“We Must Forgive, Forget and Move On” — Gov. Alex Otti Urges Abians, Sets to Reconstruct Uratta, Old Express Roads, Approves Umuebeke Road as Aba Recovery Gathers Momentum.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has announced fresh infrastructure projects in Aba, signaling another major push by his administration to completely recover the commercial city and strengthen its roads, mobility and economic infrastructure.

Governor Otti disclosed that the State Government will soon flag-off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, two important corridors expected to further improve connectivity and stimulate commercial activities across the city.

In another significant development, the Governor announced his approval for the construction of Umuebeke Road, off Port Harcourt Road, Aba, responding to the challenges experienced by residents, traders, businesses and other road users in the area.

The announcements were made on Sunday, September 13, 2026, when Governor Otti attended a thanksgiving mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuogor, Aba South Local Government Area.

The latest projects add to the administration’s continuing intervention in Aba, where road reconstruction has remained one of the central pillars of the government’s urban renewal and economic recovery agenda.

The ongoing transformation of major roads, according to the direction of the administration, is intended not merely to improve transportation but also to create an environment where businesses can operate more efficiently and residents can move around the city with greater ease.

Speaking while responding to issues and requests presented by the church, Governor Otti addressed the question of bringing polling units closer to residents. He explained that the matter would be considered in the future, taking into account the electoral process and the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission would have concluded the required delineation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On the church’s proposed land project, the Governor assured the parish of his willingness to collaborate with industrialist, Ide John Udeagbara, to support the initiative.

He, however, reiterated his position that government resources would not be deployed to projects that are not government projects.

Governor Otti also pledged his support for the parish’s fund drive aimed at constructing a home for retired priests who have served the parish.

The Governor’s visit also provided an opportunity for him to reflect on the message of forgiveness delivered during the thanksgiving mass by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obiji.

Commending the homily, Governor Otti described forgiveness as an essential ingredient for personal growth, peaceful coexistence, national healing and societal progress. He urged people not to allow past grievances and offences to prevent them from moving forward.

“Our life is ordained by God.

“Sometimes, God uses those who offend us to teach us lessons or prepare us for the future. If we hold on to grievances, God may not forgive us. Forgiveness is key.

“Some of us may not be here today if we had not forgiven. We must forgive, forget and move on,” Governor Otti stated.

Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Obiji had emphasized the importance of forgiveness among believers, urging Christians to embrace reconciliation and let go of grievances.

The Parish Priest also acknowledged the impact of the Otti administration’s infrastructure programme, particularly the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which he said had helped restore economic activities in the area.

The Port Harcourt Road project has become one of the prominent symbols of the administration’s intervention in Aba, with the reconstruction opening up previously neglected areas and improving access for residents and businesses operating along the corridor.

Beyond acknowledging the administration’s infrastructure efforts, Rev. Fr. Obiji assured Governor Otti of the Church’s support for his re-election bid in 2027. He also appealed for the creation of additional polling units in the area to make voting more accessible to residents and reiterated the church’s request for assistance with its land project.

In a goodwill message, Chief Peter Nwosu expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for visiting the church and pledged the unwavering support of the congregation for his administration.

Nwosu further assured the Governor that the congregation would mobilize massively for his re-election in 2027, citing what he described as the administration’s achievements and commitment to the welfare of Abians.

He particularly commended Governor Otti’s performance in road reconstruction and construction across the state, while identifying environmental sanitation as, in his view, one of the administration’s most significant achievements.

Reflecting on the condition of the environment before the emergence of the Otti administration, Nwosu recalled the level of filth that previously characterized parts of Aba and said the changes recorded in environmental sanitation had become noticeable.

With the planned reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road, alongside the newly approved Umuebeke Road and the administration’s continuing projects across Aba, the Otti government is positioning the commercial city for another phase of infrastructure renewal.

The latest announcements reinforce the administration’s broader Aba recovery agenda, which places functional roads, cleaner surroundings, improved mobility and stronger economic infrastructure at the heart of efforts to restore Aba’s status as one of Ni geria’s foremost commercial and industrial hubs.