Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road Flag-Off: Otti Thanks Tinubu, Umahi For Federal Backing - Says Those Who Tried To Block Project Have Failed

The nightmare of decades of suffering along the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene highway has finally come to an end as Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Friday, October 24, 2025, flagged off the reconstruction of the failed 25-kilometre section of the federal road at Ahiaeke Umuahia.

The Governor, while addressing a large crowd of excited residents, transporters, and traditional rulers, declared the event as "the end of a long night and the beginning of a new dawn for Abia.ÔÇØ

He explained that his administration's approach to development is rooted in a clear philosophy - that no society can prosper without deliberate investments in infrastructure.

"Those who built the world's greatest civilizations - from Rome to America, China, and the UAE - all started by building strong roads and other infrastructures. There is no magic to development. Roads open the doors to prosperity,ÔÇØ Otti stated.

Governor Otti emphasized that though the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road is officially a federal road, his government will never use that as an excuse to abandon Abians to suffering.

"Every road that passes through Abia is our responsibility because our people use them daily. We don't believe in this federal-state argument when our traders, farmers, and students are the ones paying the price,ÔÇØ he said.

He confirmed that the state obtained full approval from the Federal Government to reconstruct the failed sections after due technical processes.

Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for granting approval for Abia to take over the project, and to the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, CON, for his guidance throughout the documentation process.

However, the Governor also revealed that "some political actors from AbiaÔÇØ made desperate efforts to frustrate the project.

"A few individuals tried to mislead Abuja just to massage their oversized ego. But I thank the President and the Minister for refusing to be deceived. They saw through the games and chose to stand with the people,ÔÇØ he said.

Otti warned that politics must never stand in the way of progress, stressing that his government will continue to work with anyone, regardless of party affiliation, to bring development to Abia.

The Governor announced that the 25-kilometre stretch would be handled by Geld Construction Limited, a reputable civil engineering firm known for quality project delivery.

According to him, the work will be completed within 18 months and will include solar-powered streetlights and modern drainage systems to improve security, safety, and nighttime business activities.

"When completed, this road will not only ease movement between Umuahia and Akwa Ibom but also boost commerce, create jobs, and restore dignity to our people,ÔÇØ Otti said.

He noted that the project is part of his broader "New Abia AgendaÔÇØ - aimed at rebuilding the state from years of decay and neglect.

Governor Otti appealed to residents to cooperate with construction teams and exercise patience during temporary traffic disruptions. He assured that all safety measures have been put in place to minimize inconvenience.

"Yes, we may face traffic gridlocks and environmental disturbances, but this is the price of progress. Let us endure a little for the joy that's coming,ÔÇØ he added.

He also charged Abians to play their role by paying taxes, keeping communities safe, and rejecting those "whose only mission is to drag the state back to the era of failure and deceit.ÔÇØ

Governor Otti ended his address with a passionate call for unity and faith in the ongoing transformation:

"Abia is rising from the ruins of the past. Together, we shall frustrate the plans of those who wish to keep us backward. This is our collective journey to restoration.ÔÇØ

The event was attended by top government officials, community leaders, business owners, and jubilant residents who hailed the Governor for keeping his word.

As bulldozers rolled onto the site, one message rang clear across Abia: the nightmare has truly ended.