………as Azubuike Ihejirika Applauds Infrastructure Milestone.
FIC Report (Abia State) – It is noteworthy that the newly commissioned bridge is situated along the long-abandoned Bende federal road , a critical corridor that has defied several administrations. Stakeholders used the occasion to call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise the completion of its numerous neglected road projects in Abia State through its contractors.
In what has been described as the breaking of a decades-old jinx, Governor Alex Otti, alongside Nigeria’s first Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), commissioned the reconstructed 30-kilometre Ozu Abam–Ndi Okereke–Okobo–Amuvi–Arochukwu Road for public use.
Also commissioned was the iconic and monumental Omenuko Bridge, newly constructed to replace the life-threatening structure over the Igwu River that had become a death trap after years of abandonment by successive administrations.
Speaking at a grand reception held at Ozu Abam High School, Arochukwu LGA, Governor Otti titled his address, “At Last, The Jinx Is Broken.” He declared that the commissioning of the projects signals the dawn of a new era of prosperity for the people.
The Governor described the projects as a testament to his administration’s resolve to confront decades of infrastructural neglect and establish a new governance standard focused on empowering communities and enabling economic growth.
“The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly called Omenuko Bridge, stands as a testament to the resolute determination of our administration to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard , one that empowers communities and enables prosperity for all,” he said.
He added that the timely delivery of the 30-kilometre road cutting across several clans in Abam and Arochukwu demonstrates what purposeful leadership aligned with the people’s aspirations can achieve.
Governor Otti, visibly emotional, lamented the tragic loss of lives caused by the dilapidated state of the former bridge. He paid tribute to victims, including two children of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, who drowned at the Igwu River over 40 years ago. He also remembered Mr. Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his wife Victoria, their driver, and the 17 students who perished in 2007 while travelling to an examination centre.
He reiterated that his decision to venture into politics years ago was driven by the collapse of public infrastructure across the state and the frustration it caused both urban and rural communities.
“We stepped into the political ring with the conviction that we have what it takes to improve the economic outlook of the State and restore hope to the populace. Though risky, it was the right decision,” the Governor affirmed.
During the ceremony, Governor Otti announced the confirmation of Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole as the substantive Secretary to the State Government, while the immediate past SSG, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, was appointed President of the Abia State Leadership Academy.
Commissioning the projects, Lt. Gen. Ihejirika (Rtd) commended the Governor for delivering critical infrastructure that directly impacts humanity and strengthens connectivity among communities.
He described it as an honour to inaugurate projects of such magnitude and socio-economic relevance.
The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, recalled that residents previously had to pass through Akwa Ibom State to access Arochukwu due to poor road conditions. He praised the Governor’s commitment to opening up rural communities and enhancing accessibility.
Lawmakers representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and Arochukwu State Constituency, alongside former SSG Prof. Kenneth Kalu, described the day as historic and thanked the Governor for transformative interventions in the area.
Chief James Umeh, founder of UNUBIKO Foundation and popularly known as Ike Abam, expressed gratitude for restoring the pride of Abam Clan through the road reconstruction and bridge project. He pledged the community’s political support ahead of 2027, assuring that they were prepared to back the Governor’s re-election bid.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, recalled that the old Omenuko Bridge was originally constructed by the British colonial government to connect Bende, then the colonial district headquarters. He regretted that for decades, motorists endured untold hardship and many lives were lost due to its deplorable condition.
In his remarks, Eze Aro, His Eminence Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu, lauded Governor Otti for rewriting the history of Omenuko Bridge and the Arochukwu road corridor, praying for divine blessings upon him.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the state and featured vibrant cultural displays by jubilant residents, celebrating what many described as a long-awaited liberation from infrastructural neglect.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia Abia State.
February 14,2026.
