Being the Text of a Speech Presented by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at flag off of the Reconstruction and Dualisation of the 5.5 kilometre Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Umuaikaa
Protocols
1. Roads are pictures; they tell the story of a society and where it is on the development ladder. It is not an accident that most roads in the developed societies look more inviting than what you get in the developing areas. Roads are also compasses, they point you to the economic trajectory of a community and direct the attention of those in authority to what needs to be done if certain outcomes are to be pursued or avoided.
Roads ultimately are more than just infrastructure; they are the foundation of prosperity and enablers of holistic development in most parts of the world.
2. For us as a government, the economic transformation of all parts of the State is at the heart of our governance agenda. Road infrastructure development is therefore, not just a priority, it is a major yardstick for measuring our progress in the stride to reposition Abia as a prime destination for investments. From the heart of the Aba metropolitan areas to the most remote communities around the State, we have left overwhelming evidence that we appreciate the place of quality roads in the building of a prosperous society.
3. In the last few months, we have initiated over a dozen new road projects covering more than 200 kilometres across the State. Earlier in the day, we were at Obingwa to flag off the reconstruction of the long abandoned 12.6 kilometre Ohanze-Ntighauzor -Akirika Obu Road. What sets us apart as a government is that before we move to any road for a flag off ceremony like this, plans must have been made for funds to effectively execute and deliver the project on schedule. Abia, I am glad to report, now ranks as one of the few states in the country with zero indebtedness to contractors.
4. This distinction speaks to our prudence in the management of public resources and more fundamentally, an end to the days of abandoned projects because not only do we make funds available, but we also have systems in place to ensure that we give our roads to competent and tested contractors that have track records of delivery. Our message to you this afternoon is that we do not just initiate projects; we deliver 100% because we plan long in advance, and follow through on our plans.
5. On this note distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me happily welcome you to the formal flag off of the reconstruction and dualisation of the 5.5-kilometre Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road. I am glad that you trooped out in your numbers to witness the commencement of this historic project because of its importance to our people. Although a federal road, but as I mentioned last week in Abam when we flagged off the construction of the Omenuko bridge, every stretch of road within the boundaries of Abia is of great importance to us, whether designated federal, state of local government road. At any rate, may I also use this medium to express our collective gratitude to the Federal Government for giving us the go-ahead to embark on this project.
6. On completion, the dualised Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road will create an inviting experience for road users coming into Abia from our neighbouring states of Imo and Anambra. As I promised in the early days of the Administration, we came prepared to change the ugly experiences many road users coming into Abia from other states usually have as soon as their vehicles hit our roads. All that is in the past now; never again will bad roads be used to describe the entry points into Abia.
7. In addition to building quality world class roads to welcome travellers, we have also stepped up the protocols for the removal of waste and any other unsightly presence at our boundary posts. Beautification works, lightening, and initiatives that limit the entry of criminals into our State are also in the works. I am certain that by the time we return for the commissioning, this 5.5 kilometre stretch will not only be a totally different place, it will speak to the new philosophy of leadership that has taken roots in our dear State.
8. Beyond aesthetics, this project is also a life-saving initiative that will cut down the risk of road accidents along this corridor. It will enable smooth flow of traffic and ultimately reduce delays, especially for those travelling to catch their flight at the Sam Mbakwe Airport or attend to other matters that may be of life and death importance. I am also glad to announce to you, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, that the proposed medical city which shall be flagged off within the year, will be sited along this district. Clearly, this project could not have come at a better time.
9. The completion of this dual carriageway will be a major boost to the south east economic integration project, enabling smooth flow of inter-state trade through cost-effective transportation of people and goods. A dual carriage Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road will encourage investors to look positively to this part of the State to take advantage of the additional infrastructure leverage we have provided along this corridor.
10. We are projecting that investment in real estate and hospitality, agriculture and agro-processing, retail trade and transport logistics will receive a major boost with the commencement and ultimate completion of this project. Like many of you, I am optimistic that the reconstruction and dualisation of Owerrinta-Umuikaa Road will not only complement our plans for the Osisioma Industrial Cluster, it will also set the tone for the industrialisation of the Greater Umunneato economic zone.
11. While speaking at Orie Agalaba earlier in the day, I made it known that we are looking to expand the Aba urban corridor by developing the outskirts of the main town to decongest the city centre and create new territories for businesses and families. May I also announce that part of the agenda of the present Administration is to initiate robust infrastructure development strides that will ultimately establish a large urban sprawl between Aba and Umuahia — turning the two cities into one large metropolitan area. It may seem impossible but if there is one thing I have learnt in my study of the history of human civilisation, it is to never say never, to believe that impossibility doesn’t exist.
12. Over the last 20 months, we have taken on projects that those who came before us simply ignored because of the scope or size of resources required to start and complete them. For us, however, we are guided by the belief that when a man says yes, his personal god nods in agreement. May I announce to this august gathering that some of our landmark projects, including Port Harcourt Road Aba, will be completed shortly. When we said we were going to fix that long-abandoned Road and permanently end the nightmare that had assailed residents and businesses around that stretch for decades, the naysayers simply scoffed at us. Today, they are bewildered as to how we were able to pull it off.
13. Just last week, our team signed a management contract with the global hospitality giant, Radisson Blu, for chains of projects that include the reconstruction of Enyimba International Hotel, the building of a world class convention centre and the setting up of a one-stop hybrid recreational and business complex to reflect the scope of our dreams for the New Aba. A few years ago, the thought of a global brand as renowned as Radisson Blu coming into Aba would have been dismissed as a wild joke; now the reality is different. My charge to our people from this podium is this: never doubt the power of the human spirit.
14. To accomplish our grand vision for the State, we will need the active support of our people through regular and prompt payment of your individual and business taxes. We have sufficiently demonstrated that we are prudent in the use of public resources by the size and scope of projects we have taken on since assuming office. Abians now know where their funds are being channelled to, not minding the attempts of a tiny but vociferous minority to judge us by their ignoble standards.
15. We have lined up scores of other projects to be flagged off in this early part of the year as we plan to take advantage of the dry season to extend our development footprints to many more communities. Remember that we are not just flagging off projects for the fun of it, the engineers and machines are working very hard at all our project sites. As a matter of fact, most of our flag-offs happen weeks after the contractor has actively mobilised to site. I can guarantee you that all our projects shall be ready for public use within the timelines we had defined. I would therefore encourage you to support us by promptly and regularly paying your taxes. Do not also forget that we have set an unprecedented internally generated revenue target of N120 billion for 2025. We shall be counting on you to support us in the project of building a New Abia that will be the pride of present and future generations.
16. Thank you for listening and may God bless Abia State.
Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR.
12/02/2025