The Governor, Dr Alex Otti says flagging off the reconstruction of the age-long abandoned 41.4 kilometer Ohafia-Arochukwu federal Highway aligns perfectly with his administration’s integrated development agenda of creating new pathways of opportunities for individuals and Communities,
Speaking while performing the exercise at the Old Soldier Junction, Ebem Ohafia, Dr. Otti said the gesture is in fulfilment of his campaign promise to ease the burden facing the people, create economic advancement opportunities within Communities as well as build new systems of advantages for the next generation.
He said noted with delight that work is progressing smoothly on the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia road as well as the Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam Road.
The Governor who recalled the construction of the road in 1960s by the then government of Late Dr. Michael Okpara as a major artery connecting several Communities and towns, regretted that since then the road has become a political tool in the hands of successive administrations.
Dr. Otti pointed out that the road had in the past created windows of economic opportunities for the neighbouring Akwa Ibom state and expressed the hope that the federal government will do the needful on time as the road will have significant economic impacts for federal and state revenues, when completed.
In their goodwill message, the Deputy Governor Chief Ikechukwu Emetu and the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal Constituency Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa while thanking Governor Alex Otti for taking the bold step in reconstructing the road said that the gesture marks a positive move for the economic rejuvenation of the Abia north senatorial zone.
Also speaking,a former minister of Finance, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu and the Eze Aro, Eze Eberechukwu Oji said Governor Otti has through the gesture brought an end to the many years of reproach on people living along Arochukwu-Ohafia, assuring that stakeholders in the areas will give the contractor the needed support to deliver the job according to specifications.
In their remarks, the commissioner for works Mr Otumchere Oti said that the reconstruction of the road will mark a major turning point in the socio-political development Ohafia and Arochukwu as it will automatically revitalize businesses within the areas while the mayor of Ohafia LGA Chief David Ogba-Onuoha described the project as the beginning of a progressive chapter in the area.
