As Governor Otti’s miraculous touch transforms the Odyssey of Port Harcourt Road, Aba

Oluebube A Chukwu

As a powerful demonstration of leadership, vision, and effective governance, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has delivered the long-awaited transformation on Port Harcourt Road in Aba one of Nigeria’s most notoriously dilapidated urban roads. Once a symbol of decay and government neglect, the road has now become a glowing testimony to purposeful administration and infrastructural revival.

For decades, Port Harcourt Road was synonymous with hardship for residents and businesses. Flooded almost year-round, riddled with potholes, and engulfed in filth, it stood as a reminder of the many failed promises by successive governments. However, the emergence of Governor Otti has altered this trajectory with what many now call his “miraculous touch.”

The reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road did not just involve patching potholes or laying fresh asphalt but was approached holistically, commencing with comprehensive drainage works to end the perennial flooding. Julius Berger Engineers redesigned the entire water flow system, laying the groundwork for sustainable infrastructure.

The project was executed using rigid pavement technology, a standard known for its durability and load-bearing capacity. This method, previously uncommon in state projects, reflects the Otti administration’s insistence on quality and long-term value over cosmetic interventions.

For residents and business owners, the difference has been life-changing as Traders who once deserted the area due to dilapidation have returned. Indeed, Transporters now ply the route without fear of vehicle damage while Pedestrians move freely and safely.
Furthermore, property values are rising due to the improved environment while local businesses, especially those in the automotive and industrial sectors that rely heavily on logistics, have praised the governor for what they described as “an infrastructural resurrection.”

The previously declining commercial energy along the corridor is fast returning, with new shops, filling stations, and small-scale industries reopening or expanding.

Beyond aesthetics and functionality, the project also created hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during its execution. Youths were engaged in various capacities from skilled labour to support services contributing to the local economy and reducing crime in the area.

Recall, Governor Otti, during a recent inspection tour, emphasized that the Port Harcourt Road project is only a glimpse of his broader vision for a renewed Aba and reiterated that his administration is determined to make Abia State a model for infrastructural excellence in Nigeria.

On their own, Urban planners have also hailed the project as a blueprint for other city roads suffering similar neglect. They noted the combination of environmental engineering, urban design, and sustainability measures as key elements that made the road transformation successful.

This, really indicates that the governor’s attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. From ensuring quality supervision to eliminating corrupt procurement practices, the Port Harcourt Road transformation represents a sharp departure from business as usual. It demonstrates what can be achieved when leadership is anchored in integrity, accountability, and empathy.

In a show of solidarity and acceptance, Residents, in spontaneous celebrations, have taken to social media with before-and-after photos of the road. Many have dubbed Governor Otti “the builder of the new Aba,” attributing the rebirth of the city’s commercial pulse to his bold interventions.

Even opposition voices have acknowledged the significance of the project. Some have urged other governors to study the Abia model and replicate its effectiveness in their respective states.

For the records, Port Harcourt Road featured in political manifestos of politicians for years now.
Gladly, under Governor Otti’s watch, it has not only been completed but delivered to world-class standards a great achievement few believed was possible.

As Governor Alex Otti continues to implement his development agenda across Abia State, the miracle of Port Harcourt Road stands as a powerful metaphor: that no place is beyond redemption when political will meets professional execution.

Oluebube A Chukwu PhD, writes from Umuahia.