Abia Community Gets First Individual-Funded Concrete Road Technology With Drainages (Photos, Video)

A retired medical technologist and philanthropist, Mr. Anya Inyima Ojiabo, based in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, has embarked on an extraordinary road construction project in his hometown of Ebem Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

The self-funded project, which utilizes advanced cement rigid pavement technology, is complemented by strong drainage systems on both sides of the road and features top-tier engineering standards to ensure durability and longevity.

Explaining the technical details of the project, Mr. Ojiabo revealed that the construction involves a thickness fill and compaction of up to 300mm, followed by casting with reinforced concrete. The concrete is reinforced with high-tensile (8mm to 10mm) wire mesh reinforcement bars over a stabilized base course. This is treated with a prime coat before being layered with asphaltic concrete for added durability.

Speaking about his motivation, Mr. Ojiabo shared: “I love Ebem as a village. Over the years, I noticed that the lack of good roads remains a major challenge despite the beautiful buildings here. The dust from unpaved roads also poses serious health risks. I decided to construct a concrete road, starting near my house in Abukafia, popularly called Timber Shed, and to incorporate strong drainages on both sides to prevent flooding. My goal is to extend the road as far as God permits, linking Asaga Road and Arochukwu Road.”

So far, the project has covered a distance of 300 meters, and Mr. Ojiabo remains determined to continue as far as his resources will allow. He emphasized that the initiative is entirely self-funded with no government collaboration: “This project is financed entirely from my retirement savings. I believe it’s the best way to give back to my community. Improving the environment also improves health for everyone living here.”

The project has drawn widespread commendation from the community. Several dignitaries visited Mr. Ojiabo’s residence to express their gratitude, including HRH Engr. Eze Awa Nwankwo (Ezie Ogo of Amaekpu Ohafia), Rev. Dr. Onyema Agbai, Chief Uduma Nnate, and Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, Publicity Secretary of the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU).

HRH Engr. Eze Awa Nwankwo lauded the project, describing it as a benchmark for community development: “This is a remarkable initiative and a call for others to emulate. Mr. Ojiabo’s selflessness is an inspiration to us all.”

Mr. Ifeanyi Okali, speaking on behalf of EODU, noted: “This is the first time in Ebem Ohafia that an individual has undertaken such a large-scale concrete road project, with advanced engineering and strong drainage systems, without any government support. If more people emulate this, Ebem will develop rapidly.”

Mr. Ojiabo called on other residents and indigenes of Ebem Ohafia to invest in similar projects to improve the community: “If everyone contributes, even by starting with their own immediate environment, the entire community will benefit. This is how we can collectively transform our village.”

The road project, incorporating state-of-the-art engineering practices and durable materials, sets a new standard for infrastructure development in Ebem Ohafia and serves as a shining example of how individuals can create lasting change in their communities.