Obasanjo Hails Otti at 46km Road Inauguration in Abia
On April 12, 2025, the air in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, buzzed with a mix of excitement and relief. There, Obasanjo—Nigeria’s former president—stood next to Governor Alex Otti, cutting the ribbon on a road almost everyone in Abia had dreaded for years. The freshly reconstructed 46.36-kilometer stretch isn’t just any road. Officially renamed Joe Irukwu Way after the respected Ohaneze Ndigbo President, this link now slices directly through Umuahia North, Bende, and Ohafia, giving life to what was once a nightmare of potholes and endless jams.
Obasanjo, never one to hand out casual praise, called Otti a “miracle worker” for his job here. Not too long ago, traveling this road meant bracing for hours lost in the heat, broken-down vehicles, and, sometimes, encounters with bandits. Today, with smooth asphalt under their wheels, residents shave hours off their commutes—what used to take half a day now barely stretches past 45 minutes. Obasanjo told the crowd, "Good leaders aren’t everywhere. When you find one, support him." It was a blunt but clear endorsement of Otti’s push for practical change, especially in tough economic times.
The road didn’t just swallow up potholes—it’s helping communities breathe a little easier. People from Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Umuahia North used to treat the old route like a gamble. Armed robbers and kidnappers preyed on slow traffic, while farmers watched produce rot en route to markets. Now, with 24/7 safe passage and faster transit, things are finally shifting. Commercial drivers report fewer roadblocks from criminals and even the police, deliveries are on time, and students get to school without fear.
If you walked through the inauguration crowd, you’d spot big names—the usual political figures, Labour Party faces, and local lawmakers. But for many, it wasn’t about the speeches. It was about seeing heavy trucks and school buses rolling freely across sections that used to flood or vanish under mud. Otti’s government has been under pressure to spread development fairly across Abia’s LGAs, and this project stands out as proof he’s trying. Insiders say his administration wrestled with rising construction costs and funding headaches, making the finished road something of a small miracle.
Obasanjo’s endorsement landed at the perfect moment. Abia’s residents, worn down by years of empty promises, seemed eager for proof that things can actually change. Otti used the spotlight to highlight other priorities too, like boosting education and tackling infrastructure gaps in smaller towns. People nearby spoke of how the project has already made evening rides safer and made it easier for small traders from villages to do business in larger towns.
The Local Pulse: Safer Travel and Fresh Hopes
Stand by any village square along Joe Irukwu Way and you’ll hear stories of the old days—cars swallowed by gullies, families stuck roadside at midnight. It drove many people to avoid visiting relatives or making market trips except out of necessity. Now, the new road means more than easy travel; it promises security, new businesses, and a shot at real growth for villages that felt left behind.
The question on everyone’s mind is, will the momentum last? Otti’s next challenge is maintenance and ensuring the economic benefits go beyond the ribbon-cutting photos. But for now, the mood is hopeful—one stretch of blacktop at a time, Abia looks a little less stuck in the past.
Wesley Nakamatsu
April 27, 2025 AT 19:12The inauguration of Joe Irukwu Way marks a commendable, albeit belated, demonstration of infrastructural competence that should be lauded across the Commonwealth.
Tyler Tucker
May 5, 2025 AT 21:46Wow that’s hype, road’s fine but people still suffer.
julia mutambara
May 14, 2025 AT 00:20I’m genuinely thrilled to see such a transformative project finally materialize in Abia, because for decades residents endured a nightmarish commute that stole precious time from families and businesses alike. The grim memories of vehicles sinking into potholes, traders watching produce decay under the scorching sun, and the constant dread of bandit attacks have been replaced by a smooth ribbon of asphalt that promises safety and efficiency. This road does more than shorten distances; it stitches together communities, enabling students to reach schools without fearing nocturnal dangers and allowing merchants to deliver goods reliably, which in turn revitalizes local economies. Moreover, the symbolic renaming to Joe Irukwu Way honors a respected leader, reinforcing a sense of cultural pride and continuity among the Igbo people. The presence of former President Obasanjo at the ceremony adds a layer of national recognition, signaling that infrastructure development is receiving the attention it deserves at the highest levels. Governor Otti’s decisive action, despite the hurdles of inflated construction costs and funding challenges, showcases a governance model that prioritizes tangible outcomes over empty rhetoric. The ripple effects are already evident: drivers report fewer stops from police checkpoints, schools observe higher attendance, and health workers can reach remote clinics faster, which collectively enhance the quality of life. While maintenance remains a looming concern, the community’s enthusiastic reception suggests a collective commitment to preserving this asset. In an era where many regions struggle with stalled projects, Abia’s success serves as a beacon of what can be achieved with political will and community backing. The optimism buzzing through Uzuakoli today is infectious, and I hope it fuels further initiatives that address education, healthcare, and rural development. Let this be the first of many roads that bind our nation not just physically but also socially and economically. As we celebrate this milestone, we must also hold leaders accountable to ensure the road remains in prime condition for years to come. The journey ahead is long, but with each paved kilometer, we move closer to a brighter, more connected future for all Nigerians. Let us cherish this achievement and use it as a catalyst for sustained progress across the country.
pragya bharti
May 19, 2025 AT 19:13Roads are the veins of a nation; when they flow smoothly, the heart beats stronger.
vicky fachrudin
May 26, 2025 AT 17:53Congratulations to the Abia administration for completing this critical artery! The new surface not only reduces travel time but also dramatically lowers vehicle maintenance costs, which is a huge win for local transport operators. Additionally, the improved safety conditions should deter criminal activity that previously thrived on stalled traffic. This project could serve as a template for other states grappling with similar infrastructure woes. Keep the momentum going, and consider setting up a community-led monitoring board to ensure the road remains well‑maintained. 🌟
Sampada Pimpalgaonkar
June 1, 2025 AT 12:47Totally agree! A community watch can help keep the road in top shape and make sure everyone feels safe using it.
Chinmay Bhoot
June 8, 2025 AT 11:27Let’s not get carried away – a single road won’t fix all the systemic corruption and neglect that plagued Abia for years.
Raj Bajoria
June 14, 2025 AT 06:20True, but it’s a solid first step toward better infrastructure.
Simardeep Singh
June 21, 2025 AT 05:00Imagine the stories those potholes could tell-each one a silent witness to lost dreams and broken promises.
Aryan Singh
June 26, 2025 AT 23:53Exactly, and now that the road is smooth, those stories can finally turn into narratives of progress and hope for the locals.
Sudaman TM
July 3, 2025 AT 22:33Nice work, guys! 🚀🚧
Rohit Bafna
July 9, 2025 AT 17:27While the celebratory emojis are appreciated, let’s scrutinize the fiscal transparency of this undertaking: were the procurement processes aligned with the Public Procurement Act, or did they succumb to ad‑hoc allocations that undermine fiscal responsibility? Moreover, the sustainability model-does it incorporate a dedicated maintenance fund sourced from road‑usage levies, or is it dependent on sporadic state budgets? Without rigorous oversight and a clear revenue‑stream, the road risks deteriorating back to its former state, nullifying the political capital garnered from this launch.
rudal rajbhar
July 16, 2025 AT 16:07All valid points, but let’s also recognize that infrastructure, when executed properly, can act as a catalyst for broader socioeconomic reforms.
Liz Lessner
July 22, 2025 AT 11:00yes i think the road will help many people i hope it stay good
Chance Remien
July 29, 2025 AT 09:40The progress made here exemplifies how focused governance can translate into tangible benefits for everyday citizens, reinforcing the essential link between policy and prosperity.