Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road: When the jinx breaker ends motorists’ nightmare
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has continued to earn the trust and confidence of Abia residents as a leader with a clear roadmap to redefine the state’s development trajectory. His mantra of hitting the reset button in Abia’s new development paradigm appears to be paying off substantially, making him increasingly popular among progressive-minded Abians both at home and in diaspora.
The confidence the governor enjoys from the people is founded on his visible commitment to delivering tangible infrastructure that aims to revive the economic fortunes of Abians, a people known for their enterprise and hard work.
It is common knowledge that the average Igbo person aspires to own and manage a business. When given an enabling environment, success often follows naturally. Despite years of neglect and poor infrastructure, many have continued to navigate difficult terrain to keep their ventures afloat.
Gov. Otti, a respected economist and successful banker, understands these realities. Perhaps this explains why he took what many saw as a risky decision to venture into politics – an tough and unpredictable arena that has often frustrated well-intentioned individuals with genuine development visions.
The rise of the people’s governor to the most coveted position in Abia was fiercely resisted by entrenched political forces under the Peoples Democratic Party. However, their over two-decade dominance came to an end during the 2023 General Elections, when some ad hoc officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission refused to validate falsified results in Obingwa Local Government Area.
The defeat of those who had long held the state hostage marked the beginning of a new era – where Abia’s resources are now being deployed for the good of its people.
The State of Emergency declared by Gov. Otti on roads, education, health, and environmental sanitation is already yielding tangible results.
In road infrastructure, the governor has discarded the long-standing federal–state dichotomy. Several federal roads that were previously impassable are now receiving attention. Notably, the Aba–Port Harcourt Road has already been reconstructed by Julius Berger, a Grade A construction company.
On Friday, 24 October, Governor Otti flagged off the reconstruction of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road within the state.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the project demonstrates his administration’s resolve to reverse years of infrastructural decay and end the protracted nightmare of motorists and communities along that corridor.
Gov. Otti reiterated that his administration does not subscribe to the idea of separating federal from state responsibilities when it comes to roads. Although the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road is a federal highway, he explained that his government decided to intervene after obtaining necessary approvals from the Federal Government.
“We do not accept the doctrine of dichotomy when it comes to roads, because the majority of the users are our people who ply them daily to work or move their agro-produce to urban markets.
“We have made a resolute commitment that every road within Abia—whether designated as federal, state, or local government—shall be maintained to support our economic and social endeavours,” he said.
The governor’s inclusive approach to development continues to attract commendations across political lines.
The Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Sen. Austin Akobundu, praised Gov Otti for setting aside bureaucratic bottlenecks and political differences to ensure the long-neglected road is fixed.
“We must put aside political or other narrow differences, commend the governor for this initiative, and rally round him to resolve this age-long challenge once and for all,” he said.
The President-General of Ndume Otuka Autonomous Community, Sir John Onyiro, lamented that the road had been used as a campaign tool by successive administrations. He commended Gov. Otti for remembering the people and assured him of their continued support and re-election in 2027.
The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu also deserves commendation for granting approval for the state to undertake the reconstruction of this vital road, particularly for refusing to be swayed by divisive political interests aimed at frustrating the project.
The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, was equally acknowledged for his role and support during the process of securing the contract approval between the state and the Federal Government.
As reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road begins in earnest, it is expected that host communities, residents, and institutions along the corridor will give full cooperation to ensure timely completion of the project.
Engineers from the State Ministry of Works are also urged to carry out effective supervision to guarantee that the contractor delivers the project according to standard specifications.
Upon completion, the new Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road will feature solar-powered streetlights and other modern amenities. The Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, urged residents to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it for the collective good.
#GovOttiIsBuildingTheNewAbia
#ToGodBeTheGlory
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu is a journalist and public affairs analyst writing from Umuahia.