Abia at 30: Ikpeazu changing the narratives of state’s economy -

Since assumption of office in 2015, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has made remarkable progress that has impacted positively on the people of Abia state in no small measure.

Numerous people-oriented projects being executed in different local government areas of the state, attests to the preparedness of Ikpeazu to take Abia to the next level of economic development.

Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, has the largest population of any city in the South-East/South regions of Nigeria and the commercial hub of the regions. Its industrial prowess could be seen in the production of finished leather goods-shoes, belt and bags, garments, steel works, plastics, paints, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The city’s Ariaria International Market is one of the biggest markets in Nigeria and West African sub-region and attracts patrons from the West Coast and Central Africa.

It is however the Governor’s belief that trade and commerce cannot thrive in the absence of infrastructure, including good road network and security, which serves as enablers to economic development.

Consequently, the State Government is investing in infrastructure, especially roads and security, to open up the State and make it safe for investment.

And in doing roads, the Ikpeazu-led administration, also elected for itself to build roads that can outlive his administration.

And not only has it done so many roads, the present administration in Abia State, has so far commissioned more than 35 roads, predominantly in Aba.

And if you add up road construction in other parts of the State, the present administration in Abia, has done and completed close to 149 roads, while it is currently active on about 75 road sites.

This is about the first time in many years that three first-class contractors are working simultaneously in the State. And there is no State within the economic bracket of Abia that has kept 3 world class contractors, working simultaneously for two years.

These construction firms, include Setraco and Arab Contractors.

As the commercial hub of the State, it is assumed that if you get Aba right, you will get the entire Abia right, because revenue generated from Aba, would be used to develop other parts of the State.

And that is why all the roads under construction in the city leads to an economic site, either it is leading to Ariaria International Market or to Ahia Ohuru or it is helping patrons to exit the city.

To avert flooding and increase the lifespan of roads in Aba, which is in the rain belt region of Nigeria, the State Government introduced cement pavement technology in road construction in the State.

The State Government is also embarking on a massive reclamation at Ife-Obara pond, which is supposed to take storm water from the low lying areas of Aba, which Ariaria is within that geographical altitude.

It is remarkable that Abia State, under Ikpeazu, pioneered cement pavement technology in this part of the country, where it is casting 9-inch concrete, before asphalting. In addition also, it is now a policy in the State that all roads in the State must come with drainages, from end to end and street lights to extend business hours.

According to Governor Ikpeazu, It has worked, because somebody can stay under the street light and sell fruits and other items.

In the words of the Governor, “I think that with the vision that we have set for ourselves and the speed with which we are going and the promise from God that He will bless every genuine effort, we are confident that things will begin to work for us”.

It is the wish of Ikpeazu to see highly mobilized and optimistic Abia citizenry, confident in what they can do, all of them and half of Nigeria wearing made-in-Aba shoes and garments.

It is also his wish to see young people actively engaged in providing goods and services for the rest of Nigeria.

According to him, “I will like to see people that are not only educated in the real sense of the word, but are capable of producing things with their hands and employing other people.

“I will like to see beautiful cities, not only in Aba and Umuahia. I will like to see a world class 18-hole golf course at Ohafia that will bring attention to the world about the beautiful undulating hills of Ohafia area with an event centre that can host the world.

“I will like to see a children’s hospital, where every child under the age of five and the mother, will be safe and healthy.

“I will like to see a situation where if any baby dies before his or her first birthday, the Governor will get a report.