Abia’s Transformation Underway: Otti Vows More Development as State Marks Three Years of Progress

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance, fiscal responsibility and sustainable development as the state celebrated the third anniversary of his tenure.

Speaking on Friday during the grand finale of activities marking three years of his administration in Umuahia, Otti assured residents that his government would continue to implement policies aimed at improving living standards, expanding economic opportunities and ensuring prudent management of public resources.

The governor said the achievements recorded since 2023 were the result of disciplined financial management, accountability and a deliberate focus on projects that directly impact the lives of citizens.

Highlighting his administration’s fiscal reforms, Otti disclosed that Abia State had reduced its debt burden by more than 70 per cent, describing the feat as evidence of responsible governance and effective resource management.

According to him, infrastructure development has remained a major priority, with 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres completed within the last three years. He added that an additional 82 road projects spanning more than 200 kilometres were nearing completion and would soon be commissioned.

Among the landmark projects delivered by the administration are the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the six-lane Ossah Road, the Omenuko Bridge and the final section of the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road.

On healthcare, the governor said ongoing upgrades at the Abia State Teaching Hospital and Amachara General Hospital would further strengthen tertiary healthcare services in the state.

“In the new Abia, the first measure of wealth is the health of the people. That is why we are committed to building a healthcare system that meets global standards,” Otti stated.

He revealed that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals had been recruited and deployed across health facilities in the state to improve service delivery.

The governor also highlighted investments in education and youth empowerment, particularly in technology-driven programmes focused on software engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

He disclosed that over N300 million had been set aside to support innovation, technology-based enterprises and entrepreneurship among young people in the state.

Otti further reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that salaries and pensions had been paid consistently while security partnerships had significantly improved the protection of lives and property.

He assured residents that efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and expand economic opportunities would continue in the years ahead.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of members of the National Assembly from Abia State, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe, praised the governor for fulfilling campaign promises through extensive investments in roads, healthcare, education and other sectors.

He also pledged the continued support of federal lawmakers for the governor’s future aspirations.

Also speaking, elder statesman Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chris Uche commended Otti’s leadership, saying the administration’s achievements had restored public confidence and renewed hope among Abians both at home and abroad.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, described the past three years as a period of remarkable transformation, noting that Abians had embraced competence, accountability and visionary leadership in the 2023 elections.