Stakeholders, comprising former elected public officials and community leaders from from Ikwuano LGA of Abia State on Sunday commended Governor Alex  Otti for declaring his firm resolve to take over and complete the long-abandoned Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene whose neglect and deplorable condition over the years left the communities along it's  axis in hardship and economic stagnation. 


"That Governor Otti has chosen to intervene where the Federal authorities  failed is not only courageous but also deeply commendable. It reflects a visionary and people-centered leadership that prioritizes infrastructural development and the wellbeing of the citizens.


"The completion of this road will no doubt catalyze economic activities and ease mobility between Abia and neighbouring States such as Akwa Ibom and Cross River", the Ikwuano Stakeholders stated in a statement made available to newsmen


The stakeholders further added: "This strategic Federal road, which was originally awarded by the Federal Government in 2019, has suffered years of neglect, despite funds allegedly appropriated for its construction. As of 2025, the project remains largely unattended, leaving communities along the axis in hardship and economic stagnation.


"We, the people of Ikwuano, heartily express our profound gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for this noble gesture and enduring remembrance. May God bless him and his generation abundantly.


"We, however, urge the Governor to ensure that the contract is awarded to a competent and reputable construction firm, with a mandate to deliver a durable and high-quality road that will stand the test of time", they declared.


Excerpts from statement reads as follows "The people of Ikwuano and indeed well-meaning citizens of Abia State have received with great joy the report that His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, Governor of Abia State, has expressed a firm resolve to take over and complete the long-abandoned Ikwuano/Ikot Ekpene Road project.


"This strategic federal road, which was originally awarded by the Federal Government in 2019, has suffered years of neglect, despite funds allegedly appropriated for its construction. As of 2025, the project remains largely unattended, leaving communities along the axis in hardship and economic stagnation.


"That Governor Otti has chosen to intervene where the federal authorities failed is not only courageous but also deeply commendable. It reflects a visionary and people-centered leadership that prioritizes infrastructural development and the wellbeing of the citizens. The completion of this road will no doubt catalyze economic activities and ease mobility between Abia and neighbouring states such as Akwa Ibom and Cross River.


"We, the people of Ikwuano, heartily express our profound gratitude to Governor Alex Otti for this noble gesture and enduring remembrance. May God bless him and his generation abundantly.


"We, however, urge the Governor to ensure that the contract is awarded to a competent and reputable construction firm, with a mandate to deliver a durable and high-quality road that will stand the test of time.


"Once again, thank you, Your Excellency. Your name is already etched in the hearts of the people.


"Signed,

Major Stakeholders"