Governor Alex Otti, OFR, has officially flagged off the construction of the 13.5-kilometre Ariam-Usaka Ring Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area, describing it as a major step toward unlocking the economic potential of the area and improving connectivity within the state.
Speaking during the ceremony held at Obeama Ariam Model Primary School, Governor Otti said the project symbolizes a new phase of development that will transform Ikwuano into a hub of agricultural and business opportunities.
“Fixing the Ariam-Usaka Ring Road will signal the beginning of a new cycle of investments that will transform Ikwuano into the next frontier of opportunities and prosperity,” he said.
The Governor explained that the project is designed as an economic enabler linking Ariam-Usaka communities with other parts of the state, particularly Oloko, Oboro, Ibere, Bende, and Umuahia North and South. He disclosed that more road projects will commence when the 2026 budget cycle takes effect, as part of a broader plan to connect Abia’s rural communities.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the people of Ikwuano for their steadfast support since 2015, dedicating the day to them as a gesture of gratitude.
“Abia is better today because you insisted that our great state deserved better than what it had yesterday,” the Governor said.
He assured that the contractor would receive every support required to deliver the project within 12 months, noting that the road is dear to him because of the area’s rich agricultural value.
The Governor also commended the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, and his team for their dedication and professionalism, urging residents to remain steadfast and ignore misinformation from political detractors.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Austin Akobundu representing Abia Central and Hon. Boniface Isienyi, member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, hailed Governor Otti for remembering their people through the project.
The Commissioner for Works, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Izuchukwu Onwughara, pledged that the project would be executed with quality assurance and urged residents to cooperate with the contractors.
Others who spoke, including the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Uwaoma Ukandu, the Mayor of Ikwuano, Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, Dr. Monday Ubani, and Prince Innocent Eleogu, President General of Ariam-Usaka Professionals, all expressed deep gratitude to the Governor.
They noted that the road had never been constructed in history, promising to repay the Governor with massive support in the 2027 election for his unprecedented gesture.
The flag-off event drew a large crowd of jubilant residents, traditional rulers, and youth groups who described the project as a long-awaited dream come true.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equitable development, assuring that every local government in the state will feel the impact of his Renewed Abia Agenda.
“This project is proof that when government listens and the people support, progress happens,” he concluded.
