Abia Government Set To Flag Off Major Road Projects, Concludes 60% Power Asset Acquisition Deal

The Abia State Government will on Friday, October 24, 2025, officially flag off the construction of two major roads — the 25-kilometre Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and the 13.1-kilometre Ariam–Usaka Ring Road in Ikwuano Local Government Area.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.

Prince Kanu further revealed that the State Government has also awarded contracts for the construction of three additional roads, bringing the total to five key road projects under the latest phase of Governor Otti’s aggressive infrastructure renewal agenda.

The other roads, scheduled for flag-off at later dates, include:

• The 9.35-kilometre Ihechiowa–Arochukwu Ring Road,
• The 4.9-kilometre Isieketa–Mba Itungwa–Mgbedeala Road in Isiala Ngwa South, and
• The 3.72-kilometre Avo Umuogidi–Umuala Eziama Ntigha Road in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.

According to the Information Commissioner, these projects are part of the ongoing road infrastructural revolution of the present administration, designed to open up rural communities, stimulate economic growth, and enhance connectivity across the state.

“When completed, these roads will not only ease transportation but also expand access to markets, enhance rural commerce, and attract new investments into the state,” Kanu added.

In another landmark development, the Abia State Government has successfully concluded negotiations to acquire 60% of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) assets within the state, following the acceptance of its offer by Interstate Electrics Limited.

Prince Kanu described the development as a major breakthrough in the government’s effort to strengthen the power sector, adding that the agreement automatically activates the next phase of transactions that will enable the state to control the generation, regulation, and distribution of electric power in the eight “ring-fenced” local government areas within Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones.

“The long-anticipated bid to acquire 60% stake of EEDC assets in the state has come to fruition with the acceptance of the state’s offer by Interstate Electrics. With this laudable development, Abia State — especially the eight local governments under this arrangement — will experience a new lease of life with respect to power supply,” he affirmed.

Prince Kanu assured that as the transaction progresses, the public will be duly informed of further developments.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, confirmed that plans have been concluded to restore power supply to Ohafia, which has suffered prolonged blackout for over seven years.

According to him, the state government has approved immediate mobilisation to site, in partnership with the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) and local communities, to ensure that electricity is restored to the entire Ohafia area before the end of the year.

“We’ve concluded negotiations with Interstate Electric and finalised plans for the restoration of power in Ohafia. The state government has approved this project, and mobilisation will begin this week. Our goal is to bring light back to Ohafia before the year ends,” Engr. Monday assured.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information also announced that Abia State will join the global community to celebrate this year’s World Food Day on October 15, 2025, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

He said the event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” underscores the importance of collective action in achieving sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food systems.

Prince Kanu called on stakeholders in the agricultural sector to work in synergy to end hunger, improve nutrition, and secure a better future for all, aligning with the state’s renewed drive toward food security and agribusiness development.

Through these combined efforts in infrastructure expansion, power sector reform, and food security, the Governor Alex Otti administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to transforming Abia into a modern, self-sustaining, and economically vibrant state.