Otti flags off road construction in Abia oil-producing area

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has vowed that the long years of neglect of the state’s oil-producing area of Ukwa have ended for good and that significant changes have been set into motion in the area.

Otti announced this while flagging off the reconstruction of the 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road in Ukwa West Local Government Area. He said that upon completion, the road would boost the marketability and viability of the proposed Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP), located in the council area.

He also said that the Federal Government has already approved the establishment of a modular refinery to be sited inside the AIIP, giving 12 months as the delivery time for the road by the contractor.

“This project is, therefore, not just about creating access to the towns and villages along this corridor; it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons, and reigniting the dreams that once stirred the souls of our fathers.

“Just a few days ago, we got the good news that the Federal Government has approved a modular refinery, which would be sited inside the AIIP that is to be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.”

He assured that his administration would give every necessary support, including working together to create a robust industrial cluster that will accelerate the rapid socio-economic development of the area and fast-track the restoration of the years lost to poor leadership.

Otti said, “As we officially declare that the era of neglect of Ukwa and all the communities within the land is over, Ukwa shall no longer be a forgotten place.

“Your land will yield forth its best fruits, and your barns shall never be empty again. You will enjoy the riches of your environment/endowment, and the oil in your land shall bring you boundless prosperity.”

He added that Ukwa would not only get what is due to them at the resource allocation table, but that the various levers of his administration shall collaborate extensively with agencies like the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other interventionist establishments to restore the years lost to the politics of exclusion and deceit.

Regarding the requests made by leaders of the area, Governor Otti told them that the Umuzike-Obokwe-Ngwaiyiekwe road would soon be flagged off for reconstruction following its approval in the 2025 budget.

He additionally promised to restore electricity in Asa land before the end of this month and directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday, to visit the area and find out what it will take to restore electricity in the area.