Tinubu Commissions Major Roads, Other Projects In Abia

President Bola Tinubu commissioned the newly remodelled Dr Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, recently reconstructed by the administration of Governor Alex Otti.

The iconic structure, originally built decades ago, has long served as the epicentre of official state functions and civic engagements in Abia.

Recall that Governor Otti, upon assumption of office, ordered its complete facelift to restore its grandeur and reposition it as a befitting venue for governance, cultural events and socio-political gatherings.

Speaking at the commissioning on Friday, President Tinubu commended Governor Otti for the quality of work executed as well as his commitment to infrastructural renewal across the State.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, described the remodelling as a “miracle of transformation” and noted that the edifice is a befitting honour to the late Premier of the Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara.

“I lived and worked here in Umuahia. The water project, I was part and parcel of it as a young engineer. And I know how that route was, all the way from the tower going to Umuahia.

“But today, I saw a miracle taking place. And I thought that was a miracle. But when I crossed the tower, I saw a more miraculous, you know, infrastructure.

“I’m told that we are going to be seeing wonders. Some are federal projects constructed by the Governor; others are state projects. But projects, whether they are federal or state, the important thing is to touch the lives of the people of our state”, Umahi said.

“And it’s right that the President is there, that’s why he has asked me to stand in for him and to commission the numerous projects”, the Minister disclosed.

He urged the people to emulate the Late Dr Michael Okpara’s style in politics, adding that the late Okpara reintegrated the people of the South East to the government at the Centre.

“I was with the President and he said something that touched me so much. He has respect for His Excellency the late Michael Okpara.
“He said to me, Dave, ask your people to play the kind of politics that His Excellency the late Michael Okpara played. He played in the centre. He integrated the people of South-East to the centre. That’s what he told me.

“And I’m happy that he’s been honoured by the reason of this edifice being renovated in his name”, Umahi said.

Earlier, while handing over the facility for commissioning, Governor Alex Otti recalled the poor state of the auditorium before its reconstruction, noting that the facility was in a dilapidated state before his administration commenced its reconstruction in 2023.

“This is the Michael Okpara Auditorium which was left in a dilapidated state. Towards the end of 2023, we started working on it.

“I am glad that today it is a standing edifice worthy of beholding, and by the time we take a step inside, Your Excellency, you will be happy with the quality of work that is done”, Otti stated.

Speaking during commissioning of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Umahi, also commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to infrastructural development in the state.

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, expressed gratitude to the President for the project, noting that it would greatly improve the lives of the people.
“This road is a testimony, and its testimony will not be told now,” Otti said.

The commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the nation’s infrastructure and boost economic growth.
The project is expected to reduce travel time and costs for commuters and traders, and enhance economic activities in the region.

In his remarks, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed gratitude to the President for the project, saying it was a fulfilment of the government’s promise to improve the lives of Nigerians.
“We thank the President for this project. It is a fulfilment of the government’s promise to improve the lives of Nigerians,” Abaribe said.

The commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road is a significant milestone in the development of Abia State and the Southeast region.
It demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government to improving the lives of Nigerians and boosting economic growth.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engineer Ikechukwu Emeto, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kanu, and members of the National Assembly.

Speaking to THE WHISTLER, residents in Aba expressed joy over the current state of the road.

“Before now, we didn’t make use of this road, we didn’t even open our shops because of the kind of flood we do face here, but today, Otti has changed that story for us,” Emeka, a resident, said.
A road transporter, Mr Kingsley Nkwachukwu also testified that Port Harcourt Road has not been accessible for them since 2007.

“I have been a driver for almost 25 years now, we mostly make use of Owerrinta road to go to Port Harcourt, and it used to be very stressful for us drivers but we thank God that it is no longer like that again”, he said.

The commissioning of the Port Harcourt Road has been welcomed by the people of Abia State, who see it as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving their lives.