Anyaso Applauds Otti as Rebuilt Omenuko Bridge Ends Decades of Tragedy.

Anyaso Applauds Otti as Rebuilt Omenuko Bridge Ends Decades of Tragedy.

Prominent Abia leader and businessman, Dr. Chima Anyaso, has hailed the reconstruction of the historic Omenuko Bridge as a landmark achievement that brings an end to decades of tragedy, neglect and political deception in Abia North.

Dr. Anyaso made the remarks on Friday while speaking to journalists at the official commissioning of the bridge by Alex Otti. Visibly emotional, he described the project as far more than a routine infrastructure upgrade, calling it a long-overdue “debt repaid” to families who had suffered repeated losses on the dangerous crossing for more than 50 years.

According to him, the completion of the bridge marks a turning point for communities that had lived with fear and painful memories associated with the old structure.

“For decades, governments came and went, but nothing was done. Today, the administration of Dr. Alex Otti has taken responsibility and fixed this bridge. It is very significant, and I am certain the people of Abia North are deeply grateful,” Anyaso said.

He paid an emotional tribute to late global evangelist Uma Ukpai, who passed away in October 2025, noting that the bridge’s reconstruction carried deep personal meaning for the cleric’s family and many others in the region.

Anyaso recalled that Reverend Ukpai had often shared the heartbreaking story of losing members of his family in a fatal accident on the old, narrow bridge while returning from Umuahia.

The tragedy, he said, became emblematic of the dangers posed by the structure and contributed to its long-standing reputation as a perilous crossing.

“I wish our father, Reverend Uma Ukpai, were alive to witness this moment,” Anyaso added. “As children, we heard how members of his family died in an accident on this bridge.

It left an indelible mark on the community.”
Originally constructed in 1955, the Omenuko Bridge had become a symbol of administrative neglect. For more than two decades, successive administrations reportedly used the project as a recurring campaign promise, frequently announcing its award to federal contractors without visible progress on the ground.

With its reconstruction now completed and officially commissioned, stakeholders say the new bridge not only restores safe passage but also represents renewed hope and accountable governance for the people of Abia North.