ABIA STATE GOVT BUILDS SIX LANE ROAD, RENAMES IT AFTER AGUIYI IRONSI

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Abia State Government has inaugurated the newly reconstructed 3.5 kilometer six-lane Ossah road, Umuahia.

During the inauguration at Michael Okpara Square, Umuahia, Governor Otti renamed the road after an illustrious son of Abia State and late former Military Head of state, General Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.”

Governor Alex Otti, who expressed joy for completing the project as scheduled, recounted the challenges faced during the planning stages of the project.

According to Governor Otti, about one hundred and thirty buildings were demolished and the government paid one hundred percent compensation before the commencement of the project.

He thanked the people of Eziama na Mgbaja Ossah for for their corporation and support to the state ministry of works as well as the Contractor for timely execution of the project.

In a remark, the Special Guest of Honour and former Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, who inaugurated the six lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, expressed the hope that the road would attract more investors and development to the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Otumchere Oti, explained that the road would make for easy flow of traffic, improve aesthetics of the area, enhance socioeconomic activities, thereby increasing the internally generated revenue of the state.

The Commissioner commended the contractor for delivering a quality job within a record time, pointing out that the road had solar street lights, road markings and drainage on both sides to ensure durability.

Stakeholders of the state, including the Transition Committee Chairman of Umuahia North, Chief Victor Ikeji; and the traditional ruler of Eziama na Mgbaja Ossah, Eze Chiabuotu Emelike, thanked Governor Alex Otti for not only concentrating his developmental strides at the city centre and described the project as the beginning of greater things for the people of the area and the state.

The event also featured the unveiling of the reconstructed Michael Okpara statue, inauguration of the Okpara Square Fountain and the commencement of the Phase 2 of the Abia Urban Renewal Public project, (Umuahia Central Bus Terminal).

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU