Governor Okezie Ikpeazu says that he remains fully committed to the total restoration of the glory of Aba, the Enyimba City.
The Governor stated this today at the Governor’s Lodge, Aba when he received a delegation of UMU ABA WORLDWIDE, an association made up young men who were born and bred in Aba but are currently living in different countries of the world.
According to the Governor, “Aba is my home. But it goes beyond that. It is the economic centre of our state and Ala Igbo in general. Aba houses everyone and they make their money in Aba and help to develop other parts of the state and our region. I will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the town gets the required attention. We have invested heavily in the infrastructural development of Aba and my emphasis is to do sustainable projects, not the kind that will be gone after one or two rainy seasons. If you check well, all the roads we have completed and commissioned since 2015 are still standing in top shape. My decision to deploy cement technology, though more expensive is to ensure that our roads last for several years”.
The Governor told the group that he will never stop working until his last day in office as Governor, also used the opportunity to announce that work will commence on Port Harcourt road very shorty. He reminded them that drainage works had been completed on PH road from beginning to end and both sides, and what is now remaining is the main road work”. He promised to deliver a brand new Port Harcourt road before he leaves office. He also assured them that in the next 18 months, a brand new Ngwa Road, Ohanku, Obohia and Uratta roads will come to life to the delight of everyone.
He challenged them to bring their investments back home to Aba, pointing out that his administration is working hard to make the environment safe and conducive for business.
The Governor assured them that their request for land to build a housing estate for their members would be given adequate consideration.
He thanked them for finding time to visit him before returning to their respective bases abroad and wished them safe journies back home.
Earlier, the President of the association, Mr Uche Milo told the Governor that they came to appreciate the Governor for the massive turn around they are witnessing in Aba after many years of rot. He said that what they saw this Christmas when they came back home gladdened their hearts and reminded them of the Aba of old.
He told the Governor that with what they have seen on the ground now, they will effectively start establishing a tangible presence at home by establishing businesses in the town from this year. They assured the Governor also that they will be spending the Christmas holidays in Aba henceforth and will use the opportunity to organize several activities including some soccer events, all aimed at bringing back the good old days of Aba.
He requested that the Governor approves their request for a parcel of land to build a housing estate for their members as they are all desirous of building their house in Aba in one location.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the group and an ex-soccer international, James Igwilo, popularly called Ademi told the Governor that their members were very impressed with the emerging scenes of development in Aba and assured him that they will partner with his administration in different ways to make the town better. He said that they were also interested in youth development through sports and would use their contacts abroad to assist young Aba soccer players to push their careers abroad.
The group was led to the Governor by the Secretary of Enyimba FC of Aba, Mr Chibuzo Nwogu.
Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
27th January 2021.
