Otti’s road project earns Obasanjo’s praise as a miracle. Learn how a deadly route became an economic asset under the Abia Governor’s watch.
Umuahia, Abia State – April 12, 2025 | All Facts Newspaper
In a historic moment for Abia State, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, has lauded Governor Alex Otti as a “performer,” “miracle worker,” and “exemplary leader” during the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed 46.36km Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba Highway.
Speaking at the Unity Church, Uzuakoli, in Bende Local Government Area, Obasanjo expressed awe at the transformation of the once “hellish” road, declaring that only a “goal-getter” with vision and integrity like Governor Otti could have accomplished such a feat.
“You are a man of your word, a goal-getter, a performer. When I was told I could now travel from Umuahia to Abiriba in 35 minutes, I said this man called Alex Otti is a miracle worker,” Obasanjo stated to loud cheers.
He stressed that while many political leaders had come and gone, true leadership is rare, urging Abians to hold tightly to what they now have.
“Good leaders don’t flock. When you have a good leader like Alex Otti, you must make the best use of him. Don’t change a winning horse.”
The former president added that Governor Otti’s transformation efforts in Abia State were a sign that even the worst of conditions in Nigeria can be turned around with the right leadership and team.
Why This Road Matters:
Governor Alex Otti, in his speech, declared the road project a “signature testimony” to his administration’s commitment to doing things differently.
“This administration has zero tolerance for shoddy jobs or the kick-back culture that enables them,” he stated.
He explained that the newly reconstructed road, now renamed Joe Irukwu Way in honour of the late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Joe Irukwu, will drastically reduce travel time and boost rural-urban connectivity.
The road links four local government areas—Umuahia North, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Ohafia, cutting travel risks, boosting the safe movement of goods and agricultural produce, and reducing the cost of transportation.
“This project empowers farmers, boosts local trade, attracts youth to agriculture, and delivers a blow to rural poverty,” Otti said.
Voices of Appreciation Across the State:
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Senator Chris Adighije, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, and other stakeholders including Chief David Ogba Onuoha and Dr. Johnson Chukwu, hailed Governor Otti for turning a nightmare into a blessing.
Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, explained that the road was completed in two sections to ensure efficient delivery, while Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, and Chief Chukwuma Azodo of the Abia Cooperatives Union praised the Governor for improving driving conditions and economic mobility.
Traditional rulers, community leaders, clergy, elected officials, and the mayors of the benefitting LGAs were also present, describing the highway as one of the most impactful projects in Abia State’s recent history.
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