Abia State has unveiled its vision for a new Umuahia City and intensified urban renewal efforts with new roads, city planning, and a revived vocational centre. Get the full story now.
UCDA Ordered to Speed Up Execution, More Roads Ready for Commissioning, and Abandoned Skills Centre Gets Life-Line
The Abia State Government has taken a bold step to transform the face of its capital, as it announced a full-scale urban renewal project that includes the creation of a New Umuahia City, massive road rehabilitation, and the revival of a long-neglected vocational training centre.
Speaking during a media briefing at Government House, Umuahia, on Monday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that the State Executive Council has mandated the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to expedite plans for the development of the new Umuahia City.
According to Prince Kanu, “The Council directed the GM UCDA to quicken the process of setting out the new Umuahia City. This is a core part of Governor Alex Otti’s urban renewal agenda, aimed at extending the state capital and giving it a modern and befitting outlook.”
This directive marks a significant push by the state government to reposition Umuahia as a functional, visually appealing, and development-driven capital city, after years of neglect and stunted urban planning.
As part of ongoing infrastructural improvements, Kanu disclosed that several key roads around Ariaria International Market have been completed and are now ready for official commissioning. These include:
Umuode Road
Bakassi Road
Isi-Ihitteukwu Close
He also confirmed that construction is ongoing on Umuosi Road, Ihuoma Road, and Umukanna Road, under the state’s flagship infrastructure agency, the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA).
In a move that further signals the Otti administration’s commitment to human capital development, the State Executive Council has also ordered the immediate renovation and retrofitting of the Vocational and Skills Acquisition Centre at Mgbarakuma, Ubakala.
Prince Kanu described the current state of the facility as “deplorable” and emphasized that it has been abandoned for far too long.
“That place has been left to rot for a while. Consequently, the GM of UCDA has been directed by Council to ensure the facility is up and running and ready for use within the shortest possible time,” he stated.
The Commissioner reiterated the government’s determination to restore Abia’s dignity through infrastructure, skill development, and visionary planning, warning that there will be no room for laxity or sabotage.
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