Aba Reborn : Governor Otti Unveils Massive Urban Renewal as City Emerges as Nigeria’s New Commercial Powerhouse

 In a historic address delivered at St. Joseph’s College, Asa Triangle, Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, marked a bold new chapter in the rebirth of Aba, unveiling the reconstruction of 14 interconnected roads as part of an ambitious urban renewal drive aimed at transforming the city into a modern commercial and industrial hub.

The commissioning of key roads including Umuode, Bakassi, Enyimba Junction–Ariaria Gate, and Isu Ihiteukwa underscores what the Governor described as “not just a celebration of infrastructure, but a rebirth of hope, a revival of destiny, and a restoration of Aba’s soul.”

For over a century, Aba has drawn entrepreneurs, artisans, and families from across Nigeria and beyond. But decades of neglect had dimmed its luster — until now. Governor Otti’s administration has not only revived its road network but also its spirit, restoring faith in the city’s boundless potential.

“In the New Aba,” Governor Otti declared, “all you would need to prosper and reach your goal is to have the courage to wake up each morning and chase your dreams. Here, there shall be no limit to what you can achieve.”

The Governor’s speech painted a vivid picture of Aba’s resurgence — from its strategic location near major oil towns and ports to its burgeoning infrastructure in broadband, energy, and industrial development. This vision positions Aba to attract global investors in technology, manufacturing, and remote services.

Acknowledging the vital role of stakeholders, Governor Otti lauded residents, landlords, and business owners for their patience and cooperation, emphasizing the shared responsibility to maintain public infrastructure and uphold environmental standards.

He also praised the work of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and the State Ministry of Works, whose professionalism and diligence, he said, made the transformation possible.

As the crowd of stakeholders, residents, and dignitaries applauded the Governor’s bold vision and commitment, one message rang clear — Aba is not just rebuilding roads; it is rebuilding dreams.

Governor Otti’s urban renewal efforts mark a decisive moment in Abia’s history, positioning Aba not merely as a regional economic center, but as a globally competitive city ready for the future.

“Victory,” he concluded, “comes to those who look beyond the darkness of the night to the bright lights of the rays of the sun at dawn.”

He appreciated the business owners, landlords, and the residents for their patience and the massive support they gave the engineering team while they worked on the different stretches of roads and thanked the Ministry of Works and GADA management for their efforts in achieving the feat.

Also speaking, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Obilor Anyanwu appreciated the Governor for creating the enabling environment for businesses to flourish and said that he needs not to campaign in Aba for reelection. They added that Aba people have overwhelmingly resolved that Governor Otti would lead Abia State beyond 2027.

In his speech, the Director General, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje said that Governor Otti led administration has always prioritised road infrastructure, hence, he has remained committed to fulfilling his electioneering campaign promises.

Architect Ukeje noted that the Eziukwu ends of the roads fixed in Aba town was nothing to write home about before it was fixed, saying that, the 14 roads would help in improving movement of goods and services sold across Aba markets. He added that the fixing of the roads has equally increased values of properties located in the areas.

Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Catholic Diocese, Professor Augustine Echema, represented by the Education Secretary of the Diocese, Reverend Fr. Dr.
Vincent Ogugua and a representative of Aba business community, Eze Ernest Onwuka appreciated the unwavering commitment and infrastructural development strides of Governor Otti and assured him of their continuous support.

The event featured various presentations made by the students of St. Joseph’s College, and pupils of Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Schools, Aba

The roads commissioned include; Umuode road, Bakassi road, Isu ihiteukwa street, Asa Road, Enyimba junction – Ariraria gate, Rehabilitated Market Road from Asa to Eziukwu Road, Aba, Tenant Road from Asa Road to Eziukwu Road, Cameroun Road from Asa road to Eziukwu Road, Ehi Road from Queens Road to Eziukwu Road, Clifford Road Aba from Asa Road to Eziukwu Road, School Road from Asa to the Railway Crossing, Afikpo Road from Eziukwu Road to School Road, Afikpo Road to school Road and Asa Triangle Bypass.

As usual, the organic Enyimba City Crowd that came out to appreciate Governor Otti’s good works were overwhelmingly excited and the Governor was joined by the Deputy Governor, senior Government appointees, Members of Abia State House of Assembly, Mayors and some members of Aba business community.