The Executive Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, has responded to a social media article calling for increased infrastructure development in the council area, stating that the administration of Alex Otti has delivered measurable and strategic interventions within just over two years in office.
The mayor’s response follows an online commentary by Mr. Chuddy, popularly known as Ogaramba Turu Ugo, titled “Why Umunneochi LGA Needs Some More From His Excellency Dr Alex Otti…”, in which the writer urged the governor to prioritise projects such as the Mmam Bridge in Mbala Isuochi and the rehabilitation of key gateway roads in the area.
In the social media post, Chuddy urged the Abia State Government to prioritise critical road and bridge projects in the 2026 budget, warning that neglect could have political consequences.
His article emphasised the economic importance of major roads such as the Old Ihube–Lomara Junction–Ngodo–Amuda–Umuaku–Owerezukala boundary road, and the Mmam Bridge in Mbala Isuochi.
He argued that “appetisers can never be more delicious than the main meal,” stressing that gateway roads with higher economic viability should take precedence over smaller, internal routes.
He also called on political representatives from Umunneochi to pursue public interest over personal gains, insisting that equitable resource allocation and transparency must guide governance.
But acknowledging the legitimacy of calls for additional development, particularly the construction of the Mmam Bridge, Afurobi emphasised that Umunneochi has not been marginalised under the current administration and has, in fact, benefited from significant state-backed interventions across security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Security Restoration a Major Milestone
Afurobi described the restoration of security in Umunneochi as one of the most consequential achievements of the Otti administration, and recalled that prior to May 2023, the area had become largely inaccessible due to kidnapping, banditry and violent crimes.
According to him, the reorganisation of the state’s security architecture, including the launch of the joint security outfit, Operation Crush, marked a turning point.
He disclosed that over 16 operational security vehicles are deployed daily in Umunneochi, manned by personnel drawn from the Army, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration and other agencies, with funding largely provided by the state government in collaboration with the local council.
Investment in Critical Sectors
The mayor also highlighted government intervention at the Umuchieze cattle market, where fencing, infrastructure upgrades and surveillance systems were introduced to mitigate security threats and enhance safety.
In the health sector, he stated that approximately 18 primary healthcare centres have been renovated, retrofitted and fully equipped across the LGA, with many already operational and delivering essential services.
On education, Afurobi said Umunneochi is benefitting from the state’s ongoing reforms, including the construction of new and smart schools, adding that following the 2025 teacher census, which revealed staffing shortages, the LGA received a fair allocation of newly recruited teachers, with assurances of further deployments.
Road Projects and Proposed Major Investments
Addressing concerns over road infrastructure, the mayor listed several ongoing projects, including the Ngodo–Umuaku–Mbala road, which he said is at an advanced stage. Other roads under construction or nearing completion include Umuelem–Ngada, Ndiawa–Ngodo, and Ngodo through back of Orie–Ndiawa.
He further revealed that during the February 2025 flag-off of the Ngodo–Umuaku–Mbala road, Governor Otti publicly committed to the construction of the Mmam Bridge. Follow-up engagements, he said, have already taken place with the Commissioner for Works, with assurances that action will be taken.
Afurobi also disclosed that plans are underway for the establishment of a General Hospital with an attached School of Nursing at Amuda, with land already identified and acquired.
In addition, he confirmed ongoing negotiations toward the establishment of a large-scale cattle ranch and processing facility through foreign investment, a project expected to generate employment and stabilise livestock operations in the area.
Governance, Inclusion and Fiscal Responsibility
On inclusion, the mayor noted that several indigenes of Umunneochi have been appointed into key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, ensuring representation in governance.
He added that the council currently maintains over 2,000 workers across various sectors, including education, healthcare and traditional institutions, with salaries and pensions paid regularly, and stressed that statutory allocations are being prudently deployed for the benefit of residents.
Afurobi also outlined complementary efforts by the local government, including the construction of bridges and culverts, erosion control projects, installation of solar streetlights with surveillance cameras, rural road grading, youth ICT training programmes, establishment of modern evening markets, agricultural initiatives, and the ongoing development of a military operational base in Umuaku.
He further commended the member representing the area in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Mathias Ume Nwachi, for what he described as impactful legislation and effective oversight, particularly in matters relating to insecurity and social welfare.
Call for Constructive Engagement
While reiterating that advocacy for additional development remains legitimate, Afurobi urged stakeholders to anchor such demands on fairness, accuracy and acknowledgement of progress already recorded.
He maintained that Umunneochi occupies a strategic position in the present administration’s agenda and assured residents that more projects are forthcoming.
“Our collective interest is best served by constructive engagement, continued support and principled advocacy,” he stated, affirming that Governor Otti remains committed to the development of Umunneochi.
