Otti reels out achievements as Abia marks three years of transformation

…Says state reduced debt burden by over 70%, completed 800km of roads

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti announced that his administration has repositioned Abia State through infrastructure renewal, fiscal discipline and people‑oriented governance over the past three years.

Speaking on Thursday at the grand finale of activities marking his third anniversary at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Otti said the government will sustain the momentum of development and prudent management of public resources.

The governor disclosed that Abia had reduced its debt burden by more than 70 percent as of March 2026, while executing what he described as one of the country’s most aggressive infrastructure expansion programmes.

“Part of the reasons we have made remarkable progress in the last 36 months is our firm commitment to fiscal responsibility,” Otti said.

“Our capital expenditure profile is among the highest in Nigeria and yet we have liquidated over 70 percent of inherited public debts. We cannot afford frivolities when there is so much work to be done.”

Responding to critics questioning the pace of development in the state, Otti said his administration had completed 414 road projects spanning more than 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 roads covering more than 200 kilometres were nearing completion.

He listed some of the projects executed by his administration, including the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road in Aba, the six‑lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia, the Omenuko Bridge and the Umuahia‑Uzuakoli‑Abiriba‑Ohafia Road.

The governor also highlighted achievements in the health sector, saying close to 1,000 healthcare workers had been recruited and deployed across health institutions in the state.

According to him, the administration consistently allocates 15 percent of the state budget to healthcare, while hundreds of health centres and general hospitals have been retrofitted and revived.

On education, Otti said the government maintained a minimum of 20 percent budgetary allocation to the sector and recruited 5,394 teachers last year.

He further disclosed plans to employ another 4,000 teachers following increased school enrolment across the state.

The governor also spotlighted investments in technology and youth empowerment, noting that the state had launched training programmes in software engineering, artificial intelligence and cyber security.

He said over N300 million had been earmarked for innovation‑driven enterprises.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Otti assured that salaries and pensions would continue to be paid promptly.

“Abia workers and retirees will no longer be subjected to the era of protests over unpaid entitlements,” he stated.

The governor equally claimed significant progress in tackling insecurity through collaboration with security agencies and local communities.

Speaking on behalf of Abia federal lawmakers, the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, said Governor Otti had exceeded campaign expectations through visible development projects.

He added that National Assembly members from the state were solidly behind Otti’s second‑term ambition in 2027.

Also speaking, elder statesman Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, commended the governor’s leadership style, saying his administration had restored public confidence in governance.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, speaking on behalf of Abia women, praised Otti for promoting inclusiveness and merit.

According to her, women currently occupy more than 85 percent of permanent secretary positions in the state.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, described the administration’s third anniversary as a reflection of “visible and measurable progress” in infrastructure, healthcare, education, urban renewal and youth empowerment.

The event featured parades, ceremonial salutes and a guard of honour in celebration of the administration’s three years in office.

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