Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the people of Ukwa West Local Government Area that the construction of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi–Uratta Road will be captured in the State’s 2027 budget.
The Governor gave the assurance on Friday, August 28, 2026, at his office, when members of the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, led by its Chairman, Eze Augustine Chinyere Dike, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Governor directed the Commissioners present at the meeting to ensure the road is included in the 2027 budget estimate, noting that projects can only be executed when they are properly captured in the budget.
Governor Otti thanked the traditional rulers for the visit and commended them for their role in restoring peace in Ukwa West, particularly in the manner they handled the challenges at Inner Galaxy company.
“I want to thank you for the way you have handled the issue of Inner Galaxy. Your cooperation and leadership have helped to restore peace there,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti also expressed appreciation for the delegation’s commendation of the administration’s efforts in restoring electricity to parts of Ukwa West, and assured them that the requests presented would receive appropriate attention.
The State Chief Executive promised to look into the various requests, including: the reported lack of electricity in Owaza and Umuorie communities discovered after the power restoration last year; the resumption of relevant development projects; and the request for utility vehicles.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach communities across Abia State, including the oil-producing areas of Ukwa West.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and Chairman, Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Anthony Chinyere Dike, commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s giant strides in infrastructure and transformational drive in Asa land and across the State.
Eze Dike informed the Governor that peace had been restored in the Inner Galaxy area of Ukwa West, in line with His Excellency’s directive. He commended the traditional rulers and stakeholders who worked and collaborated to achieve the feat.
He also commended Governor Otti for the revocation of the Enyimba Economic City project, the ongoing housing development in Obehie, and the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, describing the projects as significant to the economic growth and wellbeing of the people.
The traditional rulers further expressed appreciation to the Governor for restoring electricity to parts of Ukwa West, while appealing that communities not yet captured be included in subsequent phases of the electricity intervention.
Eze Dike also raised concerns over the suspension of projects by the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), in Ukwa West, and appealed to the Governor to direct the agency to return to the area and resume its development projects.
The delegation thanked the Governor for the Civic Centre project in Ukwa and appealed for the rehabilitation of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi Road. They also requested utility vehicles to facilitate the activities of traditional rulers in the area.
The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; GM ASOPADEC, Ven. Dr. Joshua Onyike; the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Pastor Dike Nwankwo; and other government officials.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 28, 2026.
