Residents and businesses along Uratta Road, Old Express Road and Umuebeke Road in Aba may soon have relief as Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced fresh road projects aimed at easing movement and supporting economic activities in the commercial city.
Governor Otti said the State Government would soon flag off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road, describing the projects as part of ongoing efforts to completely recover Aba and improve its infrastructure.
He also approved the construction of Umuebeke Road, off Port Harcourt Road, a route residents and businesses in the area have long depended on.
The Governor made the announcements on Sunday, September 13, 2026, during a thanksgiving Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Umuogor, in Aba South Local Government Area.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
For residents of the affected areas, the planned projects could mean easier movement, improved access to businesses and reduced hardship for motorists and commuters who have had to navigate difficult roads.
Speaking on requests presented by the church, Governor Otti said the issue of bringing polling units closer to residents would be considered in the future, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission would have concluded its delineation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On the church’s land project, Otti said he would collaborate with industrialist, Ide John Udeagbara, to support the initiative.
The Governor, however, reiterated that he does not use government funds for non-government projects. He also pledged support for the parish’s fundraising campaign to build a home for retired priests.
Otti commended the homily delivered by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obiji, which focused on forgiveness, stressing that forgiveness was essential for personal progress and national healing.
«“Our life is ordained by God. Sometimes, God uses those who offend us to teach us lessons or prepare us for the future. If we hold on to grievances, God may not forgive us. Forgiveness is key. Some of us may not be here today if we had not forgiven. We must forgive, forget and move on.”»
Earlier, Rev. Fr. Obiji urged Christians to make forgiveness a way of life and thanked Governor Otti for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road.
According to the priest, the reconstruction has helped restore economic activities in the area and improved the lives of residents and businesses.
The Parish Priest also assured the Governor of the church’s support for his re-election bid in 2027 and appealed for additional polling units in the area to make voting more accessible to residents.
He further sought government assistance for the church’s land project.
In his goodwill message, Chief Peter Nwosu thanked Governor Otti for visiting the church and pledged the congregation’s support for his administration.
Nwosu said the congregation would mobilise massively for Otti’s re-election in 2027 in appreciation of what he described as the Governor’s achievements and commitment to the wellbeing of Abians.
He particularly praised the administration’s road reconstruction and construction projects, but identified environmental sanitation as, in his view, the Governor’s greatest achievement.
Nwosu recalled the poor state of the environment before Otti assumed office, saying the administration had brought noticeable changes to sanitation and the general appearance of Aba.
