ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT! 80 exclusive pictures of Aba as Ripples Nigeria returns one year after
In October 2019, Ripples Nigeria took a tour of Aba – a thriving commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria – and came back with memorable pictures from 40 locations. The visuals told a story of misery and infrastructural decay.
One year after, we revisited the 40 sites to compare notes, and report on how the Abia State Government, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has responded to the challenges of reinventing Aba, a city once held in high esteem for its enterprise.
Read also: ABIA STATE: Federal roads in bad shape, as run-away contractors abandon projects
The city still cuts a pitiable sight. From Ngwa road, Port Harcourt road, Obohia road, Osisioma, Cemetery, Ozuomba road, Uratta, East, Ndoki, Obiora, Opobo road, Omuma road, the squalid Obiora and School road drainages to the refuse dump at Papa Jumbo in Ngwa road, the story is largely the same.
However, a sprinkle of efforts at fixing the massive decay in Aba was observed. A few beneficiaries include Osusu and Eziukwu roads which now wear some fresh looks. Despite these, the mess persists.
We avail you 80 pictures, 40 of which were taken in 2019 and how these same locations look at the moment.
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2.-Ngwa-road-along-New-Market-Ahia-Ohuru-gate-2019.jpg)
Ngwa road along New Market (Ahia Ohuru) gate 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2.-Ngwa-road-along-New-Market-Ahia-Ohuru-gate-2020.jpg)
Ngwa road along New Market (Ahia Ohuru) gate 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/3.-Dandiko-by-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Dandiko by Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/3.-Dandiko-by-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Dandiko by Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4.-Emejiaka-street-by-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Emejiaka street by Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/4.-Emejiaka-street-by-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Emejiaka street by Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5.-Along-Ngwa-road-morning-2019.jpg)
Along Ngwa road morning 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/5.-Along-Ngwa-road-morning-2020.jpg)
Along Ngwa road morning 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6.-Arondizuogu-street-by-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Arondizuogu street by Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/6.-Arondizuogu-street-by-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Arondizuogu street by Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/7.-Dike-road-off-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Dike road off Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/7.-Dike-road-off-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Dike road off Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/8.-Ngwa-road-along-Mbieri-street-2019.jpg)
Ngwa road along Mbieri street 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/8.-Ngwa-road-along-Mbieri-street-2020.jpg)
Ngwa road along Mbieri street 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/9.-Old-Court-off-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Old Court, off Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/9.-Old-Court-off-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Old Court, off Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/10.-Ndiuche-street-off-Ngwa-road-2019.jpg)
Ndiuche street, off Ngwa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/10.-Ndiuche-street-off-Ngwa-road-2020.jpg)
Ndiuche street, off Ngwa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/11.-Ngwa-road-off-Dike-road-2019.jpg)
Ngwa road, off Dike road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/11.-Ngwa-road-off-Dike-road-2020.jpg)
Ngwa road, off Dike road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/12.-Ngwa-road-by-East-2019.jpg)
Ngwa road by East 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/12.-Ngwa-road-by-East-2020.jpg)
Ngwa road by East 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/13.-Refuse-dump-at-Ngwa-road-beside-Papa-Jumbo-Fast-and-Ice-Cream-2019.jpg)
Refuse dump at Ngwa road beside Papa Jumbo Fast and Ice Cream 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/13.-Refuse-dump-at-Ngwa-road-beside-Papa-Jumbo-Fast-and-Ice-Cream-2020.jpg)
Refuse dump at Ngwa road beside Papa Jumbo Fast and Ice Cream 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/14.-Dilapidated-drainage-system-at-School-road-by-Adazi-2019.jpg)
Dilapidated drainage system at School road by Adazi 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/14.-Dilapidated-drainage-system-at-School-road-by-Adazi-2020.jpg)
Dilapidated drainage system at School road by Adazi 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15.-Garbage-and-grasses-take-over-gutter-at-School-road-by-Adazi-2019.jpg)
Garbage and grasses take over gutter at School road by Adazi 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15.-Garbage-and-grasses-take-over-gutter-at-School-road-by-Adazi-2020.jpg)
Garbage and grasses take over gutter at School road by Adazi 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/16.-Another-view-of-the-School-road-gutter-2019.jpg)
Another view of the School road gutter 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/16.-Another-view-of-the-School-road-gutter-2020.jpg)
Another view of the School road gutter 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/17.-Dumpsite-at-School-road-2019.jpg)
Dumpsite at School road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/17.-Dumpsite-at-School-road-2020.jpg)
Dumpsite at School road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/18.-Ndoki-road-by-East-2019.jpg)
Ndoki road by East 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/18.-Ndoki-road-by-East-2020.jpg)
Ndoki road by East 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/19.-Obiora-road-by-East-2019.jpg)
Obiora road by East 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/19.-Obiora-road-by-East-2020.jpg)
Obiora road by East 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20.-Opobo-road-along-Ehere-market-Ogbor-Hill-2019.jpg)
Opobo road along Ehere market, Ogbor Hill 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20.-Opobo-road-along-Ehere-market-Ogbor-Hill-2020.jpg)
Opobo road along Ehere market, Ogbor Hill 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21.-Eziukwu-road-by-CPS-2019.jpg)
Eziukwu road by CPS 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21.-Eziukwu-road-by-CPS-2020.jpg)
Eziukwu road by CPS 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/22.-Dumpsite-at-Jubilee-road-by-Asa-road-2019.jpg)
Dumpsite at Jubilee road by Asa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/22.-Dumpsite-at-Jubilee-road-by-Asa-road-2020.jpg)
Dumpsite at Jubilee road by Asa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/23.-Kings-street-by-Azikiwe-road-2019.jpg)
Kings street by Azikiwe road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/23.-Kings-street-by-Azikiwe-road-2020.jpg)
Kings street by Azikiwe road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24.-Cemetery-road-by-Asa-road-2019.jpg)
Cemetery road by Asa road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24.-Cemetery-road-by-Asa-road-2020.jpg)
Cemetery road by Asa road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25.-Cemetery-road-along-Skye-bank-2019.jpg)
Cemetery road along Skye bank 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25.-Cemetery-road-along-Skye-bank-2020.jpg)
Cemetery road along Skye bank 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26.-Port-Harcourt-road-along-Hollywood-2019.jpg)
Port Harcourt road along Hollywood 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26.-Port-Harcourt-road-along-Hollywood-2020.jpg)
Port Harcourt road along Hollywood 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27.-Port-Harcourt-road-by-Uratta-junction-2019.jpg)
Port Harcourt road by Uratta junction 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27.-Port-Harcourt-road-by-Uratta-junction-2020.jpg)
Port Harcourt road by Uratta junction 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/28.-Port-Harcourt-road-along-Assemblies-of-God-Bookshop-2019.jpg)
Port Harcourt road along Assemblies of God Bookshop 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/28.-Port-Harcourt-road-along-Assemblies-of-God-Bookshop-2020.jpg)
Port Harcourt road along Assemblies of God Bookshop 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/28.-Port-Harcourt-road-along-Assemblies-of-God-Bookshop-2020-Another-view.jpg)
Port Harcourt road along Assemblies of God Bookshop 2020 – Another view
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/29.-Olewe-street-off-Port-Harcourt-road-2019.jpg)
Olewe street, off Port Harcourt road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/29.-Olewe-street-off-Port-Harcourt-road-2020.jpg)
Olewe street, off Port Harcourt road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30.-Amaogbonna-roundabout-by-Eziukwu-Azikiwe-road-2019.jpg)
Amaogbonna roundabout by Eziukwu-Azikiwe road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30.-Amaogbonna-roundabout-by-Eziukwu-Azikiwe-road-2020.jpg)
Amaogbonna roundabout by Eziukwu-Azikiwe road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/31.-Omuma-road-along-Apostolic-Christian-Church-Mission-2019.jpg)
Omuma road along Apostolic Christian Church Mission 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/31.-Omuma-road-along-Apostolic-Christian-Church-Mission-2020.jpg)
Omuma road along Apostolic Christian Church Mission 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32.-Faulks-road-by-Ikonne-street-2019.jpg)
Faulks road by Ikonne street 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32.-Faulks-road-by-Ikonne-street-2020.jpg)
Faulks road by Ikonne street 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/33.-Umuojioma-junction-along-Aba-Port-Harcourt-express-way-2019.jpg)
Umuojioma junction along Aba Port Harcourt express way 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/33.-Umuojioma-junction-along-Aba-Port-Harcourt-express-way-2020.jpg)
Umuojioma junction along Aba Port Harcourt express way 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/34.-Osisioma-express-way-2019.jpg)
Osisioma express way 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/34.-Osisioma-express-way-2020.jpg)
Osisioma express way 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/35.-Aba-Owerri-road-Umungasi-near-Rhema-University-2019.jpg)
Aba-Owerri road, Umungasi near Rhema University 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/35.-Aba-Owerri-road-Umungasi-near-Rhema-University-2020.jpg)
Aba-Owerri road, Umungasi near Rhema University 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/36.-Ohazu-road-by-Obohia-road-2019.jpg)
Ohazu road by Obohia road 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/36.-Ohazu-road-by-Obohia-road-2020.jpg)
Ohazu road by Obohia road 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/37.-Ozuomba-road-by-Nkwo-Ngwa-market-Obohia-2019.jpg)
Ozuomba road by Nkwo Ngwa market Obohia 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/37.-Ozuomba-road-by-Nkwo-Ngwa-market-Obohia-2020.jpg)
Ozuomba road by Nkwo Ngwa market Obohia 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/38.-Osusu-road-along-ST-John-Anglican-Church-2020.jpg)
Osusu road along ST John Anglican Church 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/38.-Osusu-road-along-ST-John-Anglican-Church-2019.jpg)
Osusu road along ST John Anglican Church 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/39.-Osusu-road-along-Prexy-Computer-Training-Computer-Institute-2019.jpg)
Osusu road along Prexy Computer Training Computer Institute 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/39.-Osusu-road-along-Prexy-Computer-Training-Computer-Institute-2020.jpg)
Osusu road along Prexy Computer Training Computer Institute 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/40.-Ohanku-road-along-Emole-street-2019.jpg)
Ohanku road along Emole street 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/40.-Ohanku-road-along-Emole-street-2020.jpg)
Ohanku road along Emole street 2020
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/1.-Ngwa-road-close-to-New-Market-Ahia-Ohuru.jpg)
Ngwa road close to New Market (Ahia Ohuru) 2019
![](https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/1.-Ngwa-road-close-to-New-Market-Ahia-Ohuru-2020.jpg)
Ngwa road close to New Market (Ahia Ohuru) 2020
AUTHOR: John Chukwu…