By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged-off the reconstruction of the 3.995km old express road and the 3.095km Uratta road in Aba, with a promise to deliver the project in 24 months.

At the Flag-off ceremony of the projects on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Port Harcourt road by Uratta junction, Aba, Governor Otti declared that the infrastructure nightmare that plagued Aba for over two decades was coming to an end.

Governor Otti, who noted that the projects were being executed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) programme and other partners, assured that the projects would be delivered on schedule, as funding was not a challenge.

“You can take it for granted that the nightmare of roads in Enyimba City, particularly Ohanku, Oboand Old Express, is now coming to an end.

“The projects will be completed and delivered on schedule, particularly because the resources required to finance every phase have long been secured. There will be no delay arising from lack of funds, the money is already in the bank,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor described the flag-off as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to restore Aba’s economic strength, improve urban infrastructure and reclaim the city’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub in the South East.

According to him, the projects are not merely about road construction, but about restoring neighbourhoods, livelihoods and commercial activities, as well as improving access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

“Today, we have gathered at the intersection of two major roads that embody the ruins of yesterday. Today’s ceremony is both symbolic and significant.

“It is symbolic because the projects we have assembled to flag off – the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road – represent the last frontier in the first phase of the greater Aba road infrastructure restoration effort.

“When these projects are completed and commissioned in about 24 months or less, we can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and a half decades, or even more,” Gov. Otti said.

He said his administration has remained committed to reversing the trend since assuming office in 2023, in line with his campaign mantra, “Help is on the way,” noting that rebuilding Abia and restoring its former glory has been central to his development agenda.

“Our journey is only just beginning, but on the strength of the testimonies shared by stakeholders who have spoken, there is clear evidence that we have crossed the Rubicon.

The phoenix has risen. Aba, the beloved Enyimba City, is back!” he declared.

“As you already know, any project we flag off is as good as completed,” the Governor added, expressing confidence in the capacity of the contractor, CCECC, which has proven itself in previous road projects executed in the State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, said the two projects will strengthen the internal road network and improve connectivity between major transportation corridors within the commercial city.He disclosed that the roads will incorporate drainage infrastructure, street lighting and bus stops, stressing that modern urban road construction must go beyond smooth carriageways to address pedestrian access, drainage, road safety and other transportation needs.

The Commissioner emphasised that the contracts were not awarded arbitrarily but followed a rigorous and competitive bidding process involving qualified contractors.

Also speaking, the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwechegh, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the member representing Aba Central, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, and the 2027 Labour Party candidate for Aba North State Constituency, Mrs. Florence Ijeoma Ehuchie, while acknowledging the deplorable state of the roads, thanked Governor Otti for rescuing the people of Aba, their visitors and customers, and assured that the Governor’s re-election was sacrosanct.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of ABSIID, Engr. Ndudim Ononiwu, thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in the project team and appreciated the host communities for accepting the projects.

He assured the Governor that the team would work diligently to ensure successful delivery in line with specifications, and urged residents to cooperate with the contractor.Speaking on behalf of Uratta landlords, Old Express landlords and Aba La Ohazu indigenes, Chief Isaac Emejuru commended Governor Otti for coming to their rescue, noting that previous administrations had neglected the roads.

He assured the Governor of overwhelming support from the people of Uratta, Old Express and the entire Aba La Ohazu.

By Editor , Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has once again reaffirmed his unwavering belief that power belongs to God, stressing that he takes instructions from Him before taking action and will not do anything that is not approved by God.

Governor Otti stated this on Sunday, October 18th, at the headquarters of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Chosen Estate, Amuwo Odofin, Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Ijesha, Lagos State, where he worshipped with the Church. The visit was in fulfillment of his promise to the General Overseer, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, during one of his visits to Abia, that he would worship with the congregation whenever he was in Lagos and had the opportunity to do so.

The Governor, during his introduction and invitation to greet the congregation,, quoted Psalm 62:11 and said, “For those of us who have very strong Christian Foundation and mark my word, VERY STRONG; why do I say so?

“It’s because my late father was a pastor, and he was Pastor Lazarus Otti. So you can understand, am a Levite.”Our foray into politics is because we believe that power belongs to God.

God has spoken once, twice have I had it that power belongs to God.”We take instructions from God, if it is not right, we will not do it, if God does not approve it, we will not do it,” Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti, whose presence electrified the worship arena, has consistently stated at different forums that his government will not deliberately engage in any wrongdoing.

In a related development, the governor on Saturday, while worshipping at the Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia, where he observed the Sabbath worship, made it clear that God is the foundation of his government. He stressed that he would not approach anybody or any institution, whether the State House of Assembly or the Judiciary, with a request to do what is wrong.

According to the Governor, doing the right thing is the only way to sleep peacefully. Even when called upon at night, one would be able to speak confidently without stuttering.

The number one citizen of the State, who first visited the house of God after receiving his certificate of return as the duly elected Governor on March 22, 2023, four days after failed attempts to steal the mandate overwhelmingly given to him by Abia residents, has continued to commit his personal affairs and the affairs of the State into God’s hands.

Addressing the worshippers, Governor Otti stated that the days when Abia was a laughingstock and the were ashamed to identify as Indigenes, before he took over in 2023, were gone.

He invited anyone in doubt to come and see the transformation, as the congregation responded with thunderous applause and excitement in agreement.Governor Otti thanked the Founder and General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, and the members of the Church for the opportunity to worship with them.

Pastor Muoka, led the congregation in fervent prayers for the Governor and the greater success of his administration.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged Presco Plc, a leading Nigerian agro-industrial company specializing in oil palm cultivation, extraction, refining and fractionation, to commence its proposed investment in the State from the government-owned Ulonna Farm Settlement.

Governor Otti made the call on Thursday, October 15, 2026, while receiving a delegation of Presco Plc led by its Chairman, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, at Government House, Umuahia.

Gov. Otti suggested that the company should begin its operations at Ulonna, where government already has a substantial land holding, while arrangements are being made to secure additional land required for the project.

“I think we can start from the known to the unknown. We have Ulonna Farm Settlement that belongs to the government. We have about 4,200 hectares at Ulonna.

So, if you are looking for 10,000 hectares and you already have 4,200, what you are looking for is just slightly less than 6,000 hectares,” he said.

The Governor acknowledged that there were concerns and contentions surrounding some of the proposed community lands and urged the company to work through the leadership of the affected communities to address them.

“Let’s go through the leadership of those communities. People are not sure that their lands are not going to be grabbed, but they also know that this government does not grab land,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti assured Presco that his administration would facilitate access to the additional land required, noting that while the process would take time, government is committed to delivering on it.

“Once we start, everything cannot be done in one day. So, one thing you can be sure of is that we will get the other land you require,”

The Governor assured.The State Chief Executive described Abia as one of the best destinations for business in the South-East and South-South, citing the availability of skilled manpower, improved infrastructure and strong government support as factors that make the State attractive to investors.

“This is one of the best places to do business in the South-South and South-East. So, in terms of the people, in terms of infrastructure, and in terms of support from government, we are ready,” he said.

Governor Otti expressed readiness to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) required to commence the project and urged the company to resolve all outstanding issues to enable immediate takeoff.

“So, if there are dotted lines, let’s sign them and let’s start,” Governor Otti said.The Governor stressed that the partnership must recognize the interests of both parties in terms of some equity for the State no matter how small, noting that beyond land, Government brings stability, an enabling business environment and market access to the table, and therefore expects reasonable consideration in benefits and representation on the board.

“There is something we bring. We bring you stability. We bring an enabling environment. We also bring market. Whatever you produce, Abia will take it and then export,” Governor Otti stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of Presco Plc, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, commended the Otti administration for its understanding of business and support for the proposed investment, expressing confidence that the company would establish a successful operation in Abia.

“The promise I made when we came was that this investment would be made because we have a government that understands business,” Mr. Sarumi said.He noted that investors prioritize locations where conditions for investment are favourable, adding that Presco’s team had spent seven months engaging stakeholders to establish the project.

Mr. Sarumi explained that the proposed investment comprises two major locations: Ulonna Farm Settlement, where the company plans to rehabilitate existing land by clearing old trees and replanting, and approximately 12,000 hectares of community land at Ozuitem.

According to him, the investment will involve substantial capital expenditure and create significant economic opportunities for the State, including about 5,000 direct jobs, tax revenues and stimulation of local businesses to support plantation operations.