Mayor Uruakpa Unveils Massive Infrastructure Drive, Transforms Isiala Ngwa North
“Mayor Innocent Uruakpa, backed by Governor Alex Otti, is driving an unprecedented wave of infrastructural development in Isiala Ngwa North, including market reconstruction, road projects, water schemes, schools, court rehabilitation, and youth empowerment initiatives.”
The Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Amb. Innocent Chiedozie Uruakpa, has continued to take bold steps to accelerate infrastructural development across the fast-growing Local Government Area. His efforts, fully supported by the Governor Alex Otti-led administration, are geared towards repositioning Isiala Ngwa North as one of Abia State’s leading LGAs—experiencing what he described as an “unprecedented infrastructural revolution” since its creation.
One of the most significant projects under execution is the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Obikabia Ultra-Modern Market, which stands out in scope and economic impact. Work has reached an advanced stage on about 308 stalls and lock-up shops, with additional facilities such as mini warehouses, an abattoir equipped with a solar-powered water borehole, and an industrial cold room nearing completion.
Speaking during a tour with journalists, Mayor Uruakpa expressed confidence in the transformation taking place in the market.
“We are expanding the market to accommodate more traders. We will floor the entire market, provide waste bins, install two gates, ensure solar-powered electricity, and guarantee 24-hour security,” he said enthusiastically.
Away from the market, the Mayor is also rehabilitating the Ekeukwu Uratta Customary Court in Umuoha, which had long fallen into disrepair. Another milestone nearing completion is the first-ever Legislative Council Hall in the history of the LGA. According to the Supervisory Councillor for Works, Mr. Clement Ugorji, the new complex includes the legislative chamber, administrative offices, plenary hall, and functional offices for all 10 councillors.
Mayor Uruakpa commended Governor Otti for his “visionary and inspiring leadership”, noting that the Governor’s development blueprint has significantly motivated his own achievements within one year in office.
He added: “This is just a tip of the iceberg. More developmental strides are coming.”
Other project sites visited during the tour include:
Obikabia–Umuoleke–Umuchima Road (awaiting asphalt)
Umuorisa Community Hall, Agburuike Nsulu
Avo–Umuola–Eziama Road, Ntigha (set for asphalting)
Abia Airport Project, Nsulu
Ntigha–Nbawsi–Umuala Road (ongoing asphalt work)
Umuomaiukwu Smart School Project
Umuomaiukwu Ukwu Health Centre
Avo Ntigha Evening Market
The Mayor also highlighted the success of recent social investment programmes.
“Recall that we just concluded an Agricultural Empowerment Programme tagged ‘Back to Farm’, covering poultry, piggery, pepper, honey and feed production. It was a tremendous success,” he noted.
He further revealed that 80 residents have so far been sponsored for Telchris ICT training, with more participants joining. Additionally, the LGA has begun registering 100 secondary school students for WAEC, while undergraduates of Isiala Ngwa North origin and residents will receive a ₦50,000 bursary.
Efforts to provide potable water to rural communities are also underway, with 10 solar-powered boreholes already installed across the 10 wards, including:
Ward 1 – Umuosonyike
Ward 2 – Mbubo (opposite Obogu Hall)
Ward 3 – Umuati Primary School
Ward 4 – Umungasi Village Hall, Osusu
Ward 5 – Umuoiyiukwu Village Hall, Umuchima
Ward 6 – Umuomai Village Hall
Ward 7 – Umuoke Eziama, Ntigha
Ward 8 – Imerem Village Hall
Ward 9 – St. David Urratta
Ward 10 – Umulenwa Village
Mayor Uruakpa emphasised that with Governor Otti setting “remarkably high standards for infrastructure delivery”, all political office holders must rise to the challenge.
“Isiala Ngwa North is expanding rapidly, and while the demand for development is high, we are equal to the task. What you’re seeing is only the beginning of a gigantic turnaround.”
Accompanying the Mayor on the inspection tour were the Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Alvan Chima; Deputy Leader Victor Onwere; other councillors; the Chief of Staff, Barr. Chinkwe Ogbonna; the LGA Secretary, Chisom Nwogbe; the Supervisory Councillor for Works, Clement Ugorji; the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Mrs. Nkechi Chibueze; and several others.
