Ohafia–Arochukwu–Ihechiowa Road: Otti Orders Contractor Back to Site

Governor Alex Otti has issued a marching order to the contractor handling the Ihechiowa Ring Road, which is part of the Ohafia–Arochukwu–Ihechiowa Road project awarded and flagged off in 2024.

Speaking during a media parley with journalists tagged “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Abia State, the Governor said the contractors were summoned on Sunday and given strict instructions to deliver the road as soon as possible.

Governor Otti also disclosed that the Omenuko Bridge, Ozu-Abam–Okobo–Amuvi Arochukwu Road will be commissioned on the 13th of February, while the Uratta Road project will be flagged off very soon to complete the rehabilitation of Aba.

“Under our Direct Labour Agency, we currently have over 30 roads under construction. Pictures from Ovom Street show that the road will be ready for commissioning in the next few days.

“We will also be flagging off pocket layout construction for civil servants in Umuahia, with one of the sites located in Ubakala,” he said.

Speaking on politics, Governor Otti stated that he remains a member of the Labour Party but noted that nobody knows what tomorrow holds. He also confirmed that the tenure of Julius Abure has elapsed and that this has been certified by the court.

“Anything can happen tomorrow, but I am in the Labour Party,” he said.

While giving a rundown of his administration’s achievements, the Governor highlighted the retrofitting of Abia State University and Abia State College of Education, Arochukwu.

He also noted that construction is ongoing at the male and female hostels at the permanent site of the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Osisioma, alongside other renovation projects.

He reported positive results from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, revealing that school enrolment has risen to over 300,000 as of the end of last month.

Governor Otti assured that the state government will work assiduously to ensure Abia children are adequately prepared for the WAEC and the CBT transition.

“We will do whatever is possible to ensure our children participate in the examinations, and they will be ready,” he assured.

He further stated that the recruitment of 4,000 teachers is currently ongoing.

In sports, the Governor disclosed that the state has hired a coach for Enyimba Football Club. He also announced the signing of a partnership to digitally mmapevery hotel and guest house in Abia State.

“All hotels and guest houses will be assessed using global hotel rating standards.”

On science and innovation, Governor Otti revealed plans to launch a pilot project at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture aimed at converting waste into clean energy.

Regarding power, he said the state’s offer to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has been accepted, and efforts are ongoing to raise funds. He added that the regulation was completed on December 24, 2025.

In the health sector, the Governor stated that Phase One of Project Ekwueme has been completed, with 200 primary healthcare centres functionalised.

He eemphasisedthat no centre is made operational without adequate personnel and equipment, noting that over 600 healthcare professionals were recently recruited.

He also announced the award of a contract for the construction of a brand-new hospital in Ndoki, Ukwa East and disclosed that the contractor has already mobilised to the site mentioning that the land for the hospital was donated free of charge by Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, and the Governor assured that a general hospital will be completed in Ukwa East before the end of the year.

On water infrastructure, Governor Otti said the water project flagged off at CKC, Aba, is almost complete and will be commissioned within the year to supply water to parts of Aba.

He added that the water project in ASCETA is also nearing completion and will serve parts of Arochukwu.