Alex Otti has commissioned the newly reconstructed Omenuko Bridge and the 30-kilometre Abam–Ndi Okereke–Arochukwu Road, declaring that decades of infrastructural neglect and isolation in the Abam axis have come to an end.

The projects — which link Ozu Abam to Arochukwu — are expected to significantly improve transportation, boost trade, and ease movement for residents who have long endured hardship due to poor road conditions and the dangerous state of the old bridge.

The Omenuko Bridge, originally built in the colonial era, had deteriorated over time and become a major safety risk because of its narrow carriageway and failing structure, earning a reputation as a death trap among commuters.

Commissioning the projects during a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the Abam Onyerubi Community at Abam High School, Ozu Abam, the governor titled his address, “At Last, the Jinx Is Broken,” and said the completion marked the end of years of failed promises and neglect.

He described the bridge and road as landmark interventions with far-reaching social and economic value, noting that they reflect his administration’s determination to reverse years of infrastructure decay across the state.

According to the governor, poor access roads had previously caused heavy economic losses for farmers who could not transport their produce to urban markets, stressing that weak and insensitive leadership remains a heavy burden on any community.

“The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly known as Omenuko Bridge, stands as proof of our resolve to confront decades of neglect and establish a governance standard that empowers communities and promotes prosperity,” he said.

He noted that, for years, agricultural produce was wasted, young people missed opportunities, and indigenes living outside the community avoided visiting due to the risks associated with the old road and bridge.

“Today, we have turned the page. The nightmare is over, the siege has collapsed, and the jinx is permanently broken,” he declared, assuring residents that more infrastructure projects would follow.

Governor Otti paid tribute to victims who lost their lives due to the structural weakness of the former bridge, including families and students who drowned while attempting to cross the Igwu River. He specifically mentioned the late cleric, Uma Ukpai, who lost two children in the river decades ago, as well as other tragic incidents involving commuters and students.

He said the completion of the road and bridge represents a turning point for Abam and neighbouring communities and symbolises resilience and commitment to what he described as a new development agenda for the state.

The governor disclosed that about 75 percent of projects initiated by his administration across Abam communities have been completed, with additional ones scheduled for delivery within the next year. He urged residents to remain vigilant and protect the gains recorded so far, insisting that progress must not be reversed.

During the event, he also announced the appointment of Kenneth Kalu, former Secretary to the State Government, as President of the Abia Leadership Institute, and confirmed Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the substantive Secretary to the State Government.

In separate remarks, community leader Chief James Ume praised the governor’s infrastructure drive, stating that ongoing projects — including the Idima Abam–Arochukwu Road and a new general hospital — are transforming the socio-economic outlook of the area. He said the projects have restored pride and hope among residents.

Professor Kalu also noted that the once-deplorable condition of the Abam–Ndi Okereke–Arochukwu Road and Omenuko Bridge had subjected residents to hardship for decades, adding that the governor’s intervention exceeded public expectations.