Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has hailed the Federal Government's commitment to support the proposed Abia Airport project, declaring that the facility is now poised for a major takeoff following assurances that funds would be released for the construction of its terminal section.
The governor made the disclosure on Wednesday at the headquarters of Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Okpuala Ngwa during the formal reception of political stalwart, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, and members of his Change Abia Organisation into the Labour Party.
Otti said the Federal Government had agreed to release funds for the terminal component of the airport project located in Nsulu, describing the development as a significant milestone in the state's quest to establish a modern aviation hub capable of driving economic growth and attracting investment.
According to him, the airport remains a strategic infrastructure project under his administration's development agenda and is expected to become operational within the next few years as construction progresses.
He expressed confidence that the facility would enhance regional connectivity, stimulate commerce and position Abia as a major destination for business and investment in the South-East.
The governor also used the occasion to provide updates on other ongoing projects and reforms across the state, noting that his administration had focused on addressing years of infrastructural decay before embarking on large-scale development initiatives.
He announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of the strategic Ururuka Road, a key route linking Umuahia and Aba without requiring motorists to travel through the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway.
Otti further disclosed that work was advancing steadily on the Abia Medical City project, which he said would significantly improve healthcare delivery and contribute to the state's economic transformation.
Commending Ufomba and members of the Change Abia Organisation for joining the Labour Party, the governor assured them of equal opportunities and full integration into the party structure regardless of when they became members.
Speaking at the event, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Chief Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, lauded Otti's leadership style and developmental strides, maintaining that his administration had earned widespread public support through visible projects and reforms.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Dr. Peter Azubuike, described Ufomba's defection and the influx of his supporters as a major boost to the party's growing influence in the state.
Azubuike said the Labour Party was delighted to welcome the new members, adding that their entry would further strengthen the party's grassroots structure ahead of future political contests.
In his remarks after receiving the Labour Party flag from Governor Otti, Ufomba said his decision to join the party was informed by the achievements recorded by the Otti administration across critical sectors.
He stated that the governor had restored public confidence in governance through purposeful leadership and visible developmental projects.
Ufomba particularly commended the administration's vision for the Abia Airport project, describing it as a transformative initiative capable of opening new opportunities for trade, investment and regional integration.
According to him, the airport would not only improve connectivity but also enhance the state's competitiveness and unlock fresh economic prospects for residents and businesses.
