President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to restoring the Southeast’s prominence, emphasizing infrastructure and economic growth during a state visit to Abia State.
Represented by Minister of Works Engr. Dave Umahi at a civic reception in Enyimba International Stadium, Aba—Abia’s commercial hub—Tinubu received the traditional title of Udo Kpu Enyị 1 of Abia from the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, in recognition of his contributions to the state, region, and nation.
Tinubu highlighted federal efforts to bolster sub-national viability, including the ongoing reconstruction of the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway, aimed at unlocking development and enhancing trade. He noted Abia’s gains from the fuel subsidy removal, crediting Governor Alex Otti’s leadership for reviving Aba’s historic glory and underscoring the state’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy.
The President declared the national economy is on an upward trajectory, with rising Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and easing inflation, assuring that “the worst economic situation of the country is over.” He pledged support to empower Abians to reclaim their state and expressed gratitude to Southeast governors for their solidarity with his administration.
During the visit, Tinubu commissioned several projects, including the 6.7km Port Harcourt Road (a dual-carriageway with three lanes each and drainage), Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street and Spurs in Abayi, Aba, and Gabriel Nwosu Street.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) praised Tinubu’s regional interventions and appealed for the release of detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, urged the establishment of a Southeast seaport to boost commerce. He commended Governor Otti’s efforts but called for accelerated progress, while criticizing some governors for failing to acknowledge Tinubu’s funding of their projects: “If the President didn’t make such funds available for the governors, they may be struggling to govern their states.” Kalu also decried recent demolitions of Igbo-owned shops and buildings in Lagos, advocating dialogue and regularization of property documents over such actions.
Host Governor Alex Otti thanked Tinubu for honoring the invitation to commission the projects and for transformative policies like fuel subsidy removal and economic harmonization. He highlighted opportunities for Abians in the federal government and sought a functional Southeast-South-South rail line and seaports to spur regional trade. Otti also disclosed ongoing discussions with the President on Kanu’s release and commended federal interest in Abia’s peace and security.
