NEWS
Gov. Otti Commissions 12.6km Ohanze–Ntighauzo–Umuoha–Obete–Akirikaobu Road, Orders Immediate Installation of Solar Streetlights Across Route
Gov. Otti Commissions 12.6km Ohanze–Ntighauzo–Umuoha–Obete–Akirikaobu Road, Orders Immediate Installation of Solar Streetlights Across Route
…as Nkpokpu Opere–Obete–Isiala Road was Also Commissioned
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially commissioned the newly completed 12.6-kilometre Ohanze–Ntighauzo–Umuoha–Obete–Akirikaobu Road, alongside the Nkpokpu Opere–Obete–Isiala Road, in a major infrastructure development expected to improve transportation, economic activities and connectivity between communities in Obingwa and Ukwa East Local Government Areas.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Obete–Isiala Primary School Junction in Obingwa LGA, marked another milestone in the Otti administration’s drive to rehabilitate critical road infrastructure and open up previously difficult-to-access communities across Abia State.
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The newly completed road network traverses communities in Obingwa Local Government Area and extends towards Ukwa East, providing residents, motorists, farmers, traders and other road users with improved access to neighbouring communities and essential economic and social activities.
Speaking during the commissioning, Governor Otti recalled that construction of the project was flagged off over a year ago, expressing satisfaction that the contractor had completed the road in accordance with the prescribed specifications and quality standards of his administration.
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The Governor particularly commended the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, and officials of the Ministry of Works for their contributions to the successful execution and delivery of the project.
“The road has been completed, and I must begin by appreciating the Honourable Commissioner and everyone who contributed to the successful execution of this project.
“Based on the reports I receive every Monday and what I have personally observed, I have no doubt that the road met our prescribed minimum standards,“ Governor Otti stated.
However, while declaring the road ready for public use, the Governor identified the installation of solar-powered streetlights as an outstanding component of the project and immediately directed the Commissioner for Works to ensure that the lighting infrastructure was installed without further delay.
Emphasising that quality road construction must go hand in hand with adequate safety and illumination, Governor Otti insisted that the entire stretch must be properly illuminated in line with the emerging infrastructure standards of the New Abia administration.
“I have also observed that the road is properly marked and constructed with five-trip concrete pavement.
“However, one important feature that is yet to be installed is the solar-powered street lighting system.
“You are familiar with our standards.
“We will commission the road and declare it open for public use today, but I expect you to return here as early as tomorrow to ensure that the streetlights are installed without further delay.
“The lighting must extend from this point all the way to the end of the road at Akirikaobu,“ Governor Otti directed.
The directive further demonstrated the Governor’s insistence that public infrastructure projects should not only be completed but should also incorporate essential facilities that enhance safety, convenience and the overall experience of residents and commuters.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, disclosed that the road was constructed to a width of seven metres with asphalt concrete pavement, assuring that the project had been delivered in accordance with the approved specifications.
He expressed confidence in the durability of the road, noting that its construction quality would enable it to withstand years of usage while providing lasting relief to residents of Obingwa and Ukwa East Local Government Areas.
According to the Commissioner, the completed road would significantly ease transportation challenges, improve movement between the benefiting communities and create better opportunities for commercial and agricultural activities by providing a more accessible transportation corridor.
The second flank of the road project, the Nkpokpu Opere–Obete–Isiala Road, was also formally commissioned by the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, underscoring the importance of the projects to the wider Abia South constituency.
The commissioning ceremonies attracted several prominent government officials, political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; leaders of the Labour Party; the Director-General of the Campaign Council; Labour Party candidates and other stakeholders who joined Governor Otti in celebrating the delivery of the infrastructure projects.
With the commissioning of the roads, communities along the Obingwa–Ukwa East corridor are expected to experience improved connectivity, reduced transportation difficulties and increased opportunities for social and economic development.
The Governor’s additional directive for the immediate installation of solar-powered streetlights also reinforces his administration’s position that infrastructure delivery must go beyond merely opening roads to the public, ensuring that completed projects meet the broader needs of the people.
For the benefiting communities, the completion of the roads represents another significant step towards improved accessibility and the continued transformation of Abia’s road infr astructure under the New Abia administration.
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