Otti Commissions Umuahia Roads, Honours J.O.J Okezie, Uma Ukpai

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has commissioned several road projects in Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

The projects commissioned on Wednesday include the Orpet–Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Ndume Road, Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road, Madonna Hospital Road in Afara, Justice Okoroafor Close, Library Avenue Road, Umubioko–Amakama Road, Nsukwe–Umuogo Road and the Tower–Onuimo Road.

At the ceremony, Governor Otti announced the renaming of the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road as J.O.J Okezie Road, while the Tower–Onuimo Road was renamed Uma Ukpai Way in honour of renowned evangelist, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai.

Speaking during the inauguration, the governor commended residents of the benefiting communities for their patience during the reconstruction period, noting that the projects were part of his administration’s broader commitment to infrastructure renewal across the state.

He said the roads were named after the late statesman, J.O.J Okezie, and Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai in recognition of their contributions to the state and humanity.

“So, what we have come here today is to celebrate the completion of these roads. We also want to celebrate our fathers in this State who are no more,” Otti stated.

Speaking on the reconstructed Tower–Onuimo Road, the governor praised Craneburg Construction Company for the quality of work delivered, noting that the project was designed to improve traffic flow and create a positive first impression for visitors entering the state.

“The whole idea is that when you get into Abia State, you will be greeted by good roads. You will know that you have entered Abia State,” he said.

“So, I am happy that this has been completed, and completed very well, lined up with street lights, markings, drainage on both sides. So, this is guaranteed to last a very long time,” the governor added.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, said many of the roads had become almost impassable before the intervention of the present administration.

He particularly referenced the poor condition of the Orpet–Umuafai–Ahiaeke Road and the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road, while commending Craneburg Construction Company for maintaining high construction standards.

Oti also disclosed that Governor Otti directed the dualisation of the Tower–Onuimo Road despite its status as a federal road.

“You said we should dualise the road. And today the road has been dualised. It is a 6-kilometre road,” he said.

“One thing about this road is that, this road is a federal road. But thank God we have a Governor, who does not know the distinction between a state road and a federal road, provided the construction of the road will benefit the people of the State,” the commissioner added.

The commissioning attracted top government officials and political leaders, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, members of the National and State Assemblies, commissioners and other dignitaries.