Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday inaugurated the renovated Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
Represented by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, the President urged Ndigbo to emulate the late Dr. Michael Okpara’s political philosophy of aligning with the centre.
Tinubu commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a “miraculous” infrastructural transformation in Abia State, noting that Umuahia and other parts of the state were witnessing rapid development under Otti’s leadership.
“As I was coming, I saw the water project at the Tower. I was part of it as a young engineer, and I know how that road used to be. But today, I saw a miracle taking place. When I crossed the Tower, I saw another road that was equally miraculous. I’m told more are coming,” Umahi said.
He assured that President Tinubu holds the South-East in high regard and has reintegrated the region into national affairs.
“The President has love for the Southeast and for other regions. He asked me to inform you that he will be here later this year, sometime in December. He would have been here today, but our national chairman lost his mother, whose burial is tomorrow. It is only right that the President is present there. That is why he asked me to stand in for him and commission the projects,” Umahi explained.
The Minister emphasized that what matters most is the impact of development projects, whether initiated by the state or federal government.
“Projects, whether federal or state, are important because they touch the lives of the people,” he said.
Umahi further reiterated the call for the South-East to play inclusive politics by working with the central government.
“Just a few days ago, the President told me how much he respected the late Dr. Michael Okpara. He asked me to tell our people to emulate the kind of politics Okpara played—politics of integration with the centre. That is why I am so happy that this edifice is being put to use in his memory,” Umahi stated.
Earlier in his remarks, Governor Otti said the auditorium had been in a dilapidated condition before his administration decided to retrofit it. He assured that Abia would witness more transformation under his leadership.
