₦airaland Forum

GOV. OTTI ALONGSIDE RETIRED LT. GEN. IHEJIRIKA COMMISSION OMENUKO BRIDGE, 30 KM AROCHUKWU ROAD IN ABIA STATE.

Governor Alex Otti alongside Nigeria’s First Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) have commissioned the long abandoned 30 kilometres Ozu Abam -Ndi okereke -Okobo - Amuvi - Arochukwu Road reconstructed by Governor Alex Otti for public use.

Also commissioned is the newly constructed Iconic and Monumental Omenuko bridge, a project that has replaced the life threatening bridge and death trap which was neglected and abandoned by successive administrations for decades.

Speaking on Friday, February 13th, at a reception organised for him, immediately after the commissioning at Ozu Abam High School, Arochukwu LGA, Governor Alex Otti said that with the commissioning of the projects, a new era of prosperity has just began.

Governor Otti, who titled his speech, "AT LAST, THE JINX IS BROKEN" noted that the commissioning of the two landmark projects with their social economic importance is a testament to the resolute determination of his government to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard.

"The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly called Omenuko Bridge, stands as a testament to the resolute determination of our administration to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard,

"One that empowers communities and enables prosperity for all. In the same vein, the timely delivery of the 30-kilometre stretch of road transversing several clans in Abam and Arochukwu, points us to what we are truly capable of, when the leadership is fully aligned to the aspirations of the community," Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti who described the Abam people as a people of good quality, said that they are the true heroes of the transformation being witnessed in Abam and Arochukwu LGA.

The Governor reiterated that he decided to jump into the political ring, years ago to confront the complete collapse of public infrastructure and the attendant frustration it engendered in several urban and rural communities across the State.

"We jumped in with the simple conviction that we have what it takes to improve the economic outlook of the State and restore hope to the populace.

"I am glad to say that although it was risky, our decision to step out of our comfort zones to fight for the soul of this great State, was indeed the right one.

Governor Otti, who broke into tears, regretted that many lives have been lost due to total neglect of the Omenuko bridge by successive governments.

"On this day, we remember in a very special way, our dear brother, father and mentor, servant of the Most High God, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai whose body would be laid to rest in a few weeks, who lost 2 of his children at Igwu River more than 40 years ago.

"We also offer our collective condolences to other families whose loved ones perished at different times in the river on account of the dilapidated Omenuko bridge over it, especially Mr Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his dear wife, Victoria, and their driver.

"We also remember and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the 17 students who perished on the same river in 2007 on their way to an exam centre," Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor used the opportunity to announce the confirmation of Dr Emmanuel Meribeole as the substantive Secretary to the State Government, while the immediate past SSG, Prof Kenneth Kalu was pronounced the President of Abia State Leadership Academy.

Commissioning the historic projects, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) saluted the Governor for the projects and said that, the projects are critical infrastructure connecting towns and communities.

He commended the Governor for constructing projects that have direct impact on humanity and described It as a great honour to be given the opportunity to commission major critical infrastructure delivered by Governor Alex Otti.

The Commissioner Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti said that, In the past, people used to go through Akwa Ibom State to get to Arochukwu. He appreciated the commitment of Governor Otti in opening up roads and granting access even in the rural areas.

Also speaking, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro and former SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu described the day as special to them and thanked Governor Otti for the massive interventions in Arochukwu Local Government.

Contributing, one of the sons of the soil, and founder of UNUBIKO Foundation, Chief James Umeh thanked Governor Otti for restoring the pride of Abam clan through the reconstruction of the road and construction of the bridge.

Chief Umeh popularly known as Ike Abam said that his people are proud of him and would support him in 2027.

"Our people are very proud of you. You are going to run in 2027, my people said that, they will buy,

"The Expression of Interest Form. They said they will put a seed of 500 Million Naira to your re-election project," Chief Umeh assured.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman, Governing Council, Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, recalled that the old dilapidated Omenuko bridge was originally constructed by the British Colonial Government to connect Bende, the then Colonial District headquarters.

He noted regrettably that, "the bridge remained in a deplorable condition under successive governments.

"For decades, many lives were tragically lost on that bridge. Motorists endured untold hardship, especially during the rainy season, losing countless man - hours with little hope in sight. Today, that painful story has changed for the better," Rt. Hon. Agwu stated.

Speaking in an interview, Eze Aro, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Kanu lauded the decision of Governor Otti to rewrite the history of Omenuko bridge and Arochukwu road and prayed God to bless him abundantly.

The ceremony which attracted many dignitaries witnessed various cultural displays by the people to show how joyous they are over the projects delivered to them by Governor Alex Otti.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
February 13th, 2026.

Governor Alex Otti, OFR, alongside LT. General Azubuike Ihejirika ( Rtd) CFR, commissions the Iconic and Monumental Omenuko Bridge and the 30km Ozu Abam - Okobo - Arochukwu Road.

Indeed, help is here! pic.twitter.com/hGklsWNIOg

— Ukoha Njoku (Chief Press Secretary, Abia State.) (@UkohaNjoku) February 14, 2026

"A picture is worth a thousand words."

I just came across a picture that is indeed worth a thousand words. This is the picture of the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge in Abam Onyeruba, Arochukwu LGA in Abia State. It perfectly sums up the contrasting fortunes of the good people of Abia State from the combined administrations of Governors @OUKtweets Orji Uzor Kalu, T.A. Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu on the one hand and that of Governor @alexottiofr Alex Chioma Otti on the othe hand.

On the left side of the picture is the old bridge that we were forced to use for over 24 years (you have to zoom in to see it). I know because this is a route I ply when traveling to Ohafia. Uncountable lives and property have been lost on that bridge. I even heard last December (I am sure it can't be true) that the past administrations decided against fixing the bridge because they were warned by a water goddess not to try it.

On the right side is the new bridge constructed by the Alex Otti administration.

Now I don't need to hold my breath when driving past Omenuko Bridge especially at night.

Is there really anything left to say that the picture has not said?

AT LAST, THE JINX IS BROKEN — Text of an Address Presented by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at a Grand Civic Reception Organised in His Honour by Abam Onyerubi Community on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Abam High School, Ozu Abam, to Mark the Commissioning of the New Omenuko Bridge and the 30-kilometre Ozu Abam Arochukwu Road.

Protocols

1. We have gathered today, first to celebrate the successful commissioning of two landmark projects domiciled in Abam Onyerubi but with extensive social and economic importance for several other communities within and beyond the immediate boundaries of our dear State. The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly called Omenuko Bridge, stands as a testament to the resolute determination of our administration to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard, one that empowers communities and enables prosperity for all. In the same vein, the timely delivery of the 30-kilometre stretch of road transversing several clans in Abam and Arochukwu, points us to what we are truly capable of, when the leadership is fully aligned to the aspirations of the community. Beyond the joy of overcoming the limitations of infrastructural dilapidation, this afternoon presents a special opportunity to congratulate ourselves for being resilient in the long-drawn battle for the soul of our dear State and for standing firm until we got what we wanted. Thank you for your enduring faith in democracy and for the unrelenting commitment to our shared vision of a new Abia. In the final analysis, today’s event is about you, the good people of Abam Onyerubi, the men and women, fathers and mothers, young people, students and artisans, professionals and entrepreneurs who gave their all to make a day like this possible. You are, one and all, the true heroes of the transformation we are witnessing today in Abam and beyond.

2. I have said it a few times but it bears repeating that our decision to jump into the political ring several years ago was informed by the literal collapse of public infrastructure and the attendant frustration it engendered in several urban and rural communities across the State. We jumped in with the simple conviction that we have what it takes to improve the economic outlook of the State and restore hope to the populace. On the strength of the heart-felt testimonies of our brothers and sisters who have taken time to capture the general sentiments, the good people of Ndi Abam Onyerubi, I am glad to say that although it was risky, our decision to step out of our comfort zones to fight for the soul of this great State, was indeed the right one. I want to thank the Almighty God for the discernment to follow through and not give up along the way for truly, nothing would have changed, had it not been willed from above. We have therefore gathered to return our praise to where it rightly belongs, and then to acknowledge all of us, the patriotic sons and daughters of Abam, who made themselves worthy vessels of honour unto the glory of our God.

3. Today, we also remember in a special way, our brothers and sisters, family members, friends and acquaintances who lost their lives owing to the structural weaknesses of the 70-year-old Omenuko bridge. While it is true that we have turned the corner, it is also fitting that we acknowledge the pain and misery several families went through in the years past owing to the failure of leadership. This occasion presents a special opportunity for us as a community to unite as one people in remembrance. It may also be an auspicious moment to make a firm declaration that the deceit and false political promises of yesteryears shall have no place in Abam or anywhere in the State ever again. On this day, we remember in a very special way, our dear brother, father and mentor, servant of the Most High God, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai whose body would be laid to rest in a few weeks, who lost 2 of his children at Igwu River more than 40 years ago. We also offer our collective condolences to other families whose loved ones perished at different times in the river on account of the dilapidated Omenuko bridge over it, especially Mr Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his dear wife, Victoria, and their driver. We also remember and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the 17 students who perished on the same river in 2007 on their way to an exam centre.

4. The biggest burden any community can bear is insensitive leadership and the proof is the lived experiences of many of us. Think of the year-after-year losses our farmers had to live with owing to absence of means to move their produce to urban markets; for an agrarian community like Abam, nothing could be more frustrating. How about the lost opportunities for many who could not go to school for reasons of poor access road or maybe the absence of quality teachers in the local schools? It was painful to listen to the experiences of many of us but what may not have been captured is that the burden of neglect went beyond Abam; from Ohafia to Arochukwu, Ihechiowa, Isu and several other clans in the two local governments areas, no one was exempt from the misery of road infrastructure collapse. In the end, many of us went through multidimensional losses as the rich agricultural produce from Abam wasted, young people missed the trajectories of their destinies and our sons and daughters living outside the community were shut out, not by anyone, but for fear of unexpected twists and turns on the road or at the famous bridge. Today, we have turned the page, the nightmare is over, the siege has collapsed, the jinx is forever broken.

5. A new era of prosperity begins from this minute, right where the sun stands now. We have come to raise our voices as one people united by a common heritage, a shared destiny and joint aspiration for the future; we have elected to choose progress over stagnation, truth over deceit. The road and the bridge commissioned today will add to the growing list of successfully executed public infrastructure projects in this community and there is still more to come. From Ndi Ojiugwo to Ndi Ebe, Ndi Ememe to Ndi Oji, Atani to Etiti, Idima to Ndi Okereke, Ahuama to Ozu and Amuru, there are clear development footprints wherever you look. About 75% of the projects initiated by this administration in different parts of Abam have been successfully delivered and over the next 12 months, we shall also return to commission more. One thing you can take for granted is that nothing will ever remain the same in the years to come. Again, the credit for the transformation belongs to all of you because like in every other part of the State, you held firmly to the conviction that our dear State did deserve better than what the old order offered. Abam is fast rising on the development ladder because you refused to accept the defeatist lie that the fault was in our stars. No. It is not; for everyman is the architect of his own destiny. Thankfully, you have proven that sufficiently in your choice of leaders.

6. Let me, as I begin to conclude, thank Ndi Abam for the immense contributions of your sons and daughters to every good thing happening around the State today. Thank you for producing quality leaders, men and women of great courage and wisdom, pathfinders and visionaries who will always put the interest of the community above personal considerations. As a government, we shall continue to prioritise merit and give deserving individuals the opportunity to be part of the Abia success story.

7. This State, as we promised in our manifesto, shall be great in our lifetime and on the evidence of what has happened over the last 32 months, we can only hope for the best in the years to come. At any rate, nothing should, however, be taken for granted. The turnaround happening today in Abam and across the State did not come by chance; they are products of relentless efforts by all of us to change the unfortunate trajectory our State took at a certain point; far removed from the vision of our fathers. The ordinary men and women in rural and urban communities, farmers, artisans, students, the professionals, businesspeople, entrepreneurs and our brethren in diaspora remain our biggest pillar of support. What we have today is the product of a legitimate struggle by all of us who insisted that something had to give as we went into a make-or-mar election 3 years ago. We have spent every minute of the last 32 months working to justify the huge confidence reposed in us and I don’t think we have disappointed. Even then, we are encouraged to remain alert to the antics of those plotting to sabotage the gains recorded on multiple governance frontlines. Abia’s freedom and path to greatness is secured but as a wise man once said, the condition upon which God gave liberty to man is eternal vigilance. It then follows that as a people who have experienced the genuine fruits of development-oriented leadership, we now have a sacred mandate to defend with everything at our disposal, our right to freedom, prosperity and fulfilment. In the same vein, it is incumbent on us to resist with every fibre of our being, attempts by certain individuals and groups to return Abia to the old era of deceit in the name of politicking. Abia has seen the light and never again shall darkness cover our path. Here in Abam, the rivers of joy are flowing; nothing must block its path. For the sake of our children and those to tell and listen to our stories, may this light shine in perpetuity.

8. Thank you for listening and may God bless Abia State.

Governor Alex Chioma Otti - OFR.

GOV. OTTI CELEBRATES LT. GEN. IHEJIRIKA'S 70TH BIRTHDAY, AS PRESIDENT TINUBU, MILITARY CHIEFS, OTHERS PAY TRIBUTES.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has celebrated the 70th birthday of the Abia born, first Igbo Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika, CFR.

Speaking at the birthday celebration ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, described General Ihejirika as a patriot, Pan-Nigerian, fine gentleman, and a courageous general, who served Nigeria as the Chief of the Army Staff at a very turbulent period in the war against insurgency and proved himself very credibly.

The President, represented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kingsley Ude noted that, Lieutenant General Ihejirika was the last service Chief of Southeast extraction before his administration came into office and appointed Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala and later, Air Marshal Sunday and Aneke.

"We appreciate that for the nation to surmount its security challenges, it behoves on the leadership to engage the best hands from every part of the country." President Tinubu stated.

The President prayed God to continue to keep and grant him good health so that Nigeria would continue to draw from his fountain of experience and knowledge, especially in the determined fight against insecurity.

The host and Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, while wishing the celebrant a happy birthday, explained that he is intentional in celebrating Lt. Gen. Ihejirika.

"I want to thank General Ihejirika, a man we are very proud of. We intentionally wanted to celebrate his birthday with these landmark projects (commissioning of the new Omenuko bridge and the 30 kilometres Abam - Arochukwu road).

"We are celebrating him because he's a man that said no to the statutory treaty. What people had accepted...

"Yes, we appointed him to chair the Abia State Security Council. We appointed him on merit. And he's doing the job very well. If you are in doubt, go and check what has happened in this State in the last 32 months. Compare it with what happened elsewhere, " Gov. Otti stated.

Also, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi described Ihejirika as a family friend, a perfect gentleman and commended him highly for his contributions to Nigeria

He called on all to support Governor Otti for the works he is doing and and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his good leadership.

In their goodwill messages, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, former Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Dambazua , General Alex Ogbomodia among many others said that Lt. Gen Ihejirika is a proud son of Igbo land and a thorough breed professional that is worth celebrating.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd ) while applauding Governor Otti for celebrating Lt. Gen. Ihejirika, saluted the contributions of Lt. Gen. Ihejirika to the security development of Nigeria and wished him a happy birthday.

In a vote of thanks, the celebrant, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabor Ihejirika
thanked God for his life and recalled how he picked interest in joining the military.

He equally took time to thank some of his mentors and colleagues in the military, including General Ike Nwachukwu, General Musa among others, and recounted his various experiences and returned all thanks to God

He said that some of the things Governor Otti is doing is not physical infrastructure, saying that he is doing more than that.

Lt. Gen. Ihejirika revealed that when Governor Otti came on board, the security men in Abia were being owed 7 months allowances but the Governor cleared it and has maintained good relationship with the security agencies in the State.

The birthday ceremony featured a lecture on "THE ROLE OF LEADERSHIP IN STRENGHTHENING NATIONAL SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE" presented by former Kaduna State Governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, and the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant flanked by his wife, Mrs Nnenna Ihejirika and many guests with cultural displays.

The birthday ceremony attracted many Military Chiefs both serving and retired, wife of the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, top government officials in Abia State, traditional rulers, clergymen, people of Isuikwuato among many others.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
February 14th, 2026.

Juliette5803:
This is the government ouk and his minions want to overthrow
A government that liberated abia state from demonic bondage
Abia was a dead state , people resigned when posted to Aba, everywhere was in doldrums, they've seen the light and some idiots want to take us back to when there was no network in their villages

condralbedez:
Why can't other SE Governors emulate Otti for Pete sake.
Otti has really shown that governance is not a rocket science.

Congratulations to the Abians

Wickedtruths:
Uzodinma has more completed projects than Otti.
Mbah has completed more projects in 2 years than Otti can ever in 4 years.
Soludo has more projects than Otti.
So, what are you talking about?

Basic123:
See them jubilating over rubbish
If it were to be governor of another state they hate or from party they hate.Their comments will have been

1.we are still celebrating commissioning of road in 21st century

2.The state should be doing more than that compared to its allocation

3.Did he use his money to build it,we are not ready in this country

4.This is a misplaced priority when bla bla bla

5.You dont grow economy with infrastructure bla bla

The funny thing is that,guests coming to nairaland for the first time that doesnt know their anticedents will read the comment and be nodding in agreement

SmartPolician:
Alex Otti and Peter Mbah have made more impacts in 2.5 years than Hope Uzodinma has made in 6 years.

SmartPolician:
Hope Uzodinma... I don't think there's any governor that has more ongoing projects like him.

For instance, he's currently constructing an 11-storey building and tapping Imo gas to power the entire state. Smaller projects are countless, including 3 bus terminals, over 100 community schools, 50 cottage hospitals and several federal roads.

Basic123:
See them jubilating over rubbish
If it were to be governor of another state they hate or from party they hate.Their comments will have been

1.we are still celebrating commissioning of road in 21st century

2.The state should be doing more than that compared to its allocation

3.Did he use his money to build it,we are not ready in this country

4.This is a misplaced priority when bla bla bla

5.You dont grow economy with infrastructure bla bla

The funny thing is that,guests coming to nairaland for the first time that doesnt know their anticedents will read the comment and be nodding in agreement

SmartPolician:
Alex Otti and Peter Mbah have made more impacts in 2.5 years than Hope Uzodinma has made in 6 years.

Babasessy:
The Awolowo rebirth in the Southwest has inspired gongs, songs and rhetoric of sorts. But they have missed one point.

It occurred to me in Abeokuta last week amidst the big crowds and euphoria of the swearing-in of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as governor. In all the states from Lagos to Edo, where Awo has witnessed ideological resurgence, hardly a single family member has played a role.

So we have an Awo family without an Awo. That is an irony. But history overwhelms us with this sort of twist. Obafemi Awolowo toiled for his reputation. His roots were lowly, he toiled to school both home and abroad, launched into careers in law, business, journalism and eventually politics. He carved a niche for himself, and became the first methodical and charismatic leftist in our history.  Other leftists abounded but they did not inspire comparable drama and following.

He faced tribulations, went to jail, failed in elections, won a few, but he imprinted his ideas and legacy in the country, and no single mortal has beaten him in the history of this country. His greatest achievement was in the area of ideas, and that was how he fashioned a family. Most families are born of biology but his issued from ideology. That family suffered with him.

In a spoof of Jesus Christ, these were the men who followed him in his teachings, and endured with him in his temptations. So he formed a kingdom for them in the Southwest, in the old Western Region, presiding over his projects, his legacies and people.

In all of these, the family he had was not his flesh and blood. In another spoof of Christ, who were his family anyway? Those who were with him must be counted as his family. So, I combed in the ambience of Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), and I found none. I went to Ogun, I frisked the crowd under Amosun’s bower, hardly any. Around Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osun, I could not lay a finger. With Governor Kayode Fayemi in Ekiti, where are the forbears of Awo? Yet, I can hear the chants of Awo. Hardly in any of the inaugural speeches or any of their other public intervention would you miss the philtre and filter of Awo from these gentlemen. To parody Novelist Joseph Conrad, they are the sparks from Awo’s sacred fire, the messengers of the might within the man.

Already all of them are pursuing the legacy ideas of Awo: free education, free health services, infrastructural development, urban renewal and economic engineering.

Lagos has posted itself as the John the Baptist. The others are putting up valiant efforts, and the world of course is watching to see how well they will perform. It will call for great work, resourcefulness and cooperation. They are the real Awoists, and Awo was a man of rigour and vigour.

The Awo son that many expected to take after the father was Olusegun, who unfortunately died in a car crash. We shall never know if he could have pulled it off.  But the others have not shown much of the paterfamilias’ brio and depth. In the past decade, under this republic, they have blended with the wrong crowd. Even H.I.D, hobnobbed with Alao-Akala, who brought illiteracy to governance; with Oyinlola who turned the grace of office into a hell-hole of despots; with Daniel who could not arrest his quick fall into megalomania.

I wrote once that this woman whom Awo once described as the jewel of inestimable value has lost value to his cause. If he came back to life, he would have committed the extraordinary act of divorce after death. Even his newspaper, The Tribune, has so stumbled and fallen that it swims in Awo’s vomit.

                                                                             http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/columnist/monday/sam-omatseye/index.1.html

condralbedez:
Which of the state are you from, from the afromentioned

Or you are just reading completed project from papers?
These are the states I tour on weekly bases.

Kaybaba5:
What of if he decides to pocket the money and refuse to use it. Of which some have been doing that. Though I understand the angle you're looking at it. However the governor is trying

Kobicove:
I heard that this Arochukwu road used to be terrible and a nightmare for drivers

Wickedtruths:
Just look at this one. See the sheer hypocrisy of Obidients.