Gov. Otti Launches Multi‑Billion‑Dollar Water and Ecumenical Centre Project on its 3rd Anniversary

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Ubakala and Ariaria Water Schemes, a project estimated to cost N1.3 billion.

He also opened the construction of a state‑of‑the‑art Ecumenical Centre in Umuagu, a suburb of the state capital.

The flag‑off of the two water scheme rehabilitations at Ubakala, in Umuahia South Local Government, and the 1,000‑seat Ecumenical Centre marked the start of a week‑long program celebrating the third anniversary of the Otti administration.

During the ceremony at Ubakala, the governor thanked Mercy Corps, a U.S. development agency, for its assistance. “I want to thank them for this support and their resilience. N1.3 billion is a lot of money and we cannot take it for granted,” he said.

He emphasized that water is essential to life and that the government considers the project critical to ensuring potable water across the state.

The governor noted that the Aba regional water project is about 95 percent complete and that the new work will further boost the Ariaria regional water scheme.

Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, said the water projects align with the objectives of the Abia Integrated WASH Accelerated Programme, which was launched earlier by Governor Otti.

“As we break the ground for this project, we are not only rehabilitating the water system, but we are restoring the dignity of our people. This is what the government of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, stands for,” Engr. Monday said.

Mr. Rabiu Sani, the Country Director’s representative, explained that Mercy Corps, a humanitarian organisation, aims to improve livelihoods and ensure project sustainability.

He said the scope includes rehabilitating existing boreholes, testing and repairing some pumps, and installing a renewable energy system with at least 280 solar panels, each rated at 580 watts.

“Together these two projects represent a combined investment of at least N1.3 billion courtesy of Mercy Corps in partnership with the Abia State government,” Sani added.

“Our three impacts are very clear: we want to improve public health, reduce dependence on unsafe water, and support homes and markets with infrastructure to restore confidence in public delivery,” he said.

At Umuagu, Governor Otti said he would personally fund the construction of the Ecumenical Centre for the Christian community in the state, having acquired the land 18 years ago. He described it as a fulfillment of a promise made before his election in 2023.

“This Centre was one of the things we vowed to do when we came into office. This land where we are standing was acquired in 2009 and has somehow remained fallow waiting for this day,” he said.

“The Ecumenical Centre is not going to be built with government money. No state funds will be used. I have already provided the land, which I bought in 2009,” the governor disclosed.

Architect Onuka Ukwa, the contractor for the project, said the Ecumenical Centre will be a multi‑purpose, ultra‑modern building that can accommodate over 1,000 worshippers and will serve churches of all denominations in the state. He said the building will be completed within 18 months.

Members of the clergy, led by Bishop Chikezie Elekwa of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and other dignitaries witnessed the flag‑off.

The third anniversary celebrations began with an interdenominational service in which government officials and Abians worshipped and thanked God for the transformation that has taken place in the state over the past three years.