Gov. Otti Inaugurates Omenuko Bridge, Ends Decades of Infrastructure Decay in Abam

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has formally inaugurated the newly reconstructed Omenuko Bridge alongside the completed 30-kilometre Amuvi–Ndi Okereke–Abam Road in Arochukwu Local Government Area, marking a decisive intervention in the long-standing infrastructure challenges of the area.

The Governor performed the inauguration at Abam community, where he noted that the former Omenuko Bridge, originally constructed during the colonial period, had outlived its structural lifespan and degenerated into a major safety hazard. He explained that the narrow carriageway and weakened foundation of the old bridge had, over the years, posed grave risks to motorists and pedestrians.

Governor Otti described the road and bridge projects as critical legacy infrastructure with profound socio-economic implications, stressing that they were conceived to reverse years of neglect and reconnect agrarian communities to commercial and administrative centres.

He expressed concern over the substantial economic losses suffered by farmers and traders who were previously unable to evacuate agricultural produce to urban markets due to the deplorable condition of the access road.

The Governor also observed a solemn moment in remembrance of victims who lost their lives as a result of the structural failure of the over 70-year-old bridge. He recalled tragic incidents including the death of two children of the late cleric, Reverend Uma Ukpai, more than four decades ago, as well as the drowning of 17 students in 2007 while en route to an examination centre.

In separate goodwill messages, the Leader of Abam Onyerubi, Chief James Ume, and the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and President of the Abia Leadership Academy, Professor Kenneth Kalu, lauded Governor Otti for what they described as transformative interventions in Abam. They noted that the projects had restored the dignity, pride and economic vitality of the Abam people.

The speakers further cited ongoing strategic projects in the area, including the Idima Abam–Arochukwu Road and the construction of a General Hospital, as evidence of the administration’s sustained commitment to inclusive development and infrastructural renewal across the state.