The Catholic Archbishop of Abia origin and Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican, Most Rev. Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for reconstructing the Aba–Port Harcourt Road, describing the project as a decisive intervention that ended years of hardship endured by residents and businesses in Aba.
Archbishop Nwachukwu, a former Chief Protocol Officer of the Vatican Secretariat of State, said the long-neglected road had for years been a major source of pain for Aba, likening it to a “stomach upset” that crippled movement and economic activities. He disclosed that repeated appeals to past administrations to fix the strategic road yielded no result, allowing it to deteriorate further and compound the suffering of the people.
He spoke during a thanksgiving Mass to mark the 13th anniversary of his episcopal ordination as Archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI, as well as the profession of perpetual and temporary vows of three Sisters of the Marrian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei. The event was held at his home church, the Sanctuary of Mary Immaculate, Egbelu-Etiti Ntigha, in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Archbishop thanked Governor Otti for reconstructing the Aba–Port Harcourt Road, noting that the project has reopened vital commercial corridors and restored confidence among traders and investors. He also commended the Governor for the rehabilitation of Abia Tower Road in Umuahia and other infrastructure projects spread across the state.
Using the occasion, Archbishop Nwachukwu appealed to the Governor to fix access roads in the Ntigha area and to prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the Umuoso–Imo River Road linking parts of Abia to Mbaise in Imo State, to ease transportation challenges and improve connectivity.
In his homily, centred on the theme of seeking and encountering Christ, the Archbishop emphasised that Christian life and religious vocation are rooted in service, obedience, humility and total dedication to God. He recalled his ordination as Archbishop and appointment as Apostolic Nuncio 13 years ago, stressing that priestly and religious vocations are calls to service rather than avenues for material gain.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving lives through purposeful governance. He assured the gathering that the roads requested by the Archbishop, including others not specifically mentioned, had already been captured in the 2026 state budget.
Governor Otti further pledged to engage the NDDC leadership on the Umuoso–Imo River Road project and announced plans to construct the road leading to the Skills Acquisition Centre being built by the Archbishop in Umuocheala, near Owerrinta.
“I want to acknowledge the requests made by the Archbishop. Even those not mentioned have already been provided for in the 2026 budget. We will do the rest. As for the road under NDDC, I will personally put pressure on them and engage their management,” the Governor assured.
He thanked the people of Ntigha, the Church and Abians for their continued support and prayers, and congratulated Archbishop Nwachukwu and the three newly inducted Sisters on their commitment and sacrifices in service to God.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe; Member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; and Chief Reagan Ufomba, among others. Highlights of the ceremony included choir renditions and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
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