Abia State Unlocks Rural Growth: Otti Pays 3.5B Counterpart Fund, Flags Off Smart Schools & 30 Legislative Reforms
In a bold demonstration of strategic governance and rural commitment, the Abia State Government has paid a 3.5 billion counterpart fund to fast-track the upgrade of rural roads and establish agro-logistics hubs across 10 Local Government Areas under the World Bank-supported RAMP project.
The disclosure came during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu.
Prince Kanu announced that with the state’s counterpart funding now fulfilled, construction under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Program (RAMP) is expected to commence swiftly across the benefiting LGAs.
“So the state has paid its own counterpart funds, and we expect that with a similar action from the World Bank, that project will kick off around the state,” he stated.
In another significant development, the Commissioner revealed that Governor Otti will commission one of the 20 completed Smart Schools in Umuahia on Tuesday, underscoring the administration’s investment in transformative education infrastructure.
Also at the briefing, it was announced that the Governor has signed 18 new Executive Bills into law, bringing the total to 30 since his assumption of office—an unprecedented legislative pace in the state’s history.
“This landmark achievement seeks to institutionalize the reforms and transformations that have so far taken place in Abia State,” Prince Kanu said, emphasizing the deep impact of these reforms on governance and development.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, noted that the newly enacted laws form the backbone of Abia’s ongoing infrastructural and governance revolution. “They are the engine block for all the roads, the massive reforms, and structural shifts that are happening across the state.”
He further revealed that some government agencies have been strategically realigned to report to their respective line ministries instead of the Governor’s office to boost performance and efficiency.
Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, also praised the Governor’s bold rural development stance. “This 
3.5 billion payment is not just a fund—it’s a testament to our government’s commitment to rural transformation and long-term solutions.”
As part of the ongoing second-year anniversary celebration, several activities have been scheduled, including:
Tuesday, May 27: Children’s Day celebration and visit by the First Lady to destitute homes and orphanages.
Wednesday, May 28: A public lecture by former Finance Minister, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu.
Thursday, May 29: Governor’s state broadcast, a grand parade, and a special state banquet.
Friday, May 30: A novelty football match between members of the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
Present at the press briefing was the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma.
As the administration enters its third year, the tone is clear: under Governor Otti’s watch, Abia State is not just reforming—it is redefining governance and rural development for a new era.
