On Aug. 30, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, reassured the people of Abia that development work will continue at a fast pace until the end of his administration. The announcement came on Aug. 30 during the 2025 New Yam festival at the palace of HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, in the Ata Igbo Ukwu, Umuzomgbo Autonomous Community.
Governor Otti praised Eze Linus Nto Mbah for preserving Igbo culture and tradition. “I want to thank His Royal Majesty, Eze Linus Nto Mbah, for inviting us, opening his palace, and keeping our culture alive. We have completed 27 months as of yesterday, and I assure you that work will continue with speed until the end of this administration,” he said.
He announced the construction of the 9-kilometre Ihechiowa ring road, noting that it is now in the procurement stage and will be flagged off in a few weeks. Otti expressed joy that residents appreciate his efforts on projects like the Omenuko Bridge, the Amovi – Ndi-okereke – Abam Road, and the Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Abiriba – Ohafia – Arochukwu highway.
The governor highlighted that other roads in the Arochukwu Local Government Area are being developed, some using direct labour. He revealed that this approach saves the government about 75 percent of the cost compared to hiring contractors. “The other roads you see around will surprise you with their quality. Many are done by direct labour through the Ministry of Works, and soon, the road to this place will be as smooth as the others,” he added.
Otti also stated that the ongoing Abiriba – Ohafia – Arochukwu road will be commissioned by the first quarter of next year.
During the event, Prof. Uwaoma Uche, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of Gregory University, Uturu, and Chairman of the occasion, thanked the governor for supporting traditional institutions and commended Eze Mbah for promoting Igbo culture and agriculture. He praised Otti’s progress in Ihechiowa and Arochukwu LGAs and requested more road improvements, including the Ihechiowa ring road.
Earlier, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah welcomed the governor, appreciating his support for the Ihechiowa people, including road repairs that politicians had promised for over two decades. He described the festival as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and noted that improved roads to Arochukwu have reduced travel time. He assured Otti of the support of his people and traditional rulers for his reelection in 2027.
Mr. Ogbonnaya Okoroafor, President General of the Ihechiowa Development Union, also spoke on behalf of the community, thanking the governor for appointing their sons to key positions, including the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, and pledged the Ihechiowa people’s solid backing.
