Otti Commissions 14 Roads In Abia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has commissioned 14 newly completed roads across Aba and its environs, describing the development as part of his administration’s deliberate effort to restore the city’s lost glory and reposition it as a modern economic hub.
The commissioning, held at St Joseph’s College, Aba, on Tuesday, was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, residents, and business owners, who turned out in large numbers to witness what the governor described as “a celebration not just of roads, but of a new epoch.”
The completed road projects include Umuode Road, Bakassi Road, Isu Ihiteukwa Street, Asa Road, Enyimba Junction–Ariaria Gate, Market Road (Asa to Eziukwu), Tenant Road (Asa to Eziukwu), Cameroun Road (Asa to Eziukwu), Ehi Road (Queens to Eziukwu), Clifford Road (Asa to Eziukwu), School Road (Asa to Railway Crossing), and Afikpo Road, in two stretches from Eziukwu to School Road.
“These roads do not just create paths to new opportunities; they restore ancient landmarks,” Otti said, noting that the projects form part of his administration’s urban renewal agenda aimed at enhancing Aba’s appeal to investors and residents.
He cited the example of the iconic “Otitodulechuku Mansion”, a structure erected in 1965, which had been inaccessible for nearly 20 years due to infrastructural decay but is now reachable thanks to the rehabilitated road network.
“For millions who have cracked their kernel of fortune here, Aba is more than just an urban location. It is a place of destiny, a land of the brave, and the truest metaphor for rebirth and renewal,” Otti said.
He praised Aba residents and stakeholders for their patience and optimism, which he said had finally begun to yield results. He added that the success of the road projects reflected his administration’s focus on prudent use of public funds and prioritisation of high-impact investments.
Beyond the physical reconstruction, Otti emphasised the importance of sustainability, urging residents to take ownership of the roads, avoid blocking drainage systems, and ensure the infrastructure is protected from damage.
He also commended the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), the State Ministry of Works, and local stakeholders for their role in delivering the projects within time and quality specifications.
He urged the newly appointed GADA board to build on the momentum and expand their efforts in shaping the city’s modern identity.
“GADA, as we envision it, will not just spearhead the development and expansion of modern infrastructure within the urban and suburban corridors. It will play critical roles in shaping what becomes the social and cultural character of the city in the new age,” Otti said.
Highlighting Aba’s strategic potential, the governor said the city is poised to attract both local and foreign investment due to its skilled workforce, proximity to oil-producing towns, and emerging broadband and energy infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that Aba would soon evolve from a regional commercial centre to a player in the global digital and industrial economy.
In a gesture to the host community, Otti directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to urgently address water supply challenges at St. Joseph’s College, promising additional support to strengthen public education across the state.
“We also want to partner with you to ensure that our public schools offer the same quality of education as private schools. Our children must come out better than all of us,” he said.
THE WHISTLER reports that Otti further called for continued public support through prompt tax payment, civic responsibility, and cooperation with security agencies to keep communities safe.
According to Otti, “Aba is unlike any other regular urban settlement. It is the heartbeat of a people. We must all work together to keep that heartbeat strong.”
Otti Commissions 14 Roads In Abia is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
