After 26 Years Of Neglect, Abia Gov Rescues Omenuko Bridge As Construction Begins

For over 26 years, the people of Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State have endured unfulfilled promises and abandoned plans regarding the construction of the Igwu River Bridge, popularly known as Omenuko Bridge.

The long wait finally ended on Tuesday as the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, flagged off the long-anticipated project, marking a historic milestone in the state’s infrastructural development.

The bridge, which has been a crucial yet neglected link between Abia Central and Abia North, has suffered from years of political pledges without action.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Abia State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, described the project as a “done deal,” emphasizing that past administrations had repeatedly failed to deliver on their commitments.

“For the past 26 years, it has always been one false story or the other of people attacking this project. And yet, the bridge could not be constructed,” Oti stated, applauding Governor Otti for breaking the cycle of disappointment.

A Bridge of Necessity, Not Politics

Beyond politics, the deteriorated state of the Omenuko Bridge posed a severe risk to commuters and economic activities in the region.

The Commissioner for Works assured that the one-year construction project, handled by Geld Construction Company Ltd., would not only improve transportation but also enhance economic growth by easing access to markets.

The technical details of the bridge include a 45-meter span with six-meter-long approach slabs on both ends.

It will feature an 8-meter width, including 1.5-meter sidewalks, reinforced asphaltic layers, concrete parapet walls, and solar-powered street lights for safety.

Additionally, 100-meter-long approach roads will be constructed on both sides to further strengthen connectivity.

From Abandoned Promises to Reality

Hon. Uchenna Okoro, Majority Leader and Member Representing Arochukwu State Constituency, recalled previous failed attempts to initiate the project, particularly in 2017 or 2018.

“We gathered here years ago for an elaborate event, but it didn’t happen. In fact, it turned out to be an audio showcase.

“But today, Your Excellency, we are here again, and this time, it is a reality,” Okoro remarked, commending the governor for turning promises into tangible action.

Beyond the Bridge: Calls for More Development

While the bridge construction marks a significant breakthrough, community leaders highlighted other pressing infrastructural gaps. Captain Chibuike Usim, Chairman of the Abam Onyerubi Development Union, noted that the bridge had stood as a silent witness to history, including the Nigerian Civil War, yet had never received the government’s attention until now.

“For more than three decades, the Omenuko Bridge has borne the invisible scars of time. Despite numerous promises from successive administrations, its reconstruction remained unfulfilled.

“Today, His Excellency, our Action Governor, has heard our cries and is making this long-awaited project a reality,” Usim said.

He also urged the state government to address other infrastructural challenges, including the rehabilitation of the Abam Green Road, which has been in a deplorable state for over 40 years, and the absence of a general hospital in the entire Abam area.

Governor Otti Promises More Action

Responding to the community’s concerns, Governor Otti expressed surprise at the lack of a healthcare facility in the area.

“As I leave now, I am going to call the Honorable Commissioner for Health to start making arrangements to set up a primary health care center in this community,” he assured.

The governor further revealed that plans for the Abam Ring Road project had already been initiated before the community’s request.

The 23-kilometer project, divided into two segments (7 km and 16 km), had been awarded to two contractors, with work set to commence soon.

“What we are doing as a government is that anywhere we see that work needs to be done, we don’t wait for people to ask us before we begin to do the work.

“I’ve also taken note of some of the other comments that we have made, and you can be sure that this government, which is a very responsible government, will attend to them,” Otti affirmed.

A Historic Moment for Abia State

The flag-off ceremony was met with jubilation, as residents of Arochukwu, Ohafia, and Bende LGAs turned out in large numbers to witness the long-awaited event.

The occasion featured vibrant cultural performances and was attended by prominent figures, including Chief James Ume, Chairman and Publisher of THE WHISTLER newspaper and Founder of the Unubiko Foundation; Rector of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu University, Engr. C.K. Okoro; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; and the Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University, Agwu Iro Agwu.

For the people of Ozu Abam, the Omenuko Bridge has long symbolized decades of unfulfilled promises and government neglect.

With construction now underway, it represents not only a physical structure but also a bridge of hope—one that connects them to a future where infrastructure projects are no longer political tools but genuine efforts to improve lives.