Umuahia, Abia State |January 26, 2026 —
The Chief Whip of the Abia State House of Assembly and Member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, Hon. Emeka Tommy Jacob-Obioma, has reassured the traditional ruler of Ohiya Autonomous Community, His Royal Highness, Eze A. E. Uhegbu (Ohanyere I of Ohiya), of his unwavering commitment to resolving the long-abandoned Umuokwom–Ohiya Road project.
The assurance was given when the Ohiya monarch led a high-powered delegation of community stakeholders on a courtesy visit to the lawmaker at his office. The delegation expressed deep concern over the prolonged abandonment of the Umuokwom–Ohiya Road by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the situation has continued to inflict untold hardship on residents, commuters, traders, and farmers who rely heavily on the road for daily economic and social activities.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Eze Uhegbu lamented that the deplorable state of the road has hindered development, increased transportation costs, and exposed residents to avoidable risks, especially during the rainy season. He appealed to Hon. Obioma to use his legislative influence and goodwill to intervene and ensure that the project is revived in the interest of the people.
In his response, Hon. Obioma thanked the monarch and his delegation for the visit and for their confidence in his leadership. He acknowledged the genuine concerns raised by the community and described the Umuokwom–Ohiya Road as a critical infrastructure whose abandonment should not be allowed to persist. According to him, the road has already been duly captured, and he expressed optimism that meaningful construction work would commence in the near future.
The lawmaker explained that the delay in earlier intervention was largely due to procedural constraints, as the project was initially awarded and handled by the NDDC. He noted that this made it difficult for the state government to step in without proper notification and clearance.
“Despite these challenges, I have continued to engage relevant authorities to ensure that this project does not fall through the cracks,” Obioma stated.
Hon. Obioma further disclosed that other key road projects within the constituency, including the Umuobia Olokoro Housing Estate Road and the Ogbodiukwu Umuopara Road, which were grouped alongside the Umuokwom–Ohiya Road as priority projects, have already commenced. He described the Umuokwom–Ohiya Road as a personal priority and reiterated his resolve to see the project take off.
He also commended the traditional institution for its constructive engagement and peaceful advocacy, noting that collaboration between community leaders and elected representatives remains vital to sustainable development.
“When traditional rulers and lawmakers work together, it becomes easier to identify real problems and push for lasting solutions,” he added.
The visit shows the growing partnership between traditional institutions and the legislature in addressing critical infrastructure challenges and advancing grassroots development across Umuahia South State Constituency, with residents expressing renewed hope that the long-abandoned Umuokwom–Ohiya Road will soon receive the attention it deserves.
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