Governor Alex Otti, alongside Nigeria’s First Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) have commissioned the long-abandoned 30 kilometres Ozu Abam -Ndi okereke -Okobo – Amuvi – Arochukwu Road, reconstructed by Governor Alex Otti for public use.
Also commissioned is the newly constructed Iconic and Monumental Omenuko bridge, a project that has replaced the life-threatening bridge and death trap, which was neglected and abandoned by successive administrations for decades.
Speaking on Friday, February 13th, at a reception organised for him, immediately after the commissioning at Ozu Abam High School, Arochukwu LGA, Governor Alex Otti said that with the commissioning of the projects, a new era of prosperity has just begun.
Governor Otti, who titled his speech, “AT LAST, THE JINX IS BROKEN”, noted that the commissioning of the two landmark projects with their social and economic importance is a testament to the resolute determination of his government to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard.
“The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly called Omenuko Bridge, stands as a testament to the resolute determination of our administration to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard,
“One that empowers communities and enables prosperity for all. In the same vein, the timely delivery of the 30-kilometre stretch of road transversing several clans in Abam and Arochukwupoints us to what we are truly capable of, when the leadership is fully aligned to the aspirations of the community,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti, who described the Abam people as a people of good quality, said that they are the true heroes of the transformation being witnessed in Abam and Arochukwu LGA.
The Governor reiterated that he decided to jump into the political ring years ago to confront the complete collapse of public infrastructure and the attendant frustration it engendered in several urban and rural communities across the State.
“We jumped in with the simple conviction that we have what it takes to improve the economic outlook of the State and restore hope to the populace.
“I am glad to say that although it was risky, our decision to step out of our comfort zones to fight for the soul of this great State was indeed the right one.
Governor Otti, who broke into tears, regretted that many lives had been lost due to the total neglect of the Omenuko bridge by successive governments.
“On this day, we remember in a very special way, our dear brother, father and mentor, servant of the Most High God, Rev. Dr Uma Ukpai, whose body will be laid to rest in a few weeks, who lost 2 of his children at Igwu River more than 40 years ago.
“We also offer our collective condolences to other families whose loved ones perished at different times in the river on account of the dilapidated Omenuko bridge over it, especially Mr Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his dear wife, Victoria, and their driver.
“We also remember and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the 17 students who perished on the same river in 2007 on their way to an exam centre,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor used the opportunity to announce the confirmation of Dr Emmanuel Meribeole as the substantive Secretary to the State Government, while the immediate past SSG, Prof Kenneth Kalu, was pronounced the President of Abia State Leadership Academy.
Commissioning the historic projects, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), saluted the Governor for the projects and said that the projects are critical infrastructure connecting towns and communities.
He commended the Governor for constructing projects that have a direct impact on humanity and described it as a great honour to be allowed to commission major critical infrastructure delivered by Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti said that, in the past, people used to go through Akwa Ibom State to get to Arochukwu. He appreciated the commitment of Governor Otti in opening up roads and granting access even in the rural areas.
Also speaking, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro and former SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu described the day as special to them and thanked Governor Otti for the massive interventions in Arochukwu Local Government.
Contributing, one of the sons of the soil and founder of UNUBIKO Foundation, Chief James Umeh, thanked Governor Otti for restoring the pride ofthe Abam clan through the reconstruction of the road and construction of the bridge.
Chief Umeh, popularly known as Ike Abam, said that his people are proud of him and would support him in 2027.
“Our people are very proud of you. You are going to run in 2027, my people said that, they will buy.
“The Expression of Interest Form. They said they will put a seed of 500 Million Naira into your re-election project,” Chief Umeh assured.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman, Governing Council, Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwurecalled that the old dilapidated Omenuko bridge was originally constructed by the British Colonial Government to connect Bende, the then Colonial District headquarters.
He noted regrettably thatthe bridge remained in a deplorable condition under successive governments.
“For decades, many lives were tragically lost on that bridge. Motorists endured untold hardship, especially during the rainy season, losing countless man-hours with little hope in sight. Today, that painful story has changed for the better,” Rt. Hon. Agwu stated.
Speaking in an interview, Eze Aro, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Kanu, lauded the decision of Governor Otti to rewrite the history of Omenuko bridge and Arochukwu road and prayed God to bless him abundantly.
The ceremony,y which attracted many dignitaries, witnessed various cultural displays by the people to show how joyous they are over the projects delivered to them by Governor Alex Otti.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
February 13th, 2026.
