By Newsie Events Media:
Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, was aglow with celebration and gratitude as residents and stakeholders gathered for a grand thanksgiving dubbed the “Promise Kept Carnival.”
The occasion, held at the grounds of Umuagbai Secondary School along the newly completed Port Harcourt Road, was organized by the people of Aba to express appreciation to Governor Dr. Alex Otti for what many described as a long-awaited fulfillment of an age-old promise.
For over three decades, Port Harcourt Road had remained a haunting symbol of failed governance — deteriorated, impassable, and largely abandoned by successive administrations. But that narrative has now changed.
Under the administration of Governor Otti, the road has not only been completed, it has become a poster project for what focused leadership can achieve in a short time.
Amid the festivity, Governor Otti used the opportunity to deliver more good news: Abia State has procured 20 fully electric buses to be deployed in the state’s new public transport system within the next two months.
“In not more than two months, our transport system will begin operations,” the Governor announced to cheers from the crowd. “We’ve paid for 20 electric buses, and they are on their way. These are not just ordinary buses — they are modern, sleek, electric buses similar to what you see abroad. They won’t use petrol, diesel or gasoline. They’ll run on clean energy.”
He noted that the introduction of the buses is part of a broader push to modernize transportation in the state. Construction is already underway on new bus terminals that will form part of the infrastructure supporting the incoming fleet.
A Road Long Forgotten, Now Transformed
Governor Otti’s remarks were set against the backdrop of a major achievement — the reconstruction and completion of Port Harcourt Road. The Governor did not shy away from addressing past controversies and the criticism he has faced over the project’s cost.
“In 2017, this same Port Harcourt Road was awarded at a cost of N9.8 billion by the previous administration,” he revealed. “The full amount was paid, but no road was done. Nothing. Just stories.”
By contrast, he said, his government completed the road in 2025 at a cost of N36.5 billion. While critics raised concerns over the price tag, the Governor offered a clear comparison using foreign exchange rates to make his point.
“In 2017, the exchange rate was about N333 to the dollar, so that N9.8 billion was equivalent to about $29 million. In 2025, with the naira trading at around N1,600 to the dollar, our N36.5 billion spent translates to about $22.8 million,” he explained. “So, we spent less in dollar terms — and we delivered. They spent more and did nothing. Let the people decide which one is better.”
He added that his government prefers to “respond with performance, not noise,” referencing opposition voices who continue to criticize his administration.
A City Says Thank You
The event was graced by top political figures, community leaders, transport union heads, business stakeholders, and residents — all united in their appreciation for what many described as a landmark achievement in governance.
In a show of goodwill, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, praised Governor Otti’s focused leadership, calling his accomplishments a testament to what is possible with sincerity and political will.
“He came prepared to work,” Senator Nwokocha said. “And what we are witnessing today is not just about a road or electric buses. It’s about restoration. It’s about giving people hope that good governance is still possible.”
On behalf of the Aba business community and landlords, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and the event chairman Ide John Udeagba, said the decision to host the carnival was born out of genuine gratitude.
“Governor Otti has done many things in Aba, but this road stands out,” Chief Onuoha said. “It has given Aba a new lease of life. We see this event as a vote of confidence. With what he has already achieved, he doesn’t need to campaign again — he has campaigned with results.”
The convener of the carnival, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, echoed similar sentiments. “What Aba is experiencing is the goodness of God, expressed through a purposeful leader. Port Harcourt Road is a symbol of a new season for Abia. Help has finally come.”
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Cooperative Motor Union, Mr. Chukwuma Azodo, called the Port Harcourt Road project “legendary,” noting that the improved road network has made commuting easier and safer across the city.
Integrity Rewarded
In a touching gesture that struck an emotional chord, Governor Otti publicly recognized a local tricycle (Keke) driver who recently returned N2.4 million that a passenger had mistakenly left behind. In return, the Governor gifted the driver N1.4 million, praising his act of honesty and upholding it as a reflection of the values that define the people of Abia.
“This is the kind of character we want to promote,” he said. “This is the Abia we are proud of — one that upholds integrity, no matter the circumstance.”
A Celebration of Transformation
The Promise Kept Carnival featured energetic performances from several Aba-based musicians and entertainers, creating an atmosphere of joy and pride. For the people of Aba, it was more than just a celebration — it was a collective sigh of relief and a reaffirmation that governance can work when leaders keep their word.
As drums echoed and dancers filled the grounds of Umuagbai Secondary School, one thing was clear: Aba is on the move — quite literally — and for the first time in decades, the people believe that the journey ahead looks bright, electric, and full of promise.
NEWSIE EVENTS MEDIA TEAM Follow Us On Twitter: @NewsieEvents, Instagram: newsieevents, Facebook: Newsie Events (Subscribe to our YouTube Page: Newsie Eventsng. LinkedIn Newsie Events
Leave a Reply