Abia State Governor, Dr Alex C. Otti, has announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road in Aba as part of efforts to further improve infrastructure and accelerate the recovery of the commercial city.
Governor Otti also approved the construction of Umuebeke Road, off Port Harcourt Road, Aba, to ease transportation challenges faced by residents and businesses along the corridor.
The Governor made the announcements on Sunday, September 13, 2026, during a thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuogor, in Aba South Local Government Area.
Otti said the planned projects were part of his administration’s ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and enhance economic activities across Aba.
The Governor also responded to requests presented by the church, including a call for additional polling units in the area to bring voting points closer to residents.
He said the request would be considered in the future, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would have concluded the delineation process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the church’s proposed land project, Governor Otti said he would collaborate with industrialist, Ide John Udeagbara, to support the initiative.
He, however, reiterated that government funds would not be used for projects that are not government responsibilities.
The Governor also pledged support for the church’s fundraising efforts towards the construction of a home for retired priests of the parish.
Otti commended the homily delivered by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obiji, which focused on the importance of forgiveness, describing forgiveness as essential to progress and national healing.
The Governor urged Nigerians to let go of grievances and embrace forgiveness, noting that challenges and offences could sometimes serve as lessons or preparation for future responsibilities.
“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,” Otti said.
Earlier in his homily, Rev. Fr. Obiji also stressed the need for Christians to practise forgiveness.
The priest thanked Governor Otti for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, saying the project had helped to restore economic activities in the area.
Rev. Fr. Obiji also expressed the church’s support for Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027 and appealed for the creation of additional polling units in the community.
He equally requested government assistance for the church’s land development project.
In his goodwill message, Chief Peter Nwosu thanked Governor Otti for visiting the church and pledged continued support for his administration.
Nwosu said the congregation would mobilise support for the Governor’s re-election in 2027 in recognition of what he described as his administration’s achievements and commitment to the welfare of Abia residents.
While commending the Governor’s road construction and reconstruction projects, Nwosu singled out environmental sanitation as what he described as one of the administration’s major achievements, recalling the condition of the environment in the state before Otti assumed office.
The planned road projects are expected to further improve connectivity, support businesses and ease movement within Aba, one of Abia State’s major commercial centres.
