Otti breaks decades-long jinx with Omenuko Bridge, 30km Abam-Arochukwu road

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said the commissioning of the newly constructed Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River and the 30-kilometre Abam–Ndi Okereke–Arochukwu Road stands as a testament to his administration’s resolve to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard in the state.

The projects, which connect Ozu Abam to Arochukwu, have effectively broken the age-long jinx associated with the river and ushered in a new era of prosperity for the people, he declared.

Speaking under the theme, “At Last, the Jinx Is Broken,” at a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the Abam Onyerubi Community on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Abam High School, Ozu Abam, Governor Otti said the decades-long nightmare of isolation, failed promises and infrastructural neglect in the area had finally come to an end.

Residents said the old narrow bridge, which had existed since the colonial era, had become a death trap due to its deteriorating condition and limited carriageway. It was originally built to connect Bende, then the colonial district headquarters, with surrounding rural communities.

With the completion of the Abam–Ndi Okereke–Arochukwu Road and the Omenuko Bridge, the projects are expected to enhance trade connectivity, reduce travel time and provide long-awaited relief to residents who endured years of hardship due to poor infrastructure.

Describing the bridge and road as landmark interventions of significant socio-economic importance, the governor said they symbolised his administration’s commitment to reversing years of infrastructural decay. He noted that the completion of the projects marked a turning point for Abam and neighbouring communities, stressing that the occasion was not only about infrastructure but also about resilience and dedication to the “New Abia Project.”

He lamented the economic losses suffered by farmers who were unable to transport their produce to markets due to the poor road network, describing insensitive leadership as “the biggest burden any community can bear.”

“Think of the year-after-year losses our farmers had to live with owing to the absence of means to move their produce to urban markets. For an agrarian community like Abam, nothing could be more frustrating.

“In the end, many of us suffered multidimensional losses as rich agricultural produce wasted, young people missed the trajectories of their destinies and our sons and daughters living outside the community stayed away for fear of unexpected twists and turns on the road or at the famous bridge.

“Today, we have turned the page. The nightmare is over, the siege has collapsed, the jinx is forever broken. The road and the bridge commissioned today will add to the growing list of successfully executed public infrastructure projects in this community, and there is still more to come,” Otti assured.

He added, “We ventured into politics with the simple conviction that we have what it takes to improve the economic outlook of the state and restore hope to the populace. I am glad to say that although it was risky, our decision to step out of our comfort zones to fight for the soul of this great state was indeed the right one.”

Governor Otti also paid tribute to victims who lost their lives due to the structural weakness of the old 70-year-old Omenuko Bridge, including families who perished while crossing the Igwu River.

He made particular reference to the late cleric, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, whose two children died in the river more than four decades ago, as well as Mr. Maxwell Uduma, his wife Victoria, their driver and 17 students who drowned in 2007 on their way to an examination centre.

“We offer our collective condolences to families whose loved ones perished at different times in the river on account of the dilapidated Omenuko Bridge, especially Mr. Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his wife Victoria and their driver.

“We also remember and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the 17 students who perished in the same river in 2007 on their way to an exam centre,” he said.

Omenuko Bridge

The governor disclosed that about 75 per cent of projects initiated by his administration in different parts of Abam had been completed, with more to be delivered within the next 12 months.

He urged residents to remain vigilant against what he described as subtle attempts to reverse the progress achieved under his administration, adding that “Abia has seen the light, and never again shall darkness cover our path.”

At the event, Otti announced the appointment of former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, as President of the Abia Leadership Institute, and confirmed the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, as the substantive SSG.

Commissioning the projects, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd), commended the governor for delivering infrastructure with direct impact on the people, describing it as a great honour to inaugurate such critical projects.

The Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, noted that in the past, residents had to pass through Akwa Ibom State to access Arochukwu. He appreciated the governor’s commitment to opening up roads and improving rural access.

In his remarks, the Leader of Abam Onyerubi, Chief James Ume, said the projects had restored the pride and dignity of the people. He listed the ongoing construction of the Idima Abam–Arochukwu Road and a General Hospital, among other interventions, as strategic projects transforming the socio-economic landscape of the area.

He declared Governor Otti the sole candidate of the Abam people for the 2027 general elections and announced his personal resolve to purchase the expression of interest form on the governor’s behalf, as well as mobilise N500 million in support of his ambition.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, recalled that the old Omenuko Bridge was originally constructed by the British colonial government to connect Bende, then the district headquarters.

He regretted that the bridge remained in a deplorable condition under successive governments.

“For decades, many lives were tragically lost on that bridge. Motorists endured untold hardship, especially during the rainy season, losing countless man-hours with little hope in sight. Today, that painful story has changed for the better,” Agwu said.

Also speaking, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and President of the Abia Leadership Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, said the deplorable condition of the 30-kilometre Abam–Ndi Okereke–Arochukwu Road and the Omenuko Bridge had subjected residents to severe hardship for decades.

He noted that Governor Otti’s intervention had not only addressed a longstanding challenge but also surpassed public expectations.

The ceremony, which attracted numerous dignitaries, featured colourful cultural displays by the people in celebration of the projects delivered by the governor.