FIC Report (Abia State) – Otti Flags Off Reconstruction Of Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway As Education, Infrastructure Transformation Deepens Across Abia
The much-anticipated rehabilitation of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Federal Highway is set to commence this Friday, as Governor Alex Otti continues to drive massive infrastructure and educational reforms across Abia State.
Disclosing this while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, after the week’s State Executive Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the Governor would also flag off the reconstruction of the 13.1-kilometre Ariam–Usaka Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area on the same day.
Prince Kanu emphasized that these projects align with the administration’s vision to open up rural communities, boost commerce, and improve mobility across the state.
“The flag-off of these key roads marks another bold step in Governor Otti’s resolve to rebuild critical infrastructure and enhance connectivity within the state,” he said.
The Commissioner further revealed that work is actively ongoing at 32 road contract sites and 55 direct labour road projects across Abia, adding that the Zero Pothole Initiative remains on course.
He noted that the Ministry of Works has, within the period under review, completed 12 direct labour road projects, including St. Michael’s Drive, Government Layout, Ehimiri, Hon. Justice Okoroafor Close, Ozouma Spur through Corpers Lodge off Aba Road, Afaraukwu, and the Umunkpeyi–Eziala–Umuru Nvosi Road (8km) in Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
In Aba, the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) is also intensifying efforts through both contract and direct labour projects. Among the contract projects are the Aba Ring Road (Umuaduru to Okpulor Umuobu) and the 7Up–Okpulor Umuobu Road, while six roads,Elizabeth Avenue, Imo Avenue, Sacred Heart Street, Ihuoma Street, Afor Ule–Okpulor Umuobu Road, and Ozuomba Road are being constructed by direct labour.
Prince Kanu also revealed that the Ovom Street Erosion Project in Aba is nearing completion and is being executed with rigid pavement technology, which guarantees a lifespan of over 50 years.
He announced further that in line with ongoing urban renewal projects aimed at restoring Aba’s commercial glory, the Eziama Pedestrian Bridge opposite Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, is under construction, while work on the Enyimba Hotel Project,a 120-room facility to be managed by Radisson Blu—is progressing steadily.
Transitioning to the educational sector, the Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transforming public schools, noting that nine out of 63 schools currently undergoing renovation across the state have been completed and are ready for use.
“This is in line with the government’s agenda of transforming the learning environment in our public schools across the 17 LGAs of the state,” he said.
The completed schools, which cut across the three senatorial zones, include Nkata Community Primary School, Ibeku High School, and Ohuhu Community Secondary School, Amaogugu (Umuahia North LGA); Migrant Farmers Primary School, Osisioma; Umuagbai Secondary School, Aba; Abayi Nchokoro Primary School, Ugwunagbo; Owerre Aba Primary School, Ugwunagbo; Omoba Central Model Primary School, Isiala Ngwa; and Abiriba Nmaju Memorial Primary School, Ohafia LGA.
Prince Kanu disclosed that construction is also ongoing at three smart schools located at Ogbo Primary School, Ubakala (Umuahia South LGA); Umuomaikwu Primary School (Isiala Ngwa North LGA); and Umuagbai Secondary School (Aba South LGA).
He added that 100 teachers are currently undergoing a three-week specialized training programme to equip them with the technological and operational skills required for effective management of the smart schools.
“This is a strategic move to prepare our teachers for the digital transformation of our education system,” the Commissioner said.
He also confirmed that the posting of newly recruited teachers would be completed this week, explaining that the process took time to ensure proper deployment to areas where they can serve effectively.
Concluding the briefing, Prince Kanu assured Abians that Governor Otti’s administration remains steadfast in delivering on its promises to rebuild Abia through quality education, modern infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
Also present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Director-General, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 22,2025.
