FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State is set for a historic moment as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visits next Friday,3rd October, 2025 to commission the iconic Port Harcourt Road in Aba, alongside a string of newly rehabilitated arteries that are redefining the city’s landscape.
Governor Alex Otti announced the presidential visit during the September edition of Governor Otti Speaks, his monthly media parley at Government House, Umuahia.
He confirmed that, beyond Port Harcourt Road, the President will also unveil Ohanku, Ndoki and Pepple’s Roads as major projects that signal the administration’s determination to open up Abia’s commercial capital for unprecedented growth.
“Final agreements are being made, and I’m sure people will come out in their numbers to celebrate the delivery of Port Harcourt Road and the rest of the roads,” Otti said, calling the visit a testament to the state’s rebirth and a new era of federal–state collaboration.
The Governor restated his pledge to overhaul Abia’s long-neglected roads on his infrastructure renaissance revealing that work will soon begin on the dilapidated Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
He highlighted an aggressive road-building programme through the Ministry of Works, Greater Aba Development Agency (GADA), and urbant development authorities, vowing that “we will continue until everywhere is accessible.”
GADA is currently handling ten additional roads in Aba, while also supervising the facelift of the Enyimba Hotel and the Aba Leisure Park. The first phase of the hotel renovation is billed for completion by the end of next year.
On Peace, Security and regional engagement, governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to peace and security.
He disclosed ongoing high-level talks with the governments of Cross River and Akwa Ibom to resolve the lingering Itu–Arochukwu boundary clashes, which he linked to unverified reports of limestone deposits in the disputed area.
On broader regional issues, Otti confirmed he is personally working with fellow South East governors to secure the release of detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
While keeping details under wraps to avoid jeopardising delicate negotiations, he expressed confidence that the discussions would yield positive results for Abia and the wider South East.
Beyond roads, the Governor spotlighted a pilot rice-farming scheme at Owerrinta, boasting yields of about five tonnes per hectare.
He revealed that 45,000 farmers and 58,000 hectares of farmland have been digitally mapped to ensure targeted government support and a stronger agricultural base.
As President Tinubu prepares to cut the ribbon on Aba’s transformed road network, Abia stands poised for a new chapter of economic revival, regional peace, and inclusive development.
From modernised correctional facilities to precision agriculture, Governor Otti’s message was clear: the days of decayed infrastructure and stagnation are over.
Abia is on the move.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
Head of Centre, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
26th October 2025.
