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25-Year Nightmare Over Otti Declares As He Flags Off Aba Roads
25-Year Nightmare Over Otti Declares As He Flags Off Aba Roads
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As Governor Says Money Secured, Project To Be Completed In 24 Months
ABA — Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday flagged off the reconstruction of 3.95km Old Express Road and 3.1km Uratta Road in Aba, declaring an end to 25-year nightmare of abandonment in the area.
Speaking at the event held at Port Harcourt Road by Uratta junction, Otti said the projects represent the last frontier in the first stage of Greater Aba Road Infrastructure Restoration Outline.
He assured that when completed in 24 months or less, his administration can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and a half decades.
“Weep no more, help is on the way. That was central message of our campaign in 2023. It was not a mere political sound bite. It was said from a place of deep conviction,” the Governor said.
Otti said on assumption of office in 2023, his government sent a direct message of intent to rebuild and restore the old glory of Aba, including security, noting that the testimonies of stakeholders show Phoenix has risen and Aba is back.
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“What could have happened to Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Obuohia Road and several roads now restored including Cemetery Road after decades of abandonment? Beyond roads, how about restoration of livelihood of thousands running businesses along those corridors, schools, health facilities, transparent recruitment of over 10,000 young men and women?” he queried.
The Governor described the ceremony as both symbolic and sobering, recalling how the deterioration forced many business leaders to abandon Aba, leading to job losses and rise in criminality including armed robbery and kidnapping.
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He assured residents that the project is as good as completed, saying the resources required to finance every phase have long been secured and sitting in bank.
“If entire money had not been assembled, we wouldn’t be here today. If there is delay, it’s not because there is no money. The money is sitting in the bank. Engineers and heavy-duty equipment will remain until projects are satisfactorily delivered,” Otti declared.
He expressed confidence in the contractor, CCECC, citing its track record in Aba and on 67.44km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Abiriba-Ohafia road, urging the firm to support local economy through targeted recruitments and patronage.
Otti disclosed that the roads are under Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, AbSIID, launched in July 2025, a joint venture involving the the state government, federal government, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Canada Climate Fund.
He said it took his administration to finally unlock funds after initial efforts stalled, commending AfDB management, federal government and Dr. Oyebola Akande for personal commitment.
The Governor warned that the construction will come with inconveniences but assured of robust public safety and stakeholder engagement models, adoption of best international practices on civil construction and resettlement protocols.
He appealed to residents, landlords and business owners to extend full cooperation to the contractor, thanking AbSIID team for their hard work.
“To our people in Abia, the help that was promised has come. The agonies of old have gone away and dawn of new era is here. Remember to pay your taxes and report suspicious activities,” Otti said.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, 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 two roads, totalling 7.05km, are expected to boost commercial activities and restore connectivity in many axis of Aba.
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