Abia Moves to Install Speed Bumps, Plans State Burial for Rev. Uma Ukpai

The Abia State Government has announced plans to install speed bumps on selected roads in Umuahia to curb excessive speeding and reduce the risk of accidents.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on March 23, 2026.

Kanu explained that the decision became necessary following concerns that newly constructed and rehabilitated roads in the capital city have encouraged over-speeding, thereby endangering commuters. He noted that the installation of speed bumps forms part of broader efforts to enhance safety while beautifying the state capital.

He also revealed that the government has approved the release of funds to fast-track ongoing projects across the state. According to him, several urban renewal initiatives are already underway, including tree planting along major roads, landscaping of public spaces, curb painting, and installation of road signs.

Key roads captured under the beautification programme include Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Library Avenue, and the stretch from Shoprite through Aba Park. Protective guard wires have also been installed in some areas to preserve newly planted trees.

On infrastructure development, Kanu said significant progress has been made at the Afara Relief Market, where perimeter fencing has been completed and compensation paid to affected parties.

He further announced that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) will soon begin rehabilitation of internal roads within the Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia. Other road projects include the construction of Umuokoro Road linking BCA Road to Ikot Ekpene Road, New Heaven Junction to Isi-Court Road, Uzzi Ossah Road, and the rehabilitation of Mgbarakuma Nsirimo Road.

Additional plans include the construction of a road linking the International Conference Centre to Winners Church/ASEPA Road and the retrofitting of the Michael Okpara statue.

Kanu disclosed that the state has expanded its urban development framework with the creation of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), to complement GADA and UCDA. He said GODA is already executing strategic road projects across Abia North, including the Amaekpu Ring Road in Ohafia, Ezeukwu Road in Bende, Ezera Road in Isuikwuato, and erosion control works in Bende, among others.

According to him, direct labour road works are ongoing at 51 locations statewide, with two projects already completed and three newly added. The completed projects include the 3.65km Abiriba Road (Orieagwa Junction to Amaogudu Roundabout) and the 1.12km Okpuala-Umuala-Nbawsi Road.

New additions under direct labour include roads within the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate in Umuahia North, the 400m Umuogo Road in Ubakala, and the 4.7km Umuezike-Ofeme Nkpa Road. He added that 29 road projects are currently under contract and progressing steadily.

Kanu emphasized that these efforts demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing connectivity, and ensuring public safety.

In a related development, the Commissioner announced that the state will hold a burial service in honour of the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, by 10:00 a.m.

He described the late cleric as a devoted servant of God whose ministry brought honour to Abia State and beyond.

Also speaking, the General Manager of UCDA, Kingsley Agomuo, said the installation of speed bumps is primarily to safeguard lives. The Director General of GODA, Engr. Obinna Odum, added that ongoing road projects in Abia North are aimed at improving connectivity and easing the movement of agricultural produce.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, was present at the briefing.