The establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority is indeed an idea whose time has come and a right step in the right direction towards a holistic development of Abia State. As a body established by an Act of Parliament, GODA has come to stay.
By Emeka Nwosu
In what is considered a significant milestone in the history of Abia State since its creation in 1991, the Governor of the State, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed into law the Bill establishing the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA). The Bill which was passed by the Abia State House of Assembly not too long ago was an Executive Bill formulated and presented by Governor Otti with a view to ensuring that Ohafia is truly transformed into a proper urban city. It is a welcome development that has received wide acclaim across the State.
The Law which came into effect on Monday, October 28, 2024, according to a public statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, would serve as “a robust institutional vehicle for the rapid socio-economic transformation of the Northern Senatorial District of the State”. The crystallization of the GODA idea is a thoughtful and innovative initiative which would go a long way in positively altering the fortunes of Abia North, and specifically Ohafia, Arochukwu, Ovim and Uturu, the major cities in the zone.
With the establishment of GODA, it brings the number of such development initiatives into three, the governor having earlier established the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) and rejuvenated the existing Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA). GADA is working assiduously in the mega city of Aba to ensure development control and effective implementation of the Aba master plan.
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Similarly, the UCDA is also delivering on its mandate to eliminate distortions or infractions that constitute a blight on the capital territory. GODA is expected to do a similar work in Ohafia and environs.
On the occasion of the signing of the GODA Bill into Law, which was witnessed by some top government dignitaries, including the Attorney General of the State, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Governor Otti reiterated the determination of his administration to work very closely with relevant stakeholders to evolve a governance system that will put all parts of Abia on the path of speed and non-stop development.
Consequently, the governor approved the composition of the Board of GODA with a renowned legal luminary and former Attorney General of the State, Professor Awa Kalu, as the Chairman and Engr. Obinna Odum as the Director General.
Other members of the Board include prominent Abia citizens like Dr. Onyinye Rufus Obi, Ike Orika, and Johnson Chukwu. They are expected to leverage on their wealth of experience and extensive contacts to deliver on the mandate of the Authority.
A careful study of the Board membership shows that the governor was very meticulous in the choices he made. These are seasoned professionals who have recorded impressive achievements in their various fields of endeavor. The Chairman of the Board also hails from Ohafia, where the Authority is domiciled. He would not have any excuse to give to the people of Ohafia and indeed the entire Abia North in the unlikely event that GODA fails to fly.
There is no doubt that much is really expected of GODA and the pioneer Board. It is in their place to ensure that Ohafia, Arochukwu and other towns in the zone are elevated to proper urban status. In this connection, the Board must be resourceful and imaginative in the discharge of its functions. It must seek funds beyond government appropriations to achieve the vision of the governor for the Authority. The Board is, therefore, expected to source for funds from international donor agencies and development partners to assist it in its efforts to transform the communities in the area.
By putting GODA in place to cater to the development interests of Ohafia and other major cities in Abia North, Otti has shown equity and evenhandedness in the management of the affairs of the State. With this initiative, the greater Ohafia is going to feature much more prominently in the development scheme of the State. Attention would no longer be focused mainly on Aba and Umuahia as the only urban centres in the State. Ohafia and Arochukwu would now get their deserved due in the affairs of Abia. This is laudable. This is commendable. It will promote a sense of belonging in the affected zone.
The establishment of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority is indeed an idea whose time has come and a right step in the right direction towards a holistic development of Abia State. As a body established by an Act of Parliament, GODA has come to stay. Even after Otti had finishing serving and left, GODA, like GADA and UCDA would continue to exist as important government agencies and special purpose vehicles for pursuing developments in the three senatorial zones of the State.
With this initiative, Governor Otti has left indelible footprints in the infrastructural development of Abia. Those coming after him can only continue from where he stops. A new Abia, indeed, has come to stay. To God be the glory!
Emeka Nwosu PhD, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com