Otti Alongside Ihejirika Commission Iconic Omenuko Bridge, 30-Km Abam-Arochukwu Road

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has inaugurated the newly-constructed Omenuko Bridge alongside the abandoned 30-kilometre Amuvi-Ndi Okereke, Abam Road, both located in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event in Abam community, Otti explained that the old bridge, which was constructed during the colonial era, had become a death-trap for residents due to its narrow carriageway and deteriorated condition.

He described the bridge and road as landmark interventions with extensive social and economic importance in addressing several years of infrastructural neglect.

He expressed dismay over economic losses suffered by farmers who were unable to transport their produce to urban markets due to poor access roads.

The Governor paid tribute to victims who died due to the structural weakness of the over 70-year-old Omenuko Bridge, including the late cleric, Reverend Uma Ukpai, whose two children died in the river more than four decades ago, as well as 17 students who drowned in 2007 on their way to an examination centre, amongst others.

In separate goodwill messages, the Leader of Abam Onyerubi, Chief James Ume; the immediate-past Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu commended Governor Otti for the road construction in Abam Community.

According to them, the Governor had, through the projects, restored the pride of the Abam people.

The Commissioner Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti said that, In the past, people used to go through Akwa Ibom State to get to Arochukwu. He appreciated the commitment of Governor Otti in opening up roads and granting access even in the rural areas.

In an interview with newsmen, Eze Aro, His Eminence, Dr. Eberechukwu Kanu lauded the decision of Governor Otti to rewrite the history of Omenuko bridge and Arochukwu road and prayed God to bless him abundantly.

The Eagle News reports that the projects were commissioned by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) who saluted the Governor for building projects with direct impact on humanity, described the opportunity given to him to commission them on his birthday as a great honour.