FIC Report (Abia State) – In line with his infrastructural development agenda aimed at boosting the economy of the State and enhancing both intra and inter-connectivity, His Excellency, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR has on Tuesday 3rd December Commissioned and opened for public use the newly constructed Obiora road in Aba with a double drainage system and solar – powered street lights. This project is another testimony of the Governor’s commitment to fast- tracking development.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti who commended the team for their exceptional work, emphasized that the project demonstrates the State’s capacity to deliver World – Case infrastructure without breaking the bank.
According to Governor Otti, the road constructed through the State’s Direct Labour Agency, cost 25-30% of what similar projects by external contractors would require and added that his Administration is committed to infrastructural development as a catalyst for economic transformation.
In his words, “It is important to re-emphasize that the road we are standing on today was not done by contract but by Direct Labour Agency about a year and six months ago directly under the supervision of Ministry of Works”.
“This road project will not just bring a boom in the level of economic opportunities around here, but will also improve the value of commercial and residential properties in this area and increasing access to capital for those who wish to access funds to inject into their individual enterprises”.
He reaffirmed his Administration’s dedication in delivering sustainable infrastructure across the State and disclosed that the next few months would witness an intesified focus on commissioning flagging off of numerous projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and fostering socio-economic growth across the State’s urban and rural areas.
Governor Otti who stressed his Administration’s prudent Financial Management revealed that the State has significantly reduced its debt profile and remains one of the few States with zero indebtedness to contractors, attributing the achievement to disciplined governance and effective utilization of public resources.
The Governor urged the people of Abia to be active participants in the payment of taxes and statutory revenues, noting that the State has simplified its tax payment system through digital platforms to ensure accountability and transparency and assured citizens that their tax revenues would be judiciously utilized.
He reiterated his Administration’s focus on Aba as a major industrial and commercial hub pointing out that investment in infrastructure, Sanitation and Security among others are designed to restore Aba’s economic glory and generate revenue for further development across the State.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti described the road as crucial to revitalizing the Commercial nerve center of the State.
The Commissioner who disclosed that the road was originally an earth road “but the construction has raised its status to an asphaltic concrete road” urged the residents of Aba to desist from engaging in activities that would adversely affect the road.
In their separate remarks, the Member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Mr Stephen Ucheonye, and the Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr Nwobilor Anyanwu commended the Governor for executing such a project to improve the welfare of the people pointing out that the road would play a vital role in improving traffic and boosting commercial activities within area. He also implored the well to do business men in Aba to collaborate with the Government in rehabilitating Aba, he also called on all the bottling companies in Aba and Abia State to support the Government in developing Abia.
They said the road has given the residents a new lease of life, a sense of belonging and increased the value of commercial and residential property in the area.
The people of Aba expressed their joy and gratitude and praised the Governor for being a promise keeping Governor, a people oriented Governor that has the well being of his people at heart. They also praised him for the peace and tranquility that is being experienced in Aba, and Abia State at large, and pledged to give his Administration their full support.
The Obiora road commissioning occasion was graced with dignitaries and Government officials such as the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, his Deputy Engnr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Commissioner for Works Engnr. Don Otumchere Oti, Commissioner for Information Mazi Okey Kalu, amongst other Commissioners, Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obilor Anyanwu, the immediate past Aba South Mayor Sir John Ude Agbara, Chancellors of different Wards, Captains of Industries, Traditional Rulers, Students and people from different walks of life.
Signed
Okezie Grace. A.
FIC Umuahia.
