Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and Chief Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Constituency in the House of Representatives, have positively touched the hearts of their constituents and, by extension, the residents of the state.
This follows the plea/proposal made to the governor by Rep. Aguocha to construct the century-old Ofeke-Azueke-Ndume-Ibeku road, which runs across the major agricultural belt route and interconnects Umuahia North, Bende, and Ikwuano CouncilsIt was stated that, hitherto, no elected or appointed state administration or public officer had taken steps to construct this road until Tuesday, March 25, during the flag-off by Governor Otti of the construction of the 4.32-kilometre Orpet-Umuafai-Lodu-Ahiaeke Road and the 3.79-kilometre Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road.
While speaking during the event, Rep. Aguocha of the Labour Party emphasized the strategic location and importance of the Ofeke-Azueke-Ndume-Ibeku road and the need to construct it, stressing the various benefits derivable from doing so.
He listed these benefits as expanding and developing Umuahia, the state capital; supporting farmers, businesses, and commuters who face challenges along the route; attracting investors; and contributing to the government’s drive for more infrastructure development, including rural development, among others.
Rep. Aguocha, who, along with the governor, is a member of the Labour Party and a first-time entrant into elected political office, told Otti about the Ofeke road’s deplorable condition and the urgent need for government intervention.
He said, “You (Otti) have demonstrated true leadership by prioritizing infrastructural development across Abia State. Your administration has shown that governance is about service to the people, and constructing this Ofeke road would further testify to your dedication to the well-being of Abians.”
Emphasizing the road’s deplorable condition and the urgent need for government intervention, Rep. Aguocha stated that “to drive economic growth, we must invest in infrastructure; hence, this particular road is vital for our agricultural sector,”* describing Otti as a governor who “listens to the cries of his people and takes action where it matters most.”
Otti, in his reaction, despite the sudden nature of the request, accepted Rep. Aguocha’s demand.
He (Otti) consequently directed the state Commissioner for Works to take the necessary steps toward constructing the Ofeke-Ahiaeke-
Ndume Road. He stated that, although the project is not captured in the extant 2025 approved budget, the State House of Assembly could approve it through a supplementary budget or virement.
Elated residents openly celebrated the development, wondering why their past public officers did not consider the road a priority.
A constituent, who is the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Austin Okezie, commended Otti for instantly approving Rep. Aguocha’s plea, describing the road as one that would enhance connectivity and boost economic activities while also praising Rep. Obi Aguocha.
He added that the road will reduce travel time, facilitate transportation for local communities, stimulate commercial activities, and the people of my Umuahia East State Constituency will remain grateful to the governor and protect the projects sited therein.
