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ABIA @ 35

Abia at 35 : Otti Celebrates State’s Resilience, Says New Era Of Transformation Has Begun

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has described the state’s 35-year journey as a testimony to the resilience, courage and determination of its peopl.
The Governor assured that his administration remains committed to building a prosperous future anchored on quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure development and expanded economic opportunities.

In a statewide broadcast to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to God and the people of Abia for their contributions to the growth and development of the state, saying the anniversary represents a new chapter in the collective journey of the people.

He said Abia’s progress was built on the sacrifices and vision of its founding fathers, past leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and ordinary citizens who remained committed to the ideals of a better state despite challenges.
“Abia did not emerge from mere wishes; the State was created following years of intense agitations and convergence of ideas by political, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, captains of industry and thought leaders,” Otti stated.

The Governor paid tribute to the visionaries who championed the creation of Abia, including Dr. Michael Okpara, Chief Benjamin Nwachukwu and other prominent leaders whose efforts culminated in the establishment of the state in 1991.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former governors and military administrators, noting that each administration played a role in shaping Abia’s political, economic and social evolution.
Otti said the greatest strength of Abia lies in the creativity and resilience of its people, praising entrepreneurs, artisans, teachers, civil servants, healthcare workers, security personnel, traders and professionals whose daily efforts continue to sustain the state’s identity.
“Abia, like every society through time, embodies the energy and optimism of the people who live in it; we do not give up, whatever the odds are, we fight, exhaust ourselves and return at dawn the next day until the outcome that we seek is attained,” he said.

Highlighting achievements of his administration in the last three years, the Governor listed investments in education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, technology and housing as key pillars of the state’s development agenda.
He disclosed that thousands of teachers and health workers had been recruited and trained, while smart schools, primary healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure projects were being delivered across the state.

According to him, the administration’s free and compulsory basic education policy is aimed at ensuring that no child in Abia is disadvantaged because of the economic background of their parents.
He further stated that the ongoing rehabilitation of roads across urban and rural communities, expansion of agricultural programmes, reforms in land administration and ICT skills development initiatives were designed to open new opportunities for citizens, especially young people.
The Governor also highlighted the commencement of payment of accumulated gratuity arrears owed retirees since 2001, assuring senior citizens that the administration would continue clearing outstanding obligations as resources become available.
“Going forward, anyone leaving the service should be paid their gratuity as soon as the necessary documentation is completed. The old practice of denying retirees what is due them will no longer obtain,” he assured.

Calling for greater citizen participation in the development of the state, Otti urged Abians to pay their taxes, support security agencies and reject actions capable of undermining peace and progress.
He said the future of Abia depended on the collective responsibility of its citizens, adding that the state was on the right path towards achieving the dreams of its founding fathers.
“Abia is ours to build and thankfully, we are on the right track,” the Governor declared.

Meanwhile within the week,the Governor had commissioned the newly completed 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital, declaring that the facility will expand access to quality healthcare while setting a new standard for modern, technology-driven medical services in the state.

The keynote Speaker,former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka had also given a lecture titled Strengthening Governance: Ethical Leadership and Public Service Delivery.

Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC .Umuahia, Abia State .
27th August, 2026.

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ABIA @ 35

Governor Alex Otti, Wife Drive Women Empowerment, Development in Abia — Commissioner Aghukwa

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September 3, 2026

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The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to placing women at the centre of the state’s development agenda through deliberate programmes aimed at economic empowerment, skills acquisition, access to finance, education, healthcare, technology and greater participation in governance.


The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, stated this at the 2026 Abia State August Women’s Delegates’ Conference in Umuahia, with the theme, “Abia Women: Empowered to Thrive.”

Dr Aghukwa said the transformation of Abia could not be complete without the full participation of women, stressing that women must be empowered to move from survival to sustainability, micro-enterprises to thriving businesses and dependence to economic independence.


She noted that the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti had created an enabling environment for citizens, particularly women and girls, to prosper, while deliberately recognising women as critical partners in the development of the state.

According to her, the government’s approach to women’s empowerment should ensure that petty traders have access to better opportunities, female farmers increase their productivity and income, and young women with innovative ideas gain access to skills, technology, finance and opportunities to build sustainable enterprises.
She also stressed the importance of quality education for girls and inclusion of women living with disabilities in the state’s development programmes.

The Commissioner commended Governor Otti for his commitment to transforming Abia and supporting programmes that promote the welfare and economic empowerment of women and girls, citing the Nigeria for Women Project as a major example of the administration’s intervention.


She equally acknowledged the contributions of the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, to the advancement of women, children and vulnerable persons in the state.

Dr Aghukwa said the First Lady had complemented government’s efforts through the Safe Tent Initiative, describing her passion for the welfare of women and vulnerable groups as a significant contribution to the development agenda of the state.
The Commissioner called on Abia women to take greater advantage of opportunities provided by government and to transform the traditional August Women’s Meeting into stronger platforms for economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social protection, community development and leadership development.

She urged women to move beyond asking what government could do for them and instead embrace a partnership approach in which government and women collectively drive development.
“Women must not only vote but must participate in governance. We must be present where policies are made and be part of decision-making,” she said, stressing the need to raise women capable of serving at every level of leadership.

The Commissioner described the traditional August meeting as one of the enduring institutions of Igbo women, noting that generations of women had returned home during the period to deliberate, reconcile, unite, empower themselves and strengthen their communities.
She therefore challenged Abia women to bring their wisdom, strength and values into the emerging opportunities in the state and become creators of opportunities for themselves and others.
The Commissioner ,however, declared that Abia women were “ready, united, empowered and partners in progress,” adding that they were prepared to contribute meaningfully to building the New Abia.
She expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, community leaders, development partners, civil society organisations, religious bodies and other stakeholders for their support for women and girls.

The conference, she said, was particularly significant as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, and provided another opportunity for women to reaffirm their commitment to the state’s development.
Dr. Aghukwa further appealed for stronger collaboration between government and women across the communities, saying sustained empowerment through skills, access to finance, technology, mentorship and productive capacity would enable more women to become economically independent and contribute significantly to Abia’s growth.
She called on women to embrace the opportunities created by the administration and play their part in building a prosperous, inclusive and development-oriented Abia State.

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