You might wonder what could have prompted the caption of this article in our progressive God’s Own State. The reason is borne out of the comments, side talks and what some who referred themselves as opposition write on social media just to score some political point, seeing the sudden transformation, changes and progress made by the Gov. Ikpeazu-led administration from 2015 till date. I ask myself, have they suddenly forgotten the state of Abia when there was no Ikpeazu?
Yes! We all are advocates of transperent and good governance in Abia State, but courtsey demand we appreciate, support and encourage who against all odds deemed it feet to provide good and progressive governance in the state, neglecting what is called “Stomach Infrastructure” which is a ritual of some governors in our dear country.
Lest we forget, when there was no Ikpeazu in Abia, we can tell the complete story of the dilapidated nature of Osusu road, MCC, Ukaegbu rd, Faulks rd(Sam Mbakwe rd), Ehere rd, Chima Nwafor rd, Umuocham rd, Ochefu rd, Ugwunagbo rd, Park rd, Omni street, Aba rd in Umuahia, Ahiaebeji rd in Umuahia, Ovom street, Umuola rd, Immaculate rd, Owerri rd, Milverton, Umuola rd, Opobo rd, Eziukwu rd, Okobo bridge, Okon-Aku bridge, Asa Ohafia, Umuatako rd Aba, Ojike lane Aba, Obikabia – Umuene rd Aba, Osokwa – Aro Umujie – Omoba, Abiriba – Nkporo rd Ohafia, etc. We can tell how bad they were. But right now, we are all singing songs of praise on these roads.
It is on record that Gov. Ikpeazu has completed 105 road projects across the state, delivered four new bridges in Aba, Ohafia, Arochukwu and Umuahia, remolded Enyimba International stadium, Aba, with new Astro turf, flood light and electronic scoreboard, donated 86 new houses to indigent persons through the office of the wife of the Governor and launched Abia State Ministry of Homeland Security with over 500 trained officers.
When there was no Ikpeazu in Abia, our Golden Guinea(GG) went moribund and was sold out, but under Ikpeazu, the industry is back, operational and has employed hundred of Abians. The Made-in-Aba brand has become a household name in the country and across Africa just because of the proactive steps of Gov. Ikpeazu in marketing and promoting our local products. In Aba, we have the first automated shoe factory. The Abia Tele-Health Initiative “Dial a Doc Direct” is recording huge success. He has also constructed 4 new general hospital facilities in Okeikpe, Obingwa, Ikwuano and Arochukwu and a new mother and child hospital in Umuahia.
Right now in Abia, you can ply the roads in the state with your eyes closed. We have peace and political stability. The commercial centers are booming, while new investments are croping up here and there under favourable economic policies. Aba has become the right destination for all.
Truth be told, we are not there yet as a state, but the state is making huge progress and with time, we will surely get there. As citizens, we all need to encourage and pray for the present administration under Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, as instructed by God so that he will leave the state much better than he met it.
Kingsley Maduforo, is a Media Analyst and a concerned Abian, writes from Umuahia.
