It is not an over statement that the colonial masters who saw Africa as their fortress immediately after the Berlin Conference of 1884/85, left some legacies that are still referenced in Nigeria today.
The scramble and partitioning of Africa by the European countries involved, saw territories, routes opened up in Nigeria to aid them in actualising their motives.
In Abia for example, the famous Omenuko Bridge, is one of the colonial legacies left behind by the British who colonised Nigeria before she was granted independence on October 1, 1960.
The original bridge, constructed by the British in 1955, was very germane, despite that it was old as at the time the Abia State Government re-constructed, it connected over 23 communities. It was narrow, dangerous, and had deteriorated significantly, leading to many accidents.
The bridge remained in a deplorable condition for years and posed a major risk to commuters. It’s narrowness and lack of protection caused several accidents, including one in 2007 where 17 students traveling to write their SSCE examinations perished.
Omenuko bridge is located in Ozu-Abam, Arochukwu LGA, and is a critical part of the road network for communities in the Abam, Arochukwu, and Ohafia areas. The road assisted farmers in transporting their agricultural produce to the township.
The bridge, owing to the fact that it was a colonial legacy, suffered years of dilapidation, until February 2025 when the administration of Governor Alex Otti officially flagged off the construction of a new, modern bridge.The project was completed and opened to traffic after nine months.
It is also interesting to know that the reconstruction of the Omenuko Bridge has now been seen as significant infrastructural improvement for the region, as it is now providing a safer and more reliable connection for thousands of people, especially farmers.
Facts About Omenuko Bridge in Abia State
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