FIC Report (Abia State) – In a resounding endorsement of infrastructural excellence, Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has showered praises on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for taking the initiative to reconstruct key federal roads in the state and delivering high-quality road infrastructure that has stunned even seasoned observers.
The Minister, who paid an unscheduled visit to the Governor in Umuahia following his inspection tour of ongoing and completed federal road projects across Abia, declared that Governor Otti’s interventions are not only commendable but worthy of national celebration.
“I didn’t want to tell you I was coming,” Umahi revealed. “But I came to secretly inspect projects we plan to commission by December and those that Mr. President will inaugurate in Abia. I went around on my own, and I must say, I’m very, very proud of what you’re doing for the Abia people.”
The former Ebonyi State Governor singled out the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Road in Aba as a masterpiece. “That place was almost forgotten. The quality and scale of work there is mind-blowing. It takes a leader with your kind of heart to recover such a road so remarkably,” he said.
Engr. Umahi also appreciated Governor Otti’s unwavering support to the Federal Government’s projects, particularly in enabling progress on two critical sections of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway.
“Before you assumed office, contractors couldn’t freely operate in this corridor. But your leadership changed that,” Umahi noted, calling on other state governors across Nigeria to emulate Otti’s bipartisan cooperation. “Whether APC or Labour, the people should come first.”
The Minister further highlighted the strong relationship between President Bola Tinubu and Governor Otti, affirming that the President is heavily invested in the Southeast’s infrastructural renewal.
“We, as Ndigbo, should support a President who is supporting us. Dr. Otti, I can boldly say, stands with President Tinubu, and so do all Southeast governors,” Umahi affirmed.
In his response, Governor Alex Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to developmental synergy with the Federal Government, emphasizing that good governance should transcend political lines.
“When the roads are fixed, it is the government that gets the credit—whether federal or state—it’s one government. The real winners are the people,” Governor Otti said.
He disclosed that he had personally sought President Tinubu’s approval to take over the reconstruction of several impassable federal roads in Abia, including Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, and the Onuimo-Umuahia Road.
Governor Otti also addressed the postponed commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road, explaining that it was rescheduled due to the President’s trip to the Vatican. “We’re in touch with the President’s office to fix a new date. More roads will be ready for him to commission on his visit,” the Governor added.
As Abia State continues to witness unprecedented infrastructure development, the collaborative tone set by both the federal and state governments is offering a new model of development—one driven by purpose, not party.
This visit and endorsement by Minister Umahi have further cemented Governor Otti’s status as a transformational leader and repositioned Abia as a construction hub in Southeast Nigeria.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
20-06-2025
