Governor Alex Otti Orders Immediate Repairs on Flood-Ravaged Ogbor Hill–Azumini Road to Ease Motorists’ Hardship

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has directed the immediate repair of the flood-prone section of the Federal Ogbor Hill–Azumini Road near Ovom Mechanic Village in Aba, in a decisive move aimed at easing the hardship faced by motorists, residents and businesses during the rainy season.

The directive comes as persistent flooding has continued to render the affected stretch of the road difficult to access whenever heavy rains occur, disrupting traffic flow and economic activities in the area.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the intervention on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

According to the Commissioner, the deteriorating condition of the road and the recurring flooding prompted the governor to order immediate remedial works to restore access for road users while plans for a permanent solution are being pursued.

“Relief has come the way of those who use the Ogbor Hill–Azumini Road. There’s a part of that road, that is close to Ovom Mechanic Village that has become intractable due to flooding that happens during the rainy season.

“I want to announce that His Excellency Dr Alex Otti has directed the Honourable Commissioner for Works and his team of engineers to provide immediate relief at the part of the road that leads to Ovom Mechanic Village that is susceptible to flooding during the rainy season”, Prince Kanu stated.

Prince Kanu explained that although the Ogbor Hill–Azumini Road is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, the Abia State Government has repeatedly intervened over the past two years to keep the road motorable because of its strategic importance to residents, commuters and businesses operating within the corridor.

He noted that Governor Otti’s administration has consistently demonstrated a people-centred approach to infrastructure development by carrying out repairs on roads that have a direct impact on the daily lives and economic wellbeing of Abians, regardless of whether such roads belong to the state or federal government.

“In the past two years, the State Government has provided temporary maintenance works at the site. However, for the records, the road is a federal road.

“Although His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, does not discriminate between federal and state roads, provided the roads are used by Abians,” the Commissioner added.

The Commissioner, however, clarified that the ongoing repairs are intended as an emergency intervention to provide immediate relief during the rainy season and improve the road’s usability for motorists and residents.

He stressed that addressing the flooding problem permanently would require collaboration with the Federal Government, including the necessary approvals and engineering interventions.

“For a permanent solution to happen there, necessary discussions and approvals must be obtained from the Federal Government.

“So, what has happened now is a temporary rainy season maintenance works so that that road will be passable to road users and residents in the area,” he said.

The intervention underscores the Abia State Government’s commitment to ensuring that critical transport routes remain accessible, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, while efforts continue to secure a long-term solution to the recurring flooding challenge on the federal road.