I won’t abandon any project in Abia, says Otti

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has pledged his administration’s commitment to completing every project it initiates, ensuring that abandoned projects become a thing of the past in the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction and dualization of the 5.5-kilometer Owerrinta-Umuekea Road, Otti emphasised that his government secures funding before embarking on any project, guaranteeing timely completion and quality execution.

“As I promised in the early days of this administration, we came prepared to change many ugly experiences road users coming into Abia from other states usually have.

“Never again will bad roads be used to describe Abia State,” Otti declared on Wednesday in a speech titled A Gateway to the New Abia.

He stressed that roads are not merely infrastructure but serve as the backbone of economic transformation and holistic development.

“For us as a government, the economic transformation of all parts of the state is at the heart of our governance agenda.

“Road infrastructural development is therefore not just a priority—it is a major yardstick for measuring progress in our stride to reposition Abia as a prime destination for investments,” he said.

The governor highlighted that the Owerrinta-Umuekea Road, which has an 18-month completion timeline, will provide a seamless travel experience for commuters from neighbouring Imo and Anambra states.

Otti also pointed to a recent National Bureau of Statistics report, which ranked Abia among the few states with zero indebtedness to contractors—an achievement he credited to his administration’s financial prudence.

“Abia, I am glad to report, now ranks as one of the few states in the country with zero indebtedness to contractors. I did not say this, the National Bureau of Statistics said so,” Otti stated.

“This distinction speaks to our prudence in managing public resources and, more fundamentally, an end to the era of abandoned projects.

“Not only do we make funds available, but we also ensure that our roads are handled by competent and tested contractors with a proven track record of performance,” he added.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, Otti dismissed the distinction between federal and state roads, insisting that every road within Abia’s boundaries is a priority.

“Although Owerrinta is a federal road, as I mentioned last week in Abam during the flag-off of the Omenuko Bridge construction, every stretch of road within Abia matters to us—whether designated as federal, state, or local government roads,” he said.

Stakeholders applaud gov

The event drew commendations from stakeholders and political leaders in the state.

The member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Rowland Chinwendu, along with Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu, and Mayor of Isiala Ngwa South, Chiedozie Nwogwugwu, lauded Governor Otti for the unprecedented infrastructural development in the region.

They assured the governor of their continued support and praised his dedication to the transformation of Abia State, particularly Isiala Ngwa South.

Other prominent figures, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Dr. Gershion Amuta, Mr. Dannie Ubani, and Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, commended Otti for redefining leadership in the state.

They acknowledged his efforts in fixing road infrastructure, improving healthcare, and enhancing education, emphasizing that his governance style proves that leadership is about action, not rhetoric.

“Governor Otti has made us proud through his unwavering commitment to developing Abia State,” they remarked, pledging their continued  support and prayers for his administration.