ABA — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to the comprehensive urban renewal of Aba, announcing the upcoming reconstruction of two strategic transport arteries: Uratta Road and Old Express Road.

The announcement was made on Sunday during a special Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church in Aba, where the Catholic Diocese held a dedicated service to celebrate and honor the Governor’s performance in office.

Infrastructure for Economic Recovery

Governor Otti described the upcoming reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road as pivotal steps in the "complete recovery of Aba." These routes, long plagued by deterioration, are critical for linking the commercial hub to neighboring states.

Addressing the congregation, Governor Otti reassured the public of his administration’s fiscal discipline:

"Any project we can’t find the money for, we don’t start. We have found the money. It is in the bank, and the flag-off will happen soon."

The Governor noted that while his administration has successfully tackled hygiene, environmental sanitation, and initial road rehabilitation, the next phase of governance will shift focus toward healthcare, education, technology, and industrialization.

A Rare Endorsement from the Diocese

The event featured a powerful endorsement from the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema. Drawing on biblical themes of compassionate leadership, Bishop Echema declared that the Governor's record would be his primary advocate in future political contests.

"We have a man of integrity, and nobody needs to campaign for Governor Otti. His works will campaign for him," Bishop Echema stated. He further noted the significance of the event, remarking that it was the first time the Catholic Diocese of Aba had organized such an event to honor a sitting Governor.

The Church’s major organs the Catholic Men Organization (CMO), Catholic Women Organization (CWO), and Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) also presented the Governor with gifts, commending his "silent achiever" approach to addressing the severe infrastructure deficits that previously stifled the city's economic potential.

Governance as Service

In his response, Governor Otti thanked the Church for its solidarity and pledged to continue prioritizing the needs of ordinary citizens. "Even if you pay the Catholic Church a billion dollars, they will not do the wrong thing. This is your government, and we will never disappoint you," he assured.

The ceremony, which was attended by top state government officials including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, served as both a celebration of past milestones and a look forward to the next phase of Abia's development.