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, 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.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has approved the expansion of the ThriveAbia Digital Capacity Development and Mentorship Programme to accommodate 1,000 young people in its first cohort following the successful training of 100 participants under the pilot phase.

Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in his office, while receiving a delegation led by the Director and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, the technical partners for the ThriveAbia programme.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the pilot phase and directed immediate expansion of the programme.

“I am therefore in agreement with the proposal to expand the programme to accommodate 1,000 participants. Indeed, it should be implemented as quickly as possible because time is of the essence. Applicants would apply and sit for the test, after which the results would determine those who proceed to the next stage,” Governor Otti said.

The State Chief Executive congratulated the team on the successful training of the first 100 participants, commending the 87 percent graduation rate and the fact that more than half of the participants were women.

“I am particularly impressed by what I have seen today. I congratulate you on the successful training of the first 100 participants and on the impressive results recorded. An 87 per cent graduation rate is commendable, especially when we consider that a significant proportion of the graduates are already earning in foreign currency,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor noted that his administration is already collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the UNIPOD initiative, stressing that digital skills development and emerging technologies are critical to preparing young people for the future.

The Governor however emphasized that selection for the expanded programme must be strictly merit-based, proposing computer-based testing and additional assessments to ensure a transparent and competitive process.

Consequently, Governor Otti directed the team to work with relevant government officials to develop a clear implementation timetable and identify suitable facilities for the training.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr. David Kalu, who introduced the team, said the ThriveAbia pilot was a huge success with 100 young Abians graduating in various digital skill areas. He noted that apart from the 87 percent graduation success, over 50 percent of the graduates have already started earning in foreign currencies as a result of the training and mentorship.

In their remarks, the Director, Mrs. Doris Akpuha, and Co-founder of Tech Excentric, Mr. Gilbert Igwe, expressed satisfaction with the success of the pilot phase and said the team is ready to commence the first cohort of 1,000 participants following the Governor’s approval.

According to them, the programme is designed to equip young Abians with practical digital skills, entrepreneurship capabilities and mentorship required to compete in the global digital economy.

They also disclosed plans to launch a social media campaign to showcase the Governor’s achievements and highlight opportunities being created for young people, adding that the initiative aims to increase Abia’s GDP through digital economy.

They thanked Governor Otti for the opportunity to partner the State Government.