By Francis Nwaze
The Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Umahi, CON, on Friday officially handed over several federal roads in Abia State to Governor Alex Otti for reconstruction and rehabilitation. The event took place during a grand civic reception held in Oti’s honour by the Old Bende Progressive Union at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on October 31, 2025.
Addressing the massive crowd, Umahi explained that the handover followed the express approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who authorized Governor Otti to take charge of the construction of key federal roads across the state.
In his words, Umahi said:
“I am also here again to hand over officially a number of federal roads that the President has given the Governor approval to do. How he will collect back his money is between him and Mr. President, but I know that he went to the President and said to the President, I want to do all these roads and you will have to pay me back. And he asked, where is this road located? He said it’s in Abia. And he asked, who are you doing these roads for? And he said it’s for Abia people. And he said, go and do these roads for your people.”
Some of the roads officially handed over include the Owerri–Umuaka Federal Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Federal Road, Omezuo Bridge, Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, among others.
Umahi commended Governor Otti’s proactive approach to fixing dilapidated federal roads, describing him as a leader focused on the needs of his people rather than partisan considerations.
“So, I am happy that the majority of our Governors are taking the bull by the horn to know that the federal roads are your place,” he added.
The Minister also highlighted several ongoing and completed federal road projects in Abia and across the South East noting President Tinubu’s commitment to balanced infrastructure development nationwide.
The visit drew widespread commendation from stakeholders and residents, who described the move as a significant partnership that will accelerate road rehabilitation, ease transportation, and boost economic activity across Abia and neighbouring states. Abia to neighbouring states.
