“The Phoenix Has Risen. Aba, the Beloved Enyimba City, Is Back!” — Gov. Alex Otti Declares, Flags Off Reconstruction of Old Express, Uratta Roads in Aba, Assures Delivery Within Record Time

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 3.995-kilometre Old Express Road and the 3.095-kilometre Uratta Road in Aba, assuring residents that the long-awaited infrastructure projects will be completed within schedule, with funding already secured to guarantee uninterrupted execution.

The flag-off ceremony, held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Port Harcourt Road by Uratta Junction in Aba, marks another phase in the Abia State Government’s ongoing effort to rehabilitate critical road infrastructure, improve urban mobility and restore the commercial city’s economic vitality after years of deteriorating road conditions.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti declared that the prolonged infrastructural difficulties experienced by residents and businesses in Aba, particularly along Ohanku, Obuda and Old Express roads, were gradually giving way to a new phase of urban renewal.

“You can take it for granted that the nightmare of roads in Enyimba City, particularly Ohanku, Obuda and Old Express, is now coming to an end.

“The projects will be completed and delivered on schedule, particularly because the resources required to finance every phase have long been secured.

“There will be no delay arising from lack of funds. The money is already in the bank,“ Governor Otti stated.

The Governor explained that the projects are being implemented in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) programme, alongside other development partners. He noted that the availability of funds removes one of the major obstacles that often delay public infrastructure projects and expressed confidence that the construction work would proceed without financial interruptions.

According to Governor Otti, the reconstruction of the two roads represents more than the rehabilitation of damaged carriageways. It forms part of a broader strategy to restore the economic and social life of communities, strengthen transportation networks and improve access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, residential neighbourhoods and other essential services.

He described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the first phase of the wider Aba road restoration programme, noting that the roads have remained symbols of the infrastructure challenges that affected the city for more than two decades.

“Today, we have gathered at the intersection of two major roads that embody the ruins of yesterday.

“Today’s ceremony is both symbolic and significant.

“It is symbolic because the projects we have assembled to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road represent the last frontier in the first phase of the greater Aba road infrastructure restoration effort.

“When these projects are completed and commissioned in about 24 months or less, we can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and a half decades, or even more,“ Governor Otti said.

The Governor recalled that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has pursued an infrastructure-focused development agenda aimed at reversing years of deterioration and repositioning Abia State for economic growth. He said the commitment was consistent with the promise that defined his campaign, “Help is on the way,“ adding that rebuilding the state and restoring its former glory remain central to his administration’s priorities.

Governor Otti also acknowledged the significance of the roads to the daily lives of residents, traders, transport operators and business owners who depend on functional road networks to move goods, access customers and sustain commercial activities.

“Our journey is only just beginning, but on the strength of the testimonies shared by stakeholders who have spoken, there is clear evidence that we have crossed the Rubicon. The phoenix has risen. Aba, the beloved Enyimba City, is back!“ he declared.

Reaffirming his administration’s determination to complete projects it has commenced, the Governor expressed confidence in the construction company, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), citing its experience in handling previous road projects in the state.

“As you already know, any project we flag off is as good as completed,“ Governor Otti added.

The reconstruction of Old Express and Uratta roads is expected to strengthen connections between key sections of Aba, ease movement across surrounding communities and support the activities of the city’s extensive commercial and industrial population. Their completion is also expected to improve accessibility for motorists, commuters, traders and residents who have endured the consequences of poor road conditions over the years.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, explained that the two projects would strengthen the internal road network and improve connectivity between major transportation corridors within Aba, a city whose commercial activities depend heavily on efficient movement within and beyond its neighbourhoods.

The Commissioner disclosed that the roads would feature drainage infrastructure, street lighting and designated bus stops, emphasising that contemporary urban road construction must address a wider range of transportation needs than the provision of smooth driving surfaces alone.

He explained that proper drainage is essential to managing water runoff and protecting road infrastructure, while street lighting would contribute to visibility and safer movement. The inclusion of bus stops would also help organise passenger loading and unloading, supporting a more structured urban transportation system.

Engr. Oti further stated that the contracts were awarded after a rigorous and competitive bidding process involving qualified contractors, stressing that the selection process was designed to ensure that the projects were entrusted to capable firms.

The ceremony also attracted political leaders and elected representatives, who commended the Governor for initiating the reconstruction of the roads and highlighted the importance of the projects to the people and businesses of Aba.

Among those who spoke were the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwuechegh (Onyeocha N’Aba); the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa; the member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen; and the 2027 Labour Party candidate for Aba North State Constituency, Mrs. Florence Ijeoma Ehuchie.

The stakeholders acknowledged the deplorable condition of the roads before the intervention and thanked Governor Otti for addressing the longstanding concerns of residents, visitors and customers who patronise businesses across the affected areas. They also expressed support for the Governor’s administration and its development agenda.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of ABSIID, Engr. Ndudim Ononiwu, thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in the project team and appreciated the host communities for accepting the projects.

He assured the Governor that the project team would work diligently to ensure that construction was delivered in accordance with approved specifications. He also appealed to residents and other road users to cooperate with the contractor, noting that community support would be important to the smooth execution of the works.

Speaking on behalf of Uratta landlords, Old Express landlords and Aba-La-Ohazu indigenes, High Chief Isaac Emejuru commended the Governor for responding to the communities’ longstanding infrastructure concerns. He observed that the roads had suffered years of neglect under previous administrations and described the commencement of reconstruction as a welcome development for the affected residents.

High Chief Emejuru assured the Governor of the support of the people of Uratta, Old Express and the wider Aba La Ohazu communities, pledging their cooperation with the government and the contractor throughout the construction period.

The flag-off reinforces the Abia State Government’s ongoing infrastructure programme, with the reconstruction of the two roads expected to contribute to improved connectivity, better urban mobility and renewed commercial activity in Aba.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Abia State Executive Council, political stakeholders, Local Government Mayors, traditional rulers, community leaders, Labour Party supporters and members of various support groups, all of whom witnessed the commencement of the projects.

With funding reportedly secured and CCECC entrusted with the construction, attention will now turn to the execution of the works, the delivery of the promised road and drainage facilities, and the extent to which the projects will improve daily transportation and commercial activities for the people of Aba.