…Flags off bus terminal
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As part of activities marking his One Year in Office, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Wednesday, inaugurated the six-lane Ossah Road, a major entry point to to Umuahia, the capital city.
The landmark project was initiated by Gov. Otti in September 2023 amidst resistance by property owners on the right of way.
Meanwhile, Gov Otti has named the 3.5 kilometer road after former Head of State, General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, a son of Ibeku Umuahia.
Ex-President Ibrahim Babangida’s 2nd in Command, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.), cut the ribbon for the inauguration amidst cheers from a mammoth crowd of enthusiastic residents.
In his speech entitled, “The Future,” Gov. Otti said he decided to expand the road to make Umuahia look like a state capital.
Otti said he was delighted that the project was delivered in less than one year despite initial skepticism by some persons he had consulted.
He said he decided to pay full compensation for affected property on the right of way because of the human face of his administration.
The Governor commended Ossah people for their cooperation and support for the project.
Otti also commended the contractor for delivering a quality project on record time.
He also unveiled a new statue of the late Dr Michael Okpara at the City centre terminal of the road where a fountain was also constructed to enhance the aesthetics of the road.
Otti later inaugurated the multi billion Naira Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, building completed by his administration.
The project located at Ogurube New layout was initiated by former Governor Theodore Orji but abandoned by his successor in office.
Otti commended the initiator of the gigantic project for the concept, and said he decided to complete it because of its immense benefit to the state.
“The vision of those who commenced this project is commendable despite the fact that they could not complete it but I decided to disburse funds for its completion because government is a continuum,” Otti said.
He, however, directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, to monitor the completion of the dual carriage road leading to the facility.
Speaking earlier, Prince Nwachukwu commended Gov Otti for his resolve to deliver the project which was abandoned by the previous administration.
He explained that the Governor could have equally discontinued with the project or engage his own contractor but decided to continue with the original contractor because “his interest is to serve the state.”
The Commissioner regretted that so much funds had been siphoned in the past under the guise of building the project but without result.
“Billions of Naira were siphoned yet the contractor was not paid,” Nwachukwu lamented.
Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, in a remark, said the project had in the past served as a conduit pipe to siphon council funds under JAAC.
He commended Otti for breaking the jinx, and assured him of the continued support of the Abia caucus of National Assembly members.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mayors in the state, Dr Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele, also commended Otti for achieving in one year what his predecessor could not do in eight years.
An elder statesman and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Chris Adighje, also commended Otti for laying a foundation for a New Abia.
He said he had not regret believing in Otti, declaring that the Governor has performed creditably in the past 12 months.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Otti, said that Ossah road expansion project would help make traffic in and out of the state capital less stressful.
He disclosed that over 400 structures were demolished with compensation fully paid by the Government.
Governor Otti, who later flagged off the construction of bus terminal in Umuahia, said it would put paid to indiscriminate parks around the state capital.
Meanwhile, Abians from different political divides came out in their numbers to identify with the project.
The event was also graced by the Emir of Azare in Nassarawa State and his wife.
A number of projects initiated and completed by Gov Otti in Aba and Umuahia, had also been inaugurated as part of activities marking his One Year in Office.
