Otti Flags Off 19.1 Kilometre Road Construction World Bank’s RAAMP Project

In a significant push towards infrastructural development and rural empowerment, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has today flagged off the construction of the 19.1-kilometre Itungwa-Mgboko-Amaise-Amairi-Omoba-Ahiaba-Nkwo-Elechi road.

The project which is part of the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), aimed at enhancing access to urban markets and improving agricultural infrastructure.

Addressing attendees at the Railway Crossing, Omoba, where the ceremony took place, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of infrastructure in unlocking Abia’s economic potential. He stated that the state’s land, favorable climate, and market size present enormous opportunities for agriculture, yet these resources remain under-utilized due to inadequate infrastructure and insufficient attention to the agricultural value chain.

“In the last 16 months, we have remained committed to our promises by initiating and rebuilding projects across the state,” said Governor Otti.

“This road project, long stuck on the drawing board, has now become a reality, symbolizing our dedication to balanced development and improving the livelihood of rural communities.”

He described the project as more than just a road, calling it a “testament to the state’s resolve” to boost productivity and improve the livelihoods of farmers, artisans, and MSME operators by dismantling barriers that have stunted growth.

The road is slated to connect major agricultural zones to markets and increasing profit margins for farmers by reducing post-harvest losses and facilitating quicker access to economic hubs.

The RAAMP project is designed as a comprehensive infrastructural development initiative, with plans for the improvement and upgrade of agro-logistics hubs across six local government areas, including Bende, Ikwuano, Arochukwu, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa South, and Ukwa East.

These hubs will provide much-needed support to farmers, cutting down the distance between farms and markets, thus reducing overhead costs for farmers while expanding their market reach.

Governor Otti expressed his gratitude to the World Bank, particularly former Country Director Dr. Shubbam Chaudhuri and current Country Director Dr. Ndiama Diop, for their unwavering support and collaboration in realizing the project. He further announced that Abia State had paid the N600 million counterpart funding and allocated an additional N2.6 billion to facilitate the project’s smooth execution.

“This road project is only the beginning,” Otti revealed. “Before the year ends, more contracts will be awarded for the construction and upgrade of up to 256 kilometers of roads in various parts of the state. These efforts are aimed at transforming Abia into an agricultural hub, generating jobs, and creating wealth for our people.”

The governor also disclosed that the state has established mechanisms for the maintenance of the roads through the newly created Rural Access Road Agency (RARA) and the planned State Road Fund (SRF), which will ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure developed under RAAMP.

The event was attended by several state officials, including Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, whose team played a pivotal role in the project negotiations, along with representatives from the World Bank and the State Project Implementation Unit.

Governor Otti concluded his speech by expressing optimism that the project would herald a new era of agricultural and economic growth in Abia State, calling for continued dedication from all stakeholders.