews.