The Abia State Government has announced plans to soon commence the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba as part of ongoing efforts to fully restore the commercial city from years of infrastructural decay and economic stagnation.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed this on Sunday, January 25, during an unannounced visit to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Abayi Ariaria, Aba, where he attended a church service as part of his regular engagement with communities across the state. The governor said the proposed projects represent the final phase in the administration’s broader strategy to recover Aba, popularly known as Enyimba City, and reposition it as a thriving hub of industry and commerce.
According to Governor Otti, significant progress has already been made in reviving Aba, but critical infrastructure gaps remain. He assured residents that the reconstruction of the two major roads would soon be flagged off and executed to the same standard that has characterised projects undertaken by his administration.
“We have been trying to recover Aba, and I think that we have recovered Aba,” the governor said. “But there is still some work to do. Very soon, we will flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road. And as we are flagging off Uratta Road, we are also flagging off the reconstruction of Old Express Road.”
He added that the projects would be handled by reputable construction companies and delivered with durability in mind. “You can be sure that it will be done the same way we do our things – very solid, by solid construction companies,” Otti stated.
The governor expressed confidence that the completion of the two roads would mark the full recovery of Aba, a city whose economic importance extends beyond Abia State. He noted that poor road infrastructure had for years undermined business activities, increased transportation costs and discouraged investment in the city.
“I am sure that very soon, we will complete those projects so that we can complete the full recovery of Aba,” he said.
While addressing the congregation, Governor Otti also used the opportunity to speak on civic responsibility, particularly voter registration and participation. He expressed concern over the consistently low voter turnout from Aba during elections, describing the gap between the city’s population and the number of votes recorded as alarming.
“If you look at the number of people in Aba and compare it with the number of votes that usually come out from Aba, it is like darkness and daylight,” he said. “So I want to charge you: if you have not registered, please go and register.”
The governor urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration exercise and to mobilise their families, friends and neighbours to do the same. According to him, active participation in elections is the only way citizens can safeguard the progress being made in the state.
“It is important. The only way you can ensure that we do not go back to Egypt is for you to vote,” Otti said. “You cannot vote if you are not registered. And if you do not vote, you have voted for the wrong people. Not voting is voting for the wrong person.”
After the service at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Governor Otti proceeded to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Abayi Ariaria, Aba, where he was warmly received by the parish priest and members of the congregation. During the visit, the parish priest appealed to the governor to assist the church and surrounding community in restoring public power supply, noting that the area had been disconnected from electricity for a long period.
Responding immediately, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to visit the church on Tuesday and commence the process of reconnecting it to the public power supply, alongside other affected areas in the neighbourhood.
The governor’s directive follows recent interventions by his administration that restored electricity to several communities in Asa land after more than nine years of total blackout. The power restoration initiative has been widely welcomed by residents, who say it has improved security, boosted small businesses and enhanced overall quality of life.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to churches across the state for their consistent support and prayers for his administration, describing his government as one rooted in Christian values.
“Thank you for all the support you have been giving your government,” he told the congregations. “This is a government brought by Christendom.”
Clergymen at both churches assured the governor of continued prayers and support. Ven. Michael Nwaubani of St. Paul’s Anglican Church and Rev. Fr. Jephthah Asuoha of St. Mary’s Catholic Church commended Governor Otti for what they described as visible achievements across the state, particularly in Aba.
They declared that members of their congregations would continue to support the governor, noting that his performance had earned him goodwill among the people. Their remarks were met with loud applause and expressions of joy from worshippers, who affirmed their support for the administration.
The clerics led special prayers for Governor Otti, his family, members of his entourage and the peace and progress of Abia State.
The governor was accompanied on the church visits by his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti; the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregeni; and other lawmakers representing Osisioma North, Osisioma South, Aba Central and Aba North state constituencies.
Also present were the Acting Chairman of the Labour Party in Abia State, Sir Emmanuel Nwaeze Otti; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; other senior government officials; and the mayors of Osisioma and Aba North local government areas.
The planned reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road is expected to further ease movement within Aba, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen the city’s role as a commercial nerve centre in the South-East. Residents and business owners have expressed optimism that the projects, once completed, will consolidate the gains recorded so far under the Otti administration and deepen economic recovery in the city.
