A New Era of coordinated Development: How Abia’s GODA, GADA, and UCDA Are Driving State-Wide Transformation
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti, OFR, Abia State has embarked on an unprecedented journey of integrated and even development, strategically engineered to ensure no senatorial district is left behind. This transformative agenda is being executed through a powerful tripartite framework of specialized development authorities: the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), and the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). Functioning as strategic special purpose vehicles (SPVs), these authorities are empowered to drive regional development, expedite critical infrastructure upgrades, and catalyze economic transformation across the state. This innovative model ensures sustained, simultaneous development, effectively decentralizing project execution and reducing the bureaucratic burden on the State Ministry of Works to guarantee timely and efficient delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
The Strategic Mandate of Abia’s Development Triad
Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA): Reawakening the Abia North Senatorial District
The Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA) is the cornerstone of efforts to accelerate development in the Abia North Senatorial District. Its comprehensive mandate encompasses critical infrastructure development, providing dedicated administrative attention to long-neglected communities, and fostering both public and private investment in the region. GODA has moved beyond planning into active operation, initially focusing on restoring urban order and public safety. A key early action involved dismantling shanties and illegal structures that had dangerously obstructed traffic flow in the Ohafia metropolis, a move aimed at reducing accidents and significantly improving the local environment. Beyond immediate cleanup, the authority is instrumental in driving the long-term vision to transform Greater Ohafia into the premier Livestock Capital of the South-East, a strategic economic niche that promises jobs and prosperity. The establishment of GODA, signed into law by Governor Otti, is widely recognized as a legislative milestone and a bold strategic move to decisively address historical underdevelopment in the zone.
Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA): Remodeling the Commercial Nerve Centre
The Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) is central to the ambitious revitalization of Aba, the state’s legendary commercial hub. Demonstrating a commitment to world-class planning, GADA has collaborated with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to develop a comprehensive 25-year Greater Aba Master Plan. This long-term, holistic blueprint is anchored on four key pillars: road infrastructure and connectivity, economic development, sustainable urban expansion, and flood management. GADA’s initiatives are a critical part of a broader strategy to reposition Aba as a prime investment destination, which includes flagship projects like the ongoing reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road Aba and the signing of a landmark management contract with global hospitality giant Radisson Blu for the reconstruction of the Enyimba International Hotel and the development of a world-class convention centre. While focused on development, GADA’s enforcement actions have also been a subject of controversy, as it was accused of illegally invading a media company’s premises despite a court order—an allegation the authority strongly denies, reaffirming its commitment to operating within the bounds of the rule of law.
Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA): Forging a Modern Capital City
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has been reorganized and re-energized to oversee the comprehensive transformation of Umuahia into a modern, befitting capital city. Its mandate includes urban renewal, aesthetic enhancement, and the development of critical infrastructure. A clear example of UCDA’s work is its recent demolition of unauthorized residential structures within the former Umuahia market (Ogwumabiri), which were built contrary to the government’s planned purpose for the space. This action is part of a larger project to repurpose the area into an integrated modern transportation hub, combining a bus terminal, train station, and intercity shuttle connection point to enhance mobility, safety, and economic opportunities for citizens. This project underscores the state government’s steadfast commitment to transforming Umuahia into a world-class city.
A Synergistic Approach to State-Wide Development
A defining and powerful aspect of Governor Otti’s strategy is the simultaneous operation and funding of GODA, GADA, and UCDA. This ensures that development is not concentrated in one zone but is spread evenly across the state, guaranteeing equitable progress. The efficacy of this collaborative model is already evident in accelerated project delivery. For instance, the strategic Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia road was awarded to three different construction firms to work on segments concurrently, leading to its completion in record time. This approach directly tackles the rural outlook and infrastructural decay that have plagued these zones for decades, with the ultimate goals of curbing rural-urban migration, stimulating sustainable economic growth through job creation, and improving access to markets and social services. The state government’s unwavering commitment to this even development is further reflected in its ambitious budget allocations, with the 2025 budget projecting a massive 82% capital expenditure to sustain and consolidate the momentum of ongoing projects across all sectors and regions.
Addressing the Question of Local Government Funds
In the midst of this transformative progress, questions have been raised regarding the management of local government allocations. Governor Otti’s administration has consistently emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in all financial matters. The Governor has publicly called for closer monitoring of revenue allocations to ensure judicious use of public funds. It is crucial to understand that the state government’s role, particularly through its collaborative framework with the development authorities, is often to provide strategic oversight and support to ensure that larger, state-wide development goals are met efficiently, avoiding duplication and maximizing impact for all Abians. The government’s position is that resources must be leveraged for maximum collective benefit, as evidenced by the visible infrastructural upgrades across all LGAs. Furthermore, as I have previously detailed in three separate articles addressing this specific matter, the administration encourages direct citizen engagement with their LGA chairmen for accountability, while maintaining that its overarching interventionist strategy is designed to ensure holistic and even development that transcends LGA boundaries and benefits every citizen.
Future Outlook: A Horizon of Unprecedented Growth
The future outlook for these development authorities is seamlessly embedded in the state’s ambitious, multi-faceted plans to revolutionize growth and development. Groundbreaking initiatives such as the proposed Abia Medical Village, Abia Games Village, Abia Smart City, and the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP) are all in pole position to complement and amplify the work of GODA, GADA, and UCDA. To fund this future, the game government has set an unprecedented internally generated revenue target of N120 billion for 2025 and has called for public support through prompt tax payments, creating a sustainable model for development that is not solely reliant on federal allocations. The ultimate goal is resolute: to ensure that every strategic and economically impactful project receives urgent attention, thereby transforming Abia into a prime destination for investments and dramatically improving the quality of life for all residents.
Dr. Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke
