The city of Aba, long known as the commercial heartbeat of Eastern Nigeria, has reclaimed its lost glory under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti. This rebirth came into national focus as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through his representative, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, showered glowing commendations on the Abia State Governor during the commissioning of multiple landmark road projects in the Enyimba City.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning of the 6.7-kilometre, six-lane dual carriage Port Harcourt Road—executed by the reputable Julius Berger Construction Company—alongside seven other strategic roads: Ohanku, Ndoki by East, Ajiwe, Pepple’s, Gabriel Nwosu, Nkoro, and Umuatako Roads. These projects form part of Governor Otti’s broader vision to restore Aba’s status as a thriving industrial and commercial hub.
Speaking at the Enyimba International Stadium before an electrified crowd, President Tinubu, through Umahi, declared that Abia State had “taken back its place of pride” through the hands of a capable and transformative leader.
“Your Governor is a sound economist and an experienced personality,” the President said. “Through him, Abia has recovered her lost glory. The way and speed he is going, by the end of his remaining five and a half years, the entire State will be fully recovered.”
The President, visibly impressed by the turnout and the enthusiasm of Abians, said the people’s love for their Governor and support for the ongoing infrastructural revolution were testaments to the progress the State is making. He emphasized that Abia holds a vital place in Nigeria’s economic development plan, pledging the Federal Government’s continued collaboration with Governor Otti to ensure sustained growth.
“We are witnessing the gains of the removal of fuel subsidy here in Abia State,” he added. “It is happening across the country, and Abia is showing the example of how responsible governance can turn opportunities into tangible progress.”
Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, described the day as a victory for hard work, vision, and the enduring spirit of Aba’s people.
“For millions who live and do business in this city, this day will forever be remembered,” he said. “Port Harcourt Road, which once symbolized Aba’s decline, has now returned triumphantly to its rightful place in history.”
The Governor projected that the revitalized road network will exponentially increase Aba’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the coming years. “Within the next 12 months, the volume of trade between Aba and other major business capitals in Nigeria will double,” he asserted confidently.
Demonstrating his broader economic foresight, Governor Otti appealed to President Tinubu to support the development of a modern rail system connecting the Southeast and South-South regions and to optimize nearby seaports for efficient export of locally produced goods. He also hinted at ongoing discussions with the Presidency regarding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, assuring that progress was being made.
“I am engaging with Mr. President, and he is favourably disposed to it,” Governor Otti revealed. “I am confident that in no distant time, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom.”
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, lauded Governor Otti’s impressive infrastructural record and joined in appealing for Kanu’s release, noting that such a gesture would foster peace in the Southeast. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also commended Otti’s developmental strides and urged for stronger federal-state collaboration. “I have seen projects carried out by the Governor, and I commend him,” Kalu said, emphasizing that he had no reason not to identify with Otti’s brand of good governance.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from across the country, reached its emotional peak when the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Eze Linus Nto Mbah, conferred on President Tinubu the prestigious title of “Ụdọ Kpụ Enyi 1 of Abia State” in recognition of his leadership and partnership spirit.
From the joy-filled streets of Aba to the roaring applause at the Enyimba International Stadium, one message resonated clearly: Abia is rising again. Under Governor Alex Otti, the State has entered a new era of purposeful leadership, infrastructural rebirth, and renewed public confidence.
In the words of one resident at the event, “Aba has never looked this good in decades. Governor Otti is not just fixing roads; he’s rebuilding our pride.”
And so, as the sun set on that historic day, Aba stood tall once more—a city reborn through vision, discipline, and the unwavering determination of a leader restoring the soul of Abia.