The Deputy Governor of Abia State ,Engr Ikechukwu Emetu,FNSE,has described February 15 as a “great day of love, growth and celebration” as he commissioned key projects in Okagwe and Amaoba, Amaekpu Community in Ohafia LGA, in honour of the birthday of the Executive Governor, Alex Otti.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the commissioning, the Deputy Governor said February holds special significance as it marks the Governor’s birth month, noting that he traditionally dedicates February to the commissioning of impactful projects in celebration of his leadership.
“Today is a great day. February is a month of love, a month to celebrate growth and achievements. In a few days, we will celebrate the birthday of our leader, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti. In my usual tradition every February, I commission projects and invite stakeholders to join in wishing him a happy birthday,” he said.
He explained that rather than present material gifts to the Governor, he chose to celebrate him through service to the people.
“We cannot build houses for him — he already has edifices. We cannot give him drinks — he has a wine cellar. We cannot give him money — he would give us hard currency. So the best gift we can give is to look inward and address the suffering of our people,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor noted that the newly commissioned projects,a fully furnished four bedroom apartment , eleven unit ultra modern toilet and a solar powered borehole, were designed to provide homes for the homeless and ease hardship across communities, stressing that the administration remains “a government with a human face.”
Addressing his role as a key stakeholder in the Labour Party, he urged Ndi Abia to assess the government’s performance and prepare for the 2027 general elections.
“Campaigns are no longer about rhetoric. It is about fulfilling the mandates given by the people. We urge Ndi Abia to look at our scorecards in their wards and local governments and ensure they obtain their PVCs. INEC will not count prayer points; they will count votes,” he said.
Engr Emetu, maintained that the administration did not rig its way into office in 2023 and expressed confidence that Abians would renew their mandate in 2027.
“We know where we are coming from. It is not yet Eureka, but people are already shouting Eureka. Ndi Abia have not seen anything yet. In 2027,we are confident,Abians will vote us back into power and reject those who do not mean well for the state,” he added.
He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to delivering people-oriented governance across the state.
Also addressing the press after the commissioning, a political stakeholder and former Mayor of Ohafia LGA,Chief David Ogba Onuoha, commended the Deputy Governor for his giving Spirit, humility and loyalty, stating that Governor Otti’s manifestos from 2015, 2019, and 2023 are being fulfilled progressively.
He urged the people of Ohafia to always defend their brother against those that are trying to slander his name and his good works and harped on the need for strong voter registration in Ohafia ahead of 2027 election.
The Member representing Ohafia South in the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Mba Nwoke, and the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, who came as guests to witness the commissioning ,Commended the Deputy for his benevolence and thanked the people of Ohafia for their electoral support, describing the projects as tangible dividends of democracy and a restoration of dignity.
Community representatives, including the Youth Leader of Okagwe ,Hon Uguru Okoro and Chairman of Amaoba Compound,Elder Captain Sam Idika,expressed gratitude for the shelter provided to the beneficiary ,Mr Samuel Ibe and the sanitation facilities, noting that the projects would promote a healthier environment. They also pledged continued unalloyed support for the administration.
The highlight of the event was the commissioning/inspection of the project by his Excellency Engr Emetu Ikechukwu in the company of political stakeholders in Ohafia ,and top Government officials .
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent
Office of the Deputy Governor
16-02-2026
