Otti Assures Umunneochi People Of Mmam Bridge, Says Project Captured In 2026 Budget

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area that his administration will construct the long-awaited Mmam Bridge, saying the project has already been captured in the state’s 2026 budget.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday during a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Umunneochi at Peace Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi.

The governor while responding to requests presented by community leaders, recalled that the issue of the bridge was raised during an earlier visit to the area and said government officials have subsequently assessed the project.

“I have noted your comments particularly about the Mmam Bridge and I remember that the last time I was here, the matter of the bridge came up.

“And I had asked that our people should go and look at it. And I am sure that it is on the basis of that that it made it into the 2026 budget.

“And because it has made it into the budget, you should go and sleep, we will do it”, he assured.

Governor Otti highlighted ongoing government projects in Umunneochi, including the rehabilitation of 19 Primary Health Care Centres, the construction of a General Hospital and the implementation of free education.

He disclosed that Umunneochi would benefit from the state’s electric mass transit programme, with some of the newly acquired electric buses to operate in the area.

“I am sure you are aware that within the week we received 20 new electric buses. And part of the plan is that the buses will be plying Umunneochi”, the governor said.

He added that state government has also introduced a new transport route linking Umuahia, Okigwe and the Abia State University in Uturu to improve mobility.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the sate, stressing that every community is entitled to the dividends of governance.

“This administration is yours and we do not discriminate.

“What we do in Umunneochi, is what we do in Isuikwuato, in Ohafia, in Arochukwu, in Isiala Ngwa North and South, because we recognise every part of the state as stakeholders in the governance of the state”, the governor said.

Governor Otti who thanked the people of Umunneochi for organising the reception in appreciation of his administration,
also commended them for their support and expressed confidence that Abia would continue on the path of progress.

The governor however called for continued public support in tackling insecurity, and urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies.

He assured residents that his government would continue creating an enabling environment for economic growth and improved living standards.

In their separate remarks, former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Madubuike, and the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Chief Amaobi Ogah, commended Governor Alex Otti for restoring the image of leadership in Abia State.

They described his administration as a defining moment in the history of the state, noting that his leadership had renewed the confidence and pride of Abia people.

Also, the Labour Party’s flag bearer for Abia North Senatorial District in the forthcoming general election, Chief David Onuoha, and the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Mr Mathias Ume, said Governor Otti has restored security and stability in Umunneochi through purposeful leadership.

They added that Abians were now witnessing tangible improvements in governance, accountability, transparency and the overall quality of life.

In his address, the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, expressed gratitude to the Governor for executing numerous infrastructural projects in the area, including the rehabilitation of Primary Healthcare Centres, the General Hospital and several road projects.

He, however, appealed to the Governor to reconstruct the Mmam Bridge and the Umunneochi Ring Road, among other critical infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Ngozi Azodo, on behalf of Umunneochi women, Mr Uche Okoroafor on behalf of Umunneochi stakeholders, and the representative of the Northern community in the area, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, praised Governor Otti for what they described as rescuing Abia from years of poor governance.

They said the present administration has restored the state’s dignity and positioned Abians to compete favourably with their counterparts across the country.

Highlight of the event was the formal reception of defectors into the Labour Party, led by the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, Dr Jasper Uche.

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