Amanze Chinonye
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially launched the reconstruction of the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene federal highway and the construction of the 13.5-kilometre Ariam–Usaka Ring Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area, marking a new phase in the state’s aggressive infrastructure renewal drive.
The twin projects were flagged off on October 24, 2025, after the state government secured approvals from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to intervene on the federal road.
Speaking during the event, Governor Otti said his administration would not be deterred by jurisdictional boundaries in addressing infrastructural decay affecting citizens’ welfare.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“We do not accept the doctrine of dichotomy when it comes to roads. Whether federal or state, the important thing is that our people use them,” he said.
The Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, which connects Abia and Akwa Ibom States and passes through the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, has for decades been in deplorable condition, causing frequent accidents and disrupting trade. The reconstruction, to be executed by GELD Construction Ltd, is scheduled for completion within 18 months.
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According to project specifications released by the Abia State Ministry of Works, the highway will feature a 7.3-metre carriageway with 2-metre shoulders on both sides, a 200 mm sub-base, 200 mm crushed rock base, 60 mm asphaltic binder course, and a 40 mm wearing course. The road will also include solar-powered street lighting and improved drainage systems to enhance safety and durability.
Governor Otti also flagged off the 13.5-kilometre Ariam–Usaka Ring Road, a project designed to connect agricultural zones and rural communities in Ikwuano, including Oboro, Ibere, Oloko, and Ariam. The project, also awarded to GELD Construction Ltd, is expected to be completed within 12 months.
He described the ring road as a “strategic connector” that would open new corridors for agribusiness, ease produce evacuation, and spur economic activity in the region.
“This project marks the beginning of a new cycle of investments that will transform Ikwuano into one of the frontlines of opportunities and prosperity in Abia,” Otti stated.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and Minister Umahi for granting the necessary approvals for the projects, as well as to the State Ministry of Works led by Engr. Don Otumchere Oti for their technical oversight.
Local stakeholders, including traditional rulers and community leaders, commended the state government for taking decisive action on long-neglected roads, noting that both projects would ease transportation, boost agricultural productivity, and attract private investment.
The initiatives form part of Abia’s broader infrastructure expansion plan under the 2026 state development framework, which aims to modernize major road corridors, expand rural linkages, and support industrial access routes across the state.
Governor Otti urged residents to support contractors during the construction period, remain patient with traffic disruptions, and reject misinformation about the projects.
“Together, we are ending decades of neglect and building a more prosperous Abia,” he affirmed.
Both projects underscore the Otti administration’s commitment to prioritizing people-centric development, signaling a willingness to collaborate with federal authorities and private partners in driving sustainable infrastructure renewal across the state.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
