Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has said the government, the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, (ASOPADEC) and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) would collaborate to develop oil-bearing areas in the state.
Otti gave the assurance during the official flag-off of the reconstruction of the long-abandoned 11.1-kilometre Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza Road in the area which he said would be completed within 12 months.
He stated that the road, when completed, would boost marketability and viability of the State Industrial and Innovative Park, Owaza and also mark significant changes in the area.
He noted that the project, which is one of those approved for the area in the 2025 Budget, is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along that corridor but “It is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.”
Otti, while thanking stakeholders and leaders of the area for joining him and his vision for the state, urged the people to support and cooperate with the contractors
The member representing Ukwa West constituency in the State House of Assembly, Godwin Adiele, the commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, and the mayor of the area, Dike Nwankwo expressed joy for the project.
The general manager of ASOPADEC, Joshua Onyeike assured that the commission would not relent in delivering its mandate and commended Otti for his numerous projects in the area.
Earlier in a remark, the commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, said the road would open up the area for greater economic windows by creating direct and indirect jobs, and increase financial flow.
