I won’t abandon any project in Abia, says Otti
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing all initiated projects, vowing that the era of abandoned projects in the state is over.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction and dualization of the 5.5-kilometer Owerrinta-Umuekea Road, Otti emphasized that his government secures funding before commencing any project, ensuring timely completion and quality execution.
Governor Otti, in a speech titled A Gateway to the New Abia, underscored his administration’s vision for infrastructure as the foundation of economic transformation and holistic development.
“As I promised in the early days of this administration, we came prepared to change many ugly experiences road users coming into Abia from other states usually have. Never again will bad roads be used to describe Abia State,” he declared.
He reiterated that road infrastructure development is not just a priority but a major yardstick for measuring his administration’s progress in repositioning Abia as a prime investment destination.
The Owerrinta-Umuekea Road, which has an 18-month completion timeline, is expected to provide a seamless travel experience for commuters from neighbouring Imo and Anambra states.
Governor Otti also referenced a National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, which ranked Abia among the few states with zero indebtedness to contractors. He attributed this achievement to his administration’s financial prudence and transparent governance.
“Abia, I am glad to report, now ranks as one of the few states in the country with zero indebtedness to contractors. I did not say this, the National Bureau of Statistics said so,” he stated.
He assured the public that his government does not embark on projects without securing funds first, thereby eliminating the risk of abandoned projects.
“Not only do we make funds available, but we also ensure that our roads are handled by competent and tested contractors with a proven track record of performance,” he added.
Reiterating his infrastructure-first approach, Otti dismissed the conventional distinction between federal, state, and local government roads, emphasizing that every road within Abia matters.
“Although Owerrinta is a federal road, as I mentioned last week in Abam during the flag-off of the Omenuko Bridge construction, every stretch of road within Abia matters to us—whether designated as federal, state, or local government roads,” he said.
The event drew commendations from political leaders, stakeholders, and community members, who praised Governor Otti’s dedication to infrastructure development.
Rowland Chinwendu, the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, alongside Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, and Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Chiedozie Nwogwugwu, lauded the governor’s unprecedented infrastructural strides in the region.
Prominent figures including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Dr. Gershion Amuta, Mr. Dannie Ubani, and Eze Nelson Nmerengwa commended Otti for his transformative leadership.
They highlighted his administration’s commitment to fixing road infrastructure, improving healthcare, and enhancing education, emphasizing that his leadership proves action over rhetoric.
“Governor Otti has made us proud through his unwavering commitment to developing Abia State,” they remarked, pledging their continued support and prayers for his administration.
With this renewed commitment to infrastructure and financial responsibility, Governor Alex Otti is positioning Abia State as a model for sustainable development and economic growth.
By ensuring that projects are fully funded and efficiently executed, his administration aims to redefine governance and set a precedent for transparent leadership.
