By Ferdinand Ekeoma
The joy in Isieketa, Isialangwa LGA of Abia State, knew no bounds on Friday, July 27, 2018, as the people trooped out in their large numbers, accompanied by traditional rulers to witness the commissioning of the strategic Isieketa Mbawsi road attracted by the 2015 APGA governorship candidate, Dr. Alex Otti.
Government after government in Abia State had neglected the road for decades, until Otti intervened to bring succor to the residents.
The road which was attracted by Dr. Otti in 2017 through the NDDC was commissioned by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who was accompanied by several other dignitaries.
Indeed the commissioning of the road coincided with the 60th birthday celebration and 19th coronation anniversary of the Traditional Ruler of the community, HRH Eze Nelson Nmerengwa, for which the latter poured encomiums, saying Otti has wiped out the tears of his community.
He described Otti as a worthy and reliable friend who has consistently shown him love.
The revered Eze Nmerengwa expressed joy at the quality of the construction, and thanked President Muhanmadu Buhari and his Media Adviser Femi Adesina for that gesture.
The initiator of the project, Dr. Alex Otti, who was humbled by the joy, excitement and gratitude expressed by the people of the community made it clear that his good relationship with his friends in power made the 5.5 kilometer road project possible, and thanked the President and Mr. Adesina for their roles in making the project a reality.
Dr. Otti literally electrified the atmosphere when he told the people that work will soon commence on another 12.5 kilometer road leading to Mbawsi, which would get to Isialangwa North.
The contractor that handled the project, Engr. Chibuike Achigbu (Akashaa) thanked Dr. Otti for the project, assuring that the job is a solid construction done with stone base, and appealed to the people to ensure proper use of the road for durability.
Adesina later cut the tape to unveil the road amid thunderous ovation.
Dr. Otti who was accompanied by his wife Priscilla, his 2015 running mate, Dr. (Mrs) Uche Eme Uche, and hundreds of APGA members, supporters, friends and associates later led Adesina and others to Isieketa Primary School field for Eze Nmerengwa’s birthday/19th anniversary celebration amid pomp and pageantry.
Otti was later appointed the grand patron of Nelson Royal Care Foundation, a humanitarian foundation established by Eze Nmerengwa, while Adesina was honored with the chieftaincy title of Ugo Mba of Isieketa by Eze Nmerengwa, and the contractor, Engr. Achigbu honored with Odozie Obodo of Isieketa.