Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, officially commissioned the 46.3-kilometre Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba road, recently reconstructed under the leadership of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The former president, speaking at the event in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area, lauded Otti for his outstanding performance and exemplary leadership, noting the governor’s positive impact on the lives of Abia residents.
Reflecting on the road’s previous deplorable state, Obasanjo recalled his own difficult journey to Abiriba, describing the transformation as remarkable.
“You (Otti) are a man of your word, a goal getter, a performer. You are a man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader,” he declared.
Encouraging Abians to appreciate their current leadership, Obasanjo stated, “You (Abia people) said you have had leaders before, but one thing you must know is that good leaders don’t flock and when you get a good leader like you have got in Dr Alex Otti, let us make good use of him.”
He went on to highlight the significance of the road project, saying, “This road you are all talking about, I traveled on it to Abiriba. It was hellish, and when I was told that the road you have done will get me from Umuahia to Abiriba in 45 minutes, I said this man called Alex Otti is a miracle worker.”
Commending the governor’s developmental strides, Obasanjo said, “What Gov. Otti is doing is a proof that whatever bad situation witnessed in the country today can become good tomorrow.”
He praised Otti’s ability to assemble a competent team and drive positive change, “I am a witness to what you are doing and urge you to keep doing what you are doing. If you look hard and wide, you will see that this governor does not lack a good team. Of course, this is proof that whatever situation we are in, that is bad today, can be made good tomorrow. All we need to do is to make sure that at every level we have the right leaders with the right team to work with.
“For me, a political party is just a platform. What matters is the quality of the man, and the quality of Alex Otti is a good quality. Well, when the time comes for elections, my advice to you is don’t change a winning horse.”
In his remarks, Governor Otti described the commissioning as a symbol of his administration’s commitment to excellence and transparency.
“Today’s commissioning ceremony is an eloquent testimony to our resolve to doing things differently as a government. This administration has zero tolerance for shoddy jobs or the kickback culture that enables them,” Otti said.
He further highlighted the benefits of the project, emphasizing its impact on travel, safety, and the local economy.
“By completing this project, we have not just shortened travel time for drivers and commuters coming into Umuahia from communities within Ohafia, Bende, Isuikwuato and Umuahia North.
“We have also cut down risks of accidents, security threats and transport cost for scores of thousands of individuals and families. Anyone living and doing business along this axis can now travel safely from Umuahia and other urban centres within and outside the State at anytime of the day or night unafraid if harassment by criminal elements who took advantage of the bad state of the road in the past to wreck havoc on innocent travelers,” he added.
