ABIA @ 2 : Gov. Otti Rolls Out Anniversary Activities As Port Harcourt Road Commissioning Is Postponed
The Abia State Government has announced the postponement of the official commissioning of the newly reconstructed 6.7-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba and the flag-off of the ambitious Abia Medical City project, originally scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025.
Addressing journalists at the Government House in Umuahia on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that the shift was due to the unavailability of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was earlier expected to perform the ceremonies.
While the new date is yet to be officially confirmed, Prince Kanu assured that both events would now take place in June. He emphasized that despite the change, Aba residents are organizing a grand carnival on Wednesday, May 21, to celebrate the ongoing infrastructural transformation under Governor Alex Otti.
“This carnival is entirely community-led. The state government is not funding it in any way,” Prince Kanu said. “It’s a powerful testament to the appreciation the people of Aba have for Governor Otti’s impact.”
He also unveiled a week-long lineup of activities marking the second anniversary of the Otti administration:
May 25: Interdenominational service at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia (1:00 PM)
May 26: Abia Anniversary Executive Council session
May 27: First Lady of Abia, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, to visit orphanages and celebrate Children’s Day
May 28: Anniversary lecture by former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu
May 29: Governor’s State Broadcast and Grand Finale at Umuahia Township Stadium
In a related development, Mrs. Priscilla Otti will host the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on May 23, for the launch of a national initiative supporting vulnerable persons in the state.
Speaking on healthcare, Prince Kanu revealed the State Executive Council has established a committee to coordinate the commissioning of 17 new Primary Health Centres (PHCs)—one per LGA—under the “Project Ekwueme” initiative. The rollout is scheduled to begin in early June over a 17-day period.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enouch Ogbonnaya Uche, confirmed that the PHCs are nearing completion and described the Abia Medical City as a landmark development for Nigeria.
“This medical city is not just for Abia,it’s a national legacy project,” he said, adding that access road construction is already underway on the Governor’s directive.
Also present at the media briefing were the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
