In a strategic move to give new impetus to road infrastructure development and mitigate the menace of gully erosion, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) project.
Speaking at the launch of the project on Friday, held at the JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Governor Otti said that ABSIID would also accelerate the development of robust waste management infrastructure in addition to road and mitigation of erosion.
He informed the audience that the ABSIID initiative certainly holds multiple promises for the economic, environmental, and social realities of Abia State.
“Beyond just improving the stock of road infrastructure to connect communities, farms to markets, and dreams to ventures, we are optimistic that ABSIID will fast-track the pace of job creation in agriculture, transportation, and light manufacturing.
“Additionally, the erosion control component of the project will bring succour to communities facing imminent threats from the forces of nature, while the waste management element will, in addition to improving what we are already doing with sanitation in urban and semi-urban destinations, create new pathways for profitable investments and decent jobs in the ecosystem.” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who stated that the terms of agreement with the partners are very favourable, assured that every fund that the State would receive for the initiative would be judiciously applied.
He noted that, “In truth, the conception of this initiative preceded the coming of our administration, but then, the fact that it took our coming on board to materialise speaks to the growing confidence of multilateral partners in the development trajectory of the State under our leadership.
“This government did not just take steps to actualise the ABSIID initiative; we worked tirelessly with the partners to broaden the scope from a narrow focus on urban roads when it was first conceived over a decade ago to a robust public sector vehicle for holistic development along critical frontiers covering road rehabilitation, erosion mitigation, and waste management.
He thanked the Federal Government for the technical support it provided and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and his team for their roles in the project.
Governor Otti also appreciated three major development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Canada-Africa Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF), for their support in the New Abia train under the aegis of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID).
In his speech, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, represented by Dr. Oyadele Akonde, said that the initiative represents a significant growth in the collective efforts to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and finance the quality of life for Abia State’s citizens.
He commended Governor Otti for his unwavering commitment to the project since he assumed office and for his provision of road infrastructure in Abia State.
“His Excellency has shown capacity with the State funds, because when we came here 2 years ago, we saw the situation of the State, and today, we are happy to see what His Excellency has been able to do within the State.
Earlier in an address, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti thanked the delegation and highlighted the importance of a good road network, which the project would provide.
He added that the project would not only enhance transportation but reduce travel time and cost as well as create jobs across the State and thanked the Governor for his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy.
In their goodwill messages, the Director General of the African Development Bank, Dr. Abdul Kalam (AfDB), and the representative of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) affirmed their commitment to the project. They assured that they would work together to achieve the aim of the partnership.
The event was witnessed by several political appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Government House, Umuahia.
11 – 07 – 2025.
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