“This Man, Alex Otti, Is Indeed a Miracle Worker” – Obasanjo Hails Abia Governor During Road Inauguration

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to infrastructure development and effective leadership amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. Obasanjo, who was in Umuahia for the inauguration of the newly completed 46.3-kilometre Joe Irukwu Way, described Otti as a “miracle worker” for transforming a road he once found nearly impassable.

The road, which cuts through Umuahia North, Bende, and Ohafia Local Government Areas, was formerly known by a string of names spanning the communities it connects, including Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Ozuitem–Lohum–Nkpa–Umuimenyi–Isuikwuato–Alayi–Item–Igbere–Abiriba Road. It was renamed by Governor Otti in honour of the late Dr Joe Irukwu, SAN, a renowned insurance expert and former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, who hailed from the region.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, Obasanjo recounted his previous travel experience on the route. “I travelled on this road to Abiriba myself and it was a hellish experience,” he said. “But when I was informed that the road you constructed could take me from Umuahia to Abiriba in just 45 minutes, I said to myself, this man, Alex Otti, is indeed a miracle worker.”

He lauded the project’s impact on economic and social life, describing it as a boost for productivity in rural areas and a model of what visionary and disciplined leadership should deliver. According to him, a leader must be firm against corruption and waste, regardless of political affiliations. “For me, 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,” he stated.

Obasanjo urged citizens not to take good leadership for granted and encouraged voters to re-elect performing leaders. “When the time comes for elections, my advice is simple: don’t change a winning horse,” he added, pledging his continued support for Governor Otti.

Governor Otti described the road project as a major milestone in his administration’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure. He announced that the final section of the road—Abiriba to Ohafia—is nearing completion under the supervision of a reputable construction firm. He emphasized that the newly completed road will reduce travel time, enhance security, and lower transport costs for businesses and residents.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, commended the government’s effort, saying the road would bring a new lease of life to the people. Similarly, Hon. Obi Aguocha of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency and Bende LGA Chairman Uwabunkeonye Bassey praised the government for easing transportation challenges and revitalizing the agricultural economy of the region.

Commissioner for Works Otumchere Oti explained that the road’s rehabilitation involved the reconstruction of failed sections with a stone base and binder course, along with improved vertical alignment in flood-prone areas. He said the road was finished with a 40-mm thick asphaltic concrete wearing course and featured new drainage systems, culverts, solar-powered streetlights, and road markings. He called on communities to safeguard the infrastructure from damage to ensure its longevity.