Ohanaeze Ndigbo Abia President Hails Gov. Otti for Commissioning Port Harcourt Road, Aba
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Abia State Chapter, Hon. Chief Dr. Chinyere Chukwuemeka Okwuonu, has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), for the successful reconstruction and commissioning of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, Aba, describing the achievement as unprecedented in the history of the state.
Speaking with newsmen after the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Okwuonu— a renowned medical practitioner, grassroots politician, and Labour Party chieftain expressed delight over the transformation of the 6.7-kilometre dual carriageway, complete with solid drainage and streetlights.
He recalled the deplorable state of the road over several decades, noting that it had become overgrown with weeds, plantains and trees before Governor Otti’s intervention.
According to the medical director of Isaac Okwuonu Memorial Hospital, Aba and first executive chairman of Obingwa local government area of Abia State, the reconstruction has revived businesses that had collapsed due to the road’s neglect by past administrations in the state, while new enterprises are now emerging along the corridor.
The landmark commissioning, held on Friday, October 3, 2025, was performed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and also featured the inauguration of other key roads including Ohanku Road, Ndoki, Umuatako, Chief Nkoro Street, Gabriel Nwosu Street, and People’s Road.
Dr. Okwuonu praised Governor Otti for his prudent use of state resources and commitment to massive infrastructural renewal, describing him as God-sent and a man with the Midas touch.
He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts to transform Abia into a model state, while calling on residents to support and safeguard the new infrastructure.
The Ohanaeze leader also used the occasion to outline the group’s developmental and cultural agenda under his leadership.
He said the Abia chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is working to deepen unity among Ndigbo at home and in the Diaspora through the philosophy of ‘Igwebuike’ (strength in unity), and to encourage Igbos abroad to invest in their homeland in the spirit of ‘Akuruo ulo’ (bringing wealth home).
He emphasized the group’s renewed commitment to promoting the Igbo language and culture, disclosing that the national body, under Senator John Azuta Mbata, has instituted a professorial chair for Igbo studies in Nigerian universities.
Dr. Okwuonu commended Governor Otti for approving a state-wide Cultural Day and making Igbo language compulsory in primary schools, describing the move as vital to preserving Igbo identity.
He further urged Igbos not to allow modernization or politics to erode their cultural heritage, stressing that Ndigbo are peace-loving, hospitable, and hardworking people who deserve fair and equitable treatment like other ethnic groups in the country.
Dr. Okwuonu assured that under his leadership, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abia State would continue to promote inclusive leadership, unity, and socio-economic development across the state.
