Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday commissioned the newly reconstructed 46.3-kilometre Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba road in Abia State, describing Governor Alex Otti as a “miracle worker” and a transformational leader.
The event, held at Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area, saw Obasanjo praise the governor for positively impacting the lives of the people. Recalling his previous experience on the terrible road during a visit to Abiriba, Obasanjo expressed amazement at the turnaround.
“You are a man of your word, a goal-getter, a performer. You say no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of the kind of leader Nigeria needs,” Obasanjo said.
He encouraged the people of Abia to value Governor Otti’s leadership:
“Good leaders don’t come in crowds. When you have one, make the most of him,” he added, urging continuity in governance. “A political party is just a platform. What matters is the quality of the person.”
Obasanjo also commended Otti’s team and said their work shows that “bad situations in Nigeria can be turned around with the right leadership.”
In his remarks, Governor Otti said the road project is a reflection of his administration’s commitment to doing things differently, with a focus on quality and transparency.
“This project is not just about shorter travel time,” Otti said. “It also improves safety, reduces transport costs, and eliminates the threats previously faced by travelers along this route. We now have a road that serves thousands of individuals and businesses safely—day and night.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward poor-quality projects and corruption, pledging continued infrastructure development across the state.