Archbishop Nwachukwu Hails Otti for Restoring Aba’s “Stomach” with Port Harcourt Road Reconstruction

Catholic Archbishop and senior Vatican official, Most Rev. Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for reconstructing the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, describing the project as the “cure” to the protracted “stomach upset” that plagued the commercial city for many years.

Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass marking the 13th anniversary of his episcopal ordination by Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the profession of perpetual and temporary vows by three Sisters of the Marrian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei, Archbishop Nwachukwu said the road’s collapse had subjected residents and businesses to untold hardship.

He recalled appealing to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to rehabilitate the road without success, expressing delight that Governor Otti eventually delivered the long-awaited reconstruction, reopening Aba to economic activities.

The Mass was held at the Sanctuary of Mary Immaculate, Egbelu-Etiti Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North LGA. Archbishop Nwachukwu, who also founded the Marrian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei, further applauded the Otti administration for the Umuahia Tower Road project and several other ongoing infrastructure developments across the state.

He, however, appealed to the Governor to extend similar infrastructural attention to their community roads and intervene in ensuring the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) completes the Umuoso–Imo River Road linking Mbaise in Imo State.

Delivering his homily titled “A Call to Encounter Christ,” the Archbishop emphasized that religious life is rooted in sacrifice, obedience, poverty, chastity, and service to God, not wealth.

Responding, Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to improving lives and announced that the requested roads, alongside others, had already been captured in the 2026 state budget. He assured that he would engage the NDDC to expedite action on the Umuoso–Imo River project and pledged to construct the access road to the Archbishop’s Skills Acquisition Centre in Umuocheala, near Owerrinta.

He thanked the Church, the Ntigha community, and Abians for their sustained support and prayers, describing religious commitment as one of the greatest sacrifices anyone can make.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries including Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; House of Representatives member Hon. Ginger Onwusibe; Abia Assembly member Hon. Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; Chief Reagan Ufomba and others. Highlights included choir renditions and cutting of an anniversary cake.