Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba, while also approving the construction of Umuebeke Road off Port Harcourt Road.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, following Governor Otti’s address at a thanksgiving Mass held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuogor, in Aba South Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the projects form part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to completely recover Aba, improve road infrastructure and create a more conducive environment for residents, businesses and commercial activities.
Governor Otti said the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road would soon be formally flagged off, while the construction of Umuebeke Road, off Port Harcourt Road, had also received his approval.
He explained that the Umuebeke Road project was intended to ease the difficulties being experienced by residents and businesses operating along the corridor.
The latest approvals add to the administration’s ongoing infrastructure interventions across Aba, including the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, which has already restored significant economic activities along the route.
Responding to requests presented by the church, Governor Otti said the issue of bringing polling units closer to residents would be considered in the future, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have concluded its delineation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the church’s land project, the Governor assured the parish of his willingness to collaborate with industrialist, Ide John Udeagbara, to support the initiative.
Governor Otti, however, reiterated that his administration does not use government funds to execute non-government projects, while pledging support for the parish’s fund drive towards the construction of a home for retired priests.
The Governor also commended the homily delivered by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obiji, particularly his message on forgiveness, which he described as essential to progress and national healing.
“Our life is ordained by God. Sometimes, God uses those who offend us to teach us lessons or prepare us for the future. If we hold on to grievances, God may not forgive us. Forgiveness is key. Some of us may not be here today if we had not forgiven. We must forgive, forget and move on,” Governor Otti stated.
Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Obiji emphasised the need for Christians to embrace forgiveness and commended Governor Otti for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road.
The parish priest said the road project had restored economic activities in the area, while assuring the Governor of the church’s support for his administration and re-election in 2027.
He also appealed to the government to consider the creation of additional polling units in the area to bring voting closer to residents and sought assistance with the church’s land project.
In his goodwill message, Chief Peter Nwosu thanked Governor Otti for visiting the parish and pledged the unwavering support of the church for his administration.
Nwosu assured the Governor that the congregation would mobilise massively for his re-election in 2027 in appreciation of what he described as his achievements and commitment to the wellbeing of Abians.
While commending Governor Otti’s performance in road reconstruction and construction, Nwosu singled out environmental sanitation as what he considered the administration’s greatest achievement, recalling the poor state of the environment before the Governor assumed office.
The Chief Press Secretary, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, said the latest road projects further demonstrated the administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and its determination to improve mobility, stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life in Aba.
He said the government would continue to pursue projects capable of supporting businesses and improving the living conditions of residents across the state.
