GOV. ALEX OTTI COMMISSIONS STRATEGIC ROAD PROJECTS IN UMUAHIA, HONOURS UMA UKPAI AND JOJ OKEZIE WITH ROAD NAMINGS

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned multiple strategic road projects across Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.

The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, formed part of the ongoing wave of infrastructure projects being unveiled by the Otti administration in celebration of three years of governance focused on rebuilding Abia State through strategic road construction and urban renewal.

In a symbolic move that drew applause from residents and stakeholders, Governor Otti named the Ahiaeke—Okwuta—Bende Road after the late elder statesman, JOJ Okezie, while the reconstructed Tower—Onuimo Road was renamed Uma Ukpai Way in honour of renowned preacher and evangelist, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai.

The roads commissioned by the Governor included Orpet—Umuafai—Lodu—Ahiaeke—Ndume Road, Ahiaeke—Okwuta—Bende Road now renamed JOJ Okezie Road, Madonna Hospital Road in Afara, Justice Okoroafor Close in Afara, and Library Avenue Road, all located in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

Others commissioned were Umubioko—Amakama Road, Nsukwe—Umuogo Road, and the newly reconstructed and dualised Tower—Onuimo Road now officially renamed Uma Ukpai Way, all located within Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The commissioning events attracted residents, traditional rulers, political stakeholders and community leaders who thronged the various locations to witness the unveiling of projects many described as transformational and long overdue.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremonies at different project sites, Governor Otti appreciated residents and road users for their patience and cooperation during the reconstruction process, noting that the temporary inconveniences experienced during construction were necessary sacrifices towards achieving lasting development.

The Governor explained that the roads were named after distinguished personalities whose legacies and contributions have left lasting impacts on Abia State and humanity.

“So, what we have come here today is to celebrate the completion of these roads. We also want to celebrate our fathers in this State who are no more,“ Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti said the reconstruction of the Tower—Onuimo Road into a dual carriageway was deliberately designed to improve traffic flow and create a positive first impression for visitors entering Abia State.

Commending Craneburg Construction Company Limited for what he described as quality delivery, the Governor noted that his administration remains committed to ensuring that every road project executed under his watch meets modern engineering standards.

“The whole idea is that when you get into Abia State, you will be greeted by good roads. You will know that you have entered Abia State.

“So, I am happy that this has been completed, and completed very well, lined up with street lights, markings, drainage on both sides. So, this is guaranteed to last a very long time,“ Governor Otti said.

The Governor stressed that road infrastructure remains central to his administration’s vision of economic transformation, ease of movement, improved security and enhanced commercial activities across the State.

Also speaking during the project commissioning, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, described the road projects as part of the Governor’s bold determination to reverse years of infrastructural decay across Abia State.

According to him, several of the roads commissioned, especially the Orpet—Umuafai—Ahiaeke Road and Ahiaeke—Okwuta—Bende Road, were previously in deplorable and nearly impassable conditions before the intervention of Governor Otti.

The Commissioner commended the Governor for taking decisive steps to reconstruct the roads and praised Craneburg Construction Company Limited for maintaining quality standards in the execution of multiple projects across the State.

Engr. Otumchere Oti further revealed that Governor Otti personally directed that the Tower—Onuimo Road, despite being a federal road originally designed as a single carriageway, should be reconstructed and expanded into a dual carriageway in the interest of the people.

“You said we should dualise the road. And today the road has been dualised. It is a 6-kilometre road.

“One thing about this road is that, this road is a federal road. But thank God we have a Governor, who does not know the distinction between a state road and a federal road, provided the construction of the road will benefit the people of the State,“ Engr. Oti stated.

Residents and stakeholders who witnessed the commissioning commended the administration for restoring confidence in governance through visible infrastructure development and road expansion projects across communities in Umuahia and beyond.

The road commissioning ceremonies were attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Commissioners, political appointees, traditional rulers, community leaders and other dign itaries from different parts of the State.