Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has committed to partnering with regional and international development organizations to advance infrastructure projects across the state. The governor shared this vision during the unveiling of the construction of the 19.1-kilometre Itungwa-Omoba-Amaise-Amairi-Mgboko-Ahiaba Ubi-Nkwo Elechi Road, part of the Rural Access Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), in Omoba, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti stated that his administration has already provided the required N600 million in counterpart funding for RAAMP and approved an additional N2.6 billion to expedite the project’s implementation. The construction of the 19.1-kilometre road marks the initial phase of RAAMP in Abia, with plans to extend road networks to cover 256 kilometres by the end of the year.
The governor emphasized that RAAMP is an integrated infrastructure initiative aimed at driving economic transformation in rural communities by providing road access to major agricultural areas and marketplaces. “This is a World Bank-supported scheme under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP),” he explained. “We are proud to have taken this project from the drawing board to execution, after years of delays.”
The markets that will benefit from improved access are spread across six local government areas within the three senatorial districts of Abia State. These include Eke Uzuakoli Market in Bende, Ndioro Market in Ikwuano, Orie Obinto in Arochukwu, Nkwo Elechi in Obingwa, Nkwo Ebe in Isiala Ngwa South, and Ohanku Market in Ukwa East.
Governor Otti highlighted his administration’s goal to establish a sustainable economic system powered by the productivity of local communities. He noted that challenges such as food insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and rural-to-urban migration demonstrate that the agricultural sector requires more focused support.
Expressing his gratitude to the World Bank team for its commitment to the initiative, the governor assured stakeholders that the road construction would meet high standards, facilitating increased economic activity across the benefiting communities.
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The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, also spoke at the event, describing the project as a “breakthrough” that previous administrations were unable to accomplish. She stated that the initiative aligns with the governor’s vision of improving rural livelihoods by connecting farmers to markets, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
Representing the National Coordinator of RAAMP, Aminu Muhammed, Mrs. Vivian Amadi commended Governor Otti’s dedication, reiterating the project’s objective of addressing rural road infrastructure challenges and enhancing connectivity for farmers and traders.
Other stakeholders also shared their support for Governor Otti’s infrastructure agenda. The Mayor of Isialangwa South, Dr. Elelenta Nwambusi Elele, along with his counterpart from Obingwa, Dr. Eric Egwuibe, praised the governor for addressing long-neglected infrastructure issues and underscored the economic impact of the road project. They assured their commitment to safeguarding project personnel and resources.
The contractor managing the project, Mr. Christian Soroibe, pledged timely and high-quality completion of the road construction, announcing that the project timeline has been reduced from 18 months to 12 months. He added that several community members are being employed in the construction process, which would further benefit the local economy.
In his remarks, the State President of the Cooperative Motor Union, Mr. Azodo Chukwuma, applauded Governor Otti for prioritizing road infrastructure. He noted that improved roads would significantly benefit commercial drivers, enhancing their business opportunities and contributing to economic growth in the region.
