The Abia State Government held the grand finale of activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, bringing together government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, stakeholders, and citizens in celebration of what has been described as a remarkable era of transformation and purposeful governance in the State.
The anniversary celebration, which climaxed with a colourful parade at the Umuahia Township Stadium and a grand banquet at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, served as a moment of reflection on the achievements recorded over the past three years and a reaffirmation of the administration’s commitment to sustainable development, inclusive governance, and selfless service.
Speaking during the anniversary parade, Governor Otti described the occasion as a time for gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to building a prosperous and functional Abia State.
He noted that democracy had provided the people with an opportunity to shape their future through good governance and responsible leadership.
Governor Otti recalled that immediately after assuming office in 2023, his administration took decisive steps to restore confidence in governance, beginning with environmental sanitation interventions in Aba and expanding reforms across key sectors of the economy.
According to him, the administration has made remarkable progress in infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture, security, power, and civil service reforms.
The Governor disclosed that his administration has completed 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 roads spanning over 200 kilometres are nearing completion across the State.
In the healthcare sector, Governor Otti revealed that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited, while 277 Primary Healthcare Centres have been retrofitted and revitalised under the Project Ekwueme Initiative and WHO-supported programmes, with 122 already fully equipped and operational.
He added that the government has consistently allocated 15 percent of the annual budget to health and not less than 20 percent to education, reflecting the administration’s commitment to human capital development.
Governor Otti further disclosed that 5,394 teachers were recruited last year, while another 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited to address increasing school enrollment resulting from the government’s free and compulsory basic education policy.
The Governor also highlighted investments in youth empowerment and technology, noting that thousands of young people have been trained in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation through programmes such as TechRise, while over N300 million has been earmarked to support technology-driven enterprises.
On environmental sustainability, Governor Otti stated that the declaration of emergency on waste management in 2023 had significantly improved sanitation across the State through the interventions of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).
Speaking on transportation and energy reforms, the Governor noted that the commissioning of the Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal, deployment of electric buses, construction of bus shelters, and ongoing road infrastructure upgrades have transformed public transportation and eased the burden of commuting for residents.
He added that reforms in the power sector are already attracting private investors and manufacturers to the State, while the digitisation of land administration and implementation of the Certificate of Occupancy in 30 Days Policy have enhanced transparency and strengthened investor confidence in the real estate sector.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, women empowerment, social protection, and fiscal discipline, noting that civil servants and retirees now receive salaries and pensions promptly, while intervention programmes continue to support women, vulnerable persons, and persons living with disabilities.
Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, alongside the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, described the Otti administration as a period of historic rebirth for Abia State.
They stated that Abians rejected politics of excuses in 2023 and embraced competence, accountability, and visionary leadership, adding that Governor Otti’s commitment to merit-based appointments, gender inclusion, and human capital development has earned him the confidence and admiration of the people.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, legal luminary Chief Chris Uche (SAN), and renowned industrialist Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and developmental strides, describing his administration as transformational and people-oriented.
The parade featured a ceremonial guard of honour and attracted the presence of the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife, members of the National and State Assemblies, Commissioners, service commanders, traditional rulers, clergy, and other distinguished personalities.
At the grand banquet organised to conclude the week-long anniversary celebration, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to selfless service, sustainable development, and inclusive governance, stressing that leadership must be focused on improving the lives of citizens and restoring confidence in government.
The Governor expressed appreciation to members of the anniversary planning committee, development partners, entertainers, content creators, and the people of Abia State for their overwhelming support and participation throughout the celebration.
Reflecting on the massive turnout during project commissioning tours and anniversary events, Governor Otti said the enthusiastic response from citizens was proof that governance works best when it positively impacts the lives of the people.
“Everywhere we went, the response from our people was overwhelming. They were happy, and for me, that is what governance is all about. Once you stop making people happy through good governance, then you have failed,” the Governor stated.
Governor Otti maintained that public service should never be treated as an avenue for personal enrichment, insisting that government exists to serve the people.
“Government is not a place where you come to look for money; it is a place where you come to serve the people. Anyone who wants to make money should go into business,” he said.
He further disclosed that despite the numerous projects commissioned during the anniversary week, several others are ready for inauguration, including two newly completed General Hospitals, renovated schools, and completed court buildings.
Governor Otti assured Abians that the developmental gains recorded over the past three years would outlive his administration, stressing that governance should rise above partisan interests and remain focused on building a functional and prosperous State.
“What should be uppermost in our minds is the future of Abia State. Do we want a State defined by mediocrity, decayed infrastructure and poor services, or do we want a State that works? Once we agree that we want a State that works, then we are together,” Governor Otti declared.
He also called for unity among citizens regardless of political affiliations, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, cooperation, and shared purpose.
In his opening remarks at the banquet, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, described the event as a celebration of purposeful leadership and transformational governance, commending Governor Otti’s commitment to rebuilding Abia State.
Similarly, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Chris Adighije, in their goodwill messages, praised Governor Otti for surpassing expectations through prudent management of resources and visible developmental strides across infrastructure, healthcare, education, and public service delivery.
The banquet, which featured colourful cultural performances, entertainment by notable artistes and comedians, attracted political leaders, business executives, traditional rulers, entertainers, and distinguished guests from within and outside Abia State, bringing the third anniversary celebration to a memorable close.
As the curtain falls on three years of the Otti administration, many observers say Abia State appears to be witnessing a renewed sense of hope, transformation, and confidence in governance.
