The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, will on Friday, February 13, inaugurate the newly reconstructed Igwu River Bridge, popularly known as the Omenuko Bridge, located at Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area of the state.

Following the inauguration, the Ozu Abam community will host a grand civic reception in honour of the governor at Abam High School, Arochukwu Local Government Area.
The bridge, originally constructed in 1955, had remained in a state of disrepair for several decades, forcing residents—mostly agrarian communities—to endure journeys of up to five hours through longer alternative routes instead of a 40-minute drive to Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

Also scheduled for the same day is the 70th birthday ceremony and public lecture in honour of a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.).

The planned events were announced on Wednesday night in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.

“The Abia State Government is pleased to announce a landmark series of events scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2026, marking another significant milestone in the infrastructural and socio-political advancement of the state under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR,” the statement reads
Kanu disclosed that activities would commence with the commissioning of the bridge, followed by other engagements.

“The day’s activities will begin with the historic commissioning of the Igwu River Bridge, popularly known as the Omenuko Bridge—a critical infrastructure project that reinforces the administration’s unwavering commitment to rural connectivity, economic revitalisation, and inclusive development,” he said.

According to him, the commissioning ceremony will take place at the bridge site at 10:00 a.m.

On the civic reception, Kanu added: “Following the commissioning, a grand civic reception will be held in honour of his Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, at Ozu Abam in recognition of his transformative leadership and developmental strides across Abia State. The reception will be held at Abam High School, Ozu Abam, at 11:00 a.m