UNLOCKING THE PROSPERITY OF THE LAND: Being Gov. Otti's Speech At The Flag Off Of The Reconstruction Of The Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road

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UNLOCKING THE PROSPERITY OF THE LAND

Being the Text of a Speech Presented by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at the flag off of the Reconstruction of the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Nbawsi Central School

Protocols,

The foremost governance priority of our administration is to cut down the long standing barriers to the productivity of our people. We are a community of very hard working individuals who leave nothing behind in a single-minded determination to return home at the end of each day with something for the family, and an extra for tomorrow. Regardless of the profession we choose — be it farming, retail business, education, civil service or other forms of legitimate economic pursuits — our people have consistently demonstrated exceptional energy, creativity and dedication, distinguishing themselves in various endeavours both locally and internationally.
Our resilience and general sense of optimism saw us through many unfortunate events including a civil war and countless other instances of social and economic upheavals that only served to strengthen our resolve to face life and its setbacks with courage and faith in the promises of a new beginning. We are never afraid to start afresh, to push harder and to travel farther in a continuous quest to contribute to the expansion of the frontiers of human civilization. In the end, it does not matter how far we travel, we never forget where it all began.
The decision to return home and throw our hats into the political ring happened for the simple reason that we could no longer bear the continual stunting of the productivity of our people by the misery of bad governance and an unproductive political culture that relegated our people to the background. The terrible state of our urban and rural roads after decades of abandonment presents a tragic proof of the unfortunate leadership disposition held sway in this State before now. The old system not only stunted the output of our hardworking population, it pauperised individuals and families, created room for the escalation of criminality and most unfortunately, negatively influenced our core moral values.
Our foray into politics was a practical rejection of the ineptitude of the old order, and the ruins that it caused. We promised to do things differently, to solve socio-economic problems and support the daily endeavours of our people by removing the mountains of obstacles that perennially inhibited performance. Politics, for us, is about service, making life easier and better for every group of economic actors. In our world, the greatest reward for being a public servant is the opportunity it offers to influence the future of the society and set standards that those coming after us can leverage on to also find their place in a fast-changing world.
In the last 18 months, we have moved with a resolute determination to banish the ugly memories of the past and create for Ndi Abia, the very future that we collectively dream of. This commitment has seen to the construction and reconstruction of pathways and roads that were abandoned for several decades and the restoration of order and security in communities that were hitherto left at the mercy of criminals up till the last days of May 2023. We have also restored certainty in the payment of salaries and pensions, improved urban sanitation and ushered in a new governance model that places the needs of the common people at the centre of decision making. We have demonstrated a clear appreciation of the social and economic needs of all parts of the State and have remained firmly committed to addressing the major challenges, within the limits of available resources.
Today, we have come together to witness the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road. This 11.45 kilometre stretch of road would on completion in the next 12 months breathe new life into the economies of the communities along this corridor and stimulate job creation through the expansion of opportunities in agriculture, food and beverage processing, hospitality, retail trade and real estate. This is more than just the regular road project; it is a statement of our determination to right the wrongs of the past and effectively remove the shackles that have held down the growth potential of this part of the State.
This road reconstruction Project is strategically connected to the other development projects sited at this region including the the proposed Abia Airport construction project at Nsulu, the redevelopment of Nsulu Games Village into a modern multi-purpose sports complex, and the remodelling of dozens of educational and health facilities in different clans and communities in Isialangwa. The grand design is to make the most of the locational advantage of the communities around this part of the State to create new urban centres outside Aba and Umuahia, This consideration is rooted in the fact that Isialangwa is strategically located between the two major urban centres in the State. The Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road Project and other development initiatives around this part of the State offer a clear peep into our bold development agenda which promise to connect cities and towns, ultimately creating a long stretch of organised and secured urban communities.
On completion, this road would shorten travel time to Umuahia from Umuala, open up the local markets within the communities and attract thousands of shoppers from the urban centres who love fresh, organic agricultural produce. The opening of this stretch of road by this time next year would lead to increased agricultural investments as farmers expand their farm holdings to be able to meet the pressure of higher demands.
Ladies and gentlemen, permit to use this opportunity to pay tribute to whom it is due. In the recent time, I have been working with the sons and daughters of Jaja Anucha Ndubuisi Wachukwu, Ugo Ngwa, to honour our departed leader and former Senator and first Speaker of the House of Representatives who brought recognition to this community. Just yesterday, I gave a final nod for the renovation of his residence and mausoleum sequel to the celebration we plan for him next year. Let me therefore instruct the commissioner for works and the contractor to extend this road from Umuelemoha junction to Jaja Wachukwu’s compound which I’m told is just about 1km.
Projects like this, and similar ventures the State Government is financing along this District, are for the administration, the essential definition of social and economic empowerment. Beyond the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road, there are several other road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects the State Government will execute in the communities within this economic corridor in the next 12 months. The road projects will on their own create jobs for the youth because each contractor shall be directed to source their materials locally and also use our people for aspects of the jobs that are less technical. Ultimately, the network of roads will create the foothold for the holistic development of the entire District in ways that stimulate multiple chains of economic and social activities.
We are looking beyond the domestic environment as we work to create a new development frontier in this part of the State. We are very keen on attracting investments from private individuals and multinationals, the diaspora community and federal agencies. Presently, we are developing a smart power sector model that would set the State on the path to sufficiency through autonomy in the generation and distribution of power for household and industrial needs.
We may not be able to achieve the entirety of everything that had been envisioned in the short to medium term but I can guarantee that the foundation that shall be laid in the next 12 to 24 months would be sufficiently robust to flourish autonomously in the long run. What we ask of the people is their commitment and support because ultimately, these development programmes shall be structured to economically and socially benefit the communities along this corridor. We encourage you to work with us to prevent all forms of sabotage and mischief. I would be the first to admit that there may be a few disruptions to our daily routines but you can also rest, assured that necessary measures have been put in place to mitigate the difficulties to smooth flow of traffic and other forms of inconveniences.
The Contractor has since guaranteed that this project would be completed on schedule. It had already been made clear to everyone that would be involved in this Project that only the best in terms of job delivery and material quality would be acceptable. We shall not accept compromises of any sort. The expectation is that the execution of this Project shall follow the technical specifications as contained in the design submitted and approved by the State Ministry of Works. May I also assure that on our part, we shall be consistent in meeting our financial obligations to the Contractor as they fall due while monitoring shall be strict.
Let me conclude by reassuring Ndi Abia of our total commitment to the holistic development of all parts of the State. Every community is strategic to our overall development framework in the light of the fact that every part of the State offers some comparative advantage that can be leveraged upon to stimulate growth, create job opportunities and support the utilisation of local raw materials. Our target is to establish an integrated development paradigm that creates opportunities for every community to develop with the raw materials and body of human and material resources found within. The long term goal is to cut down rural-urban migration by closing the development gaps between the urban and rural communities in the State.
Again, we encourage our people to remain law abiding, pay your taxes and other statutory fees as and when due and continue to cooperate with security agencies to stamp out all forms of criminal activities in the State. We remain unwavering in our determination to make all parts of Abia highly intolerant to all forms of criminal activities. Those who dare us shall be met with the full weight of the powers of the Government.