• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 1, 2025
• 31 views

  ‘MIRACLE’ OF PORT HARCOURT ROAD, ABA

  ‘MIRACLE’ OF PORT HARCOURT ROAD, ABA

A good road is more than a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce and growth, writes KALU NTO

“The people that dwelt in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2

This ancient scripture perfectly captures the transformation that has unfolded on Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Abia State. For decades, this once-thriving commercial artery deteriorated into a haunting symbol of state neglect—a decaying stretch of land riddled with craters, refuse, and frustration.

At its worst, the road resembled more of a wasteland than a city street. It became so dilapidated that Keke riders had to navigate dangerous high-tension areas just to get through. Residents and visitors alike had long accepted the road’s collapse as an unfortunate norm. Some even joked that it could be a natural deterrent for unwanted pregnancies—so treacherous it was.

But today, Port Harcourt Road tells a different story: one of vision, courage, and transformative leadership.

As a proud Abian who has watched this miracle unfold, I am filled with hope and admiration for the tremendous work Governor Alex Otti has done. This is no mere patchwork or cosmetic repair. What was once a neglected, refuse-filled path is now a first-class road—solid, beautiful, and impactful.

Until recently, I vowed never to travel to Aba from Port Harcourt directly. I preferred going around through Akwa Ibom to reach my hometown, Ututu, just to avoid the nightmare that was Port Harcourt Road. But with the election of Dr. Otti, a flicker of hope was rekindled. I strongly believed that if any road deserved priority, it was this one—and that only a reputable firm like Julius Berger could handle its reconstruction properly.

Thankfully, the Governor shared that vision. Today, the road is a marvel. A friend recently joked that if you utter anything negative about ACO (Alex Chioma Otti) in a keke, you risk getting kicked out or scolded by passersby. That’s how deeply appreciative the people of Aba are.

Yet, despite the applause, detractors have emerged—mainly questioning the ₦36 billion cost of the project. Let me respond directly: Quality comes at a cost.

Only a company like Julius Berger could reclaim what was left of Port Harcourt Road. This wasn’t just another trunk road—it was a death trap. The project required extensive soil tests, deep excavation, structural stabilization, and thorough refilling. Julius Berger’s expertise doesn’t come cheap, but the results speak for themselves. Anyone who remembers what that road was understands the scale and complexity involved.

It’s laughable to suggest the Governor needed JB as a smokescreen for embezzlement. What JB did past administrations use to accumulate debts for the state. Does Otti need or any state governor at that need Julius Berger to chop N6bn?

 Two, transparency Is key.

Governor Otti publicly disclosed the cost of the project. That’s more transparency than we’ve ever seen in Abia’s recent political history. If anyone has doubts, they are free to request the Bill of Quantities from the Ministry of Works or even Julius Berger. What matters to most of us is that the road is done, and done well.

Three, local sentiment matters.

The people of Aba understand the value of this road. One young man called the ₦36 billion “paltry” compared to the daily suffering residents endured for decades. This isn’t about party politics—it’s about dignity, development, and the return of life to a place that had been forgotten.

Four, accountability in governance.

It’s easy to generalize that every public office is riddled with corruption, but Dr. Otti is charting a different course. He’s investing in visible, life-changing infrastructure instead of lining pockets. And he isn’t stopping at Port Harcourt Road. His administration is rolling out development projects across the state—from schools to hospitals to more roads—transforming Abia, one initiative at a time.

The reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road is more than just infrastructure. It is a powerful metaphor for what can happen when leadership meets integrity. A good road is not just a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce, mobility, and growth. It brings hope to businesses and families and strengthens civic pride.

Two years into his administration, Dr. Otti has proven that meaningful progress is possible. He listens, he acts, and most importantly, he delivers.

In conclusion, I join countless Abians in celebrating this transformation. If this road were the only achievement of  Otti’s first term, it would still be historic. But thankfully, it’s just one among many. We are finally seeing the light at the end of a very dark tunnel.

Let us stay the course, support what is good, and never forget where we started.

 Engr. Nto writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State

​  

A good road is more than a pathway—it’s a lifeline for commerce and growth, writes KALU NTO “The people that dwelt in darkness have seen a great light.” — Isaiah 9:2

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 1, 2025
• 41 views

EV Adoption as Mobility Solution Poverty Alleviation Berths in Nigeria 

EV Adoption as Mobility Solution Poverty Alleviation Berths in Nigeria 

Experts and investors drawn from real estate, banking, sustainability and energy sectors will gather at the inaugural edition of Electric Vehicles Nigeria Expo (EVN Expo) to promote the adoption of electric mobility in Nigeria.

The Expo, which is billed to hold in Lagos, is expected to attract over 2,500 participants from the government, private sector, development finance institutions, innovators, investors, and the buying public.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos recently, the convener of EVN Expo, Adekoyejo Abiola, stated that with the transformation in climate, energy, and technology, electric mobility would no longer be an experiment but a reality.

According to Abiola, EVs have become central to global conversations around energy security, trade competitiveness, and sustainable industrial policies.

Also speaking, Project and Technical Lead for EVN Expo 2025, Boluwasope Ogboye, revealed that the core objectives of the expo included showcasing cutting-edge EV technologies and infrastructure, driving conversations on financing, policy, and regulatory frameworks, mobilising investment into Nigeria’s clean transportation ecosystem, offering a platform for innovators and startups, and strengthening Nigeria’s voice in global sustainability dialogues.

​  

Experts and investors drawn from real estate, banking, sustainability and energy sectors will gather at the inaugural edition of Electric Vehicles Nigeria Expo (EVN Expo) to promote the adoption of

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• October 1, 2025
• 40 views

Kogi  Offers Access to 76,000 Enrollees in Health Insurance  Scheme

Kogi  Offers Access to 76,000 Enrollees in Health Insurance  Scheme

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Kogi State Government has flagged off the Health Insurance intervention and the access to care to over 76,000 enrollees, the distribution of equipment, andthe  the distribution of 62,000 direct solar refrigerators by the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development.

The flag-off ceremony which took place yesterday at the Government House in Lokoja was spearheaded by the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHDA), and the coordinating State Ministry of Health.

The  Governor, Usman Ododo, explained that his administration is committed to the welfare of the people of the state, noting that that was why the state government upgraded all the Primary Healthcare Centres to bring quality healthcare service delivery to the doorsteps of the people in rural areas.

The governor, during the flag-off, also gave an assurance that his administration would not relent in providing opportunities that would guarantee citizens’ access to quality healthcare. 

He  said that Kogi State is proud to join the global health insurance scheme o  protect the health of the poor, as he admonished citizens to avail themselves of the opportunity by registering now as individuals, families, and groups with the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency.

Ododo further announced that “pensioners earning below N50,000 would enjoy free health insurance, while those receiving above N50,000 monthly will contribute N650 and those earning N100,000 and above will make insurance contribution of N1,250 to ease their burden.

According to him, the present administration has ordered the commencement the the of training of doctors in the MBBS programme at Prince Abubakar Audu University, PAAU, Anyigba, which was hitherto stalled 12 years ago.

In order to also encourage medical doctors  in the state, the present administration has commenced the construction of doctors’ lodges at PAAU and CUSTECH in Anyigba and Osara respectively.

The Executive Director of Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Aledare Adekunle, has commended the vision the immediate past Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the establishment Kogi State Health Insurance in the state

Aledare also lauded the present state Governor, Usman Ododo, for both political and financial commitments to healthcare service delivery in the state.

He stated that a total of 28,056 enrollees under the public sector employee for local government civil servants; 3,427 enrollees pensioners are on contributory health plan, and 44,760 students under the TISHIP programme would benefit from the health insurance scheme.

​  

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja Kogi State Government has flagged off the Health Insurance intervention and the access to care to over 76,000 enrollees, the distribution of equipment, andthe  the distribution of 62,000