Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured residents that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Port Harcourt road in Aba will be finished and operational by the end of 2024.
Addressing a gathering of Abia residents during the final night of the Global Crusade with Kumuyi, Otti reminisced about the initial doubts surrounding the project’s feasibility when it commenced in October of the previous year.
“When in October, we brought Julius Berger to Port Harcourt Road, people said it wasn’t possible. A road that has not been used for 20 years is going to be used by the end of this year.
“I always refer to the story recorded in the Bible between Philip and Nathaniel. He went to Nathaniel and said we have found him, which is written about in the Bible by the prophet Moses and other prophets. Jesus, the son of Joseph, Joseph of Nazareth.
“Nathaniel asked, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ And what did Philip tell him? ‘Come and see!’ the crowd responded,” X_Daily quoted him as saying.
Expressing optimism for Abia’s future, Otti challenged past perceptions of the state’s potential, saying,”In those days when you mention Abia State, people will dismiss you. ‘Can anything good come out of Abia State?’ It even became a comedy skit.
“So anybody who asks that question again, what will you tell him? ‘Come and see!’ the crowd responded again.
“So this is still early morning; 11 months (of my administration), greater things are coming.”
With the project initially flagged off in October 2023, Otti reaffirmed his commitment to timely delivery, citing the official completion date of 18 months.
The Port Harcourt road, awarded to Julius Berger at a rate of N30 billion, marks a significant infrastructure investment in the state’s development agenda.
