Abia Tricycle Union Shares Free Fuel To Honour Otti’s Road Projects
In a rare show of appreciation, members of the Tricycle Owners and Operators Association in Abia State have distributed free fuel to hundreds of their colleagues in celebration of Governor Alex Otti’s transformational road projects across the state.
The fuel-sharing exercise, which took place on Wednesday in Aba and Umuahia, drew enthusiastic participation from both union members and residents who gathered to witness the symbolic gesture.
The event, according to the union, was their collective way of recognising the governor’s commitment to rehabilitating and reconstructing critical road networks that had for years remained in disrepair.
Speaking during the event, the state chairman of the tricycle union, Comrade Uchechukwu Nwankwo, described the governor’s road initiatives as “a breath of fresh air” for transport operators in the state.
He noted that prior to the commencement of the road projects, tricycle operators bore the brunt of bad roads, which led to high maintenance costs, frequent breakdowns, and reduced income.
“Today, we are able to move freely without damaging our vehicles or spending all our profits on repairs. It may seem like a small thing, but to us, it has changed our lives.
“We decided to share free fuel with our fellow operators as a token of gratitude to the governor for putting the interest of the common man first,” Nwankwo said.
Several operators who benefitted from the initiative praised the state government for its ongoing infrastructure drive, stating that the improved road conditions have enhanced their daily operations and contributed to better earnings.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Nneka Ibe, a single mother and tricycle rider in Aba, shared her experience: “Before now, I used to repair my Keke almost every week because of potholes and flooded streets.
“But now, the roads are smooth, and I can carry more passengers without fear. Governor Otti has remembered people like us, and we will continue to support him.”
According to the union, the fuel distribution was funded through contributions from senior members who believed it was important to show solidarity with the state government’s efforts.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Abia State Ministry of Works commended the union for recognising the impact of the administration’s road projects, noting that infrastructure development remains a key priority for Governor Otti’s government.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otisi Ndubuisi said the administration is committed to completing over 30 strategic road projects across the state within the next 12 months.
“Our goal is to connect communities, stimulate commerce, and restore pride in public infrastructure. The support and encouragement from groups like the tricycle union only reinforce our commitment,” he stated.
Governor Otti’s administration has gained praise in recent months for its accelerated road rehabilitation agenda, particularly in Aba, the state’s commercial hub, where roads such as Port Harcourt Road, Ossah Road, and Eziukwu Road have seen significant improvements after years of neglect.
As development efforts continue, the tricycle union has pledged to carry out further community outreach programmes to encourage civic responsibility and support ongoing state initiatives.
Abia Tricycle Union Shares Free Fuel To Honour Otti’s Road Projects is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
