Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has praised Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his strides in infrastructure development and commitment to good governance, despite Nigeria’s economic headwinds.
Speaking during the commissioning of the newly completed 46.3-kilometre Joe Irukwu Way—formerly known as the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Ozuitem–Lohum–Nkpa–Umuimenyi–Isuikwuato–Alayi–Item–Igbere–Abiriba Road—Obasanjo described the transformation as “remarkable” and lauded Otti as a visionary and disciplined leader.
“I travelled on this road to Abiriba myself and it was a hellish experience, and I spent hours on the road,” Obasanjo recalled.
“But when I was informed that the new road could take me from Umuahia to Abiriba in just 45 minutes, I said to myself, this man, Alex Otti, is indeed a miracle worker.”
The road, renamed in honour of the late insurance icon and former Ohanaeze Ndigbo president, Joe Irukwu (SAN), cuts across Umuahia North, Bende, and Ohafia LGAs. The commissioning ceremony took place in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA.
Obasanjo encouraged citizens to prioritize performance over political party lines:
“A political party is just a platform. What matters most is the quality of the man, and in Dr. Alex Otti, we have found a man of great quality. When the time comes for elections, my advice is simple: don’t change a winning horse.”
Governor Otti highlighted the road’s socioeconomic benefits, noting that it would cut travel time, improve security, reduce transportation costs, and support round-the-clock movement of goods and people.
“This road is more than asphalt and concrete; it’s a symbol of our government’s determination to build lasting infrastructure and improve lives,” he said, adding that the final section from Abiriba to Ohafia would soon be completed.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rep. Obi Aguocha, and Bende LGA Chairman Uwabunkeonye Bassey also applauded the project’s potential to boost agriculture, rural commerce, and connectivity.
Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Oti, detailed the project’s technical components, including full base reconstruction, flood-resistant design, a 40-mm asphaltic wearing course, extensive drainage, and solar-powered streetlights in urban sections. He urged communities to safeguard the infrastructure to prolong its durability.
