…Federal-State Partnership Driving Infrastructure Revolution, Economic Growth in Abia — Sunday Dare

A high-powered Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope National Media Tour Initiative has commended the transformative impact of key Federal Government projects in Abia State, describing them as critical interventions that are enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, housing, transportation, and economic growth across the South-East region.

The team, which visited ongoing and completed projects executed through the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, noted that the projects are not only benefiting Abia residents but are also serving millions of Nigerians across neighbouring states.

The Presidency has therefore commended the remarkable transformation taking place in Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. They describe the state’s numerous development as a shining example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments can accelerate national development and improve the lives of citizens.

This commendation came at the conclusion of the two-day Renewed Hope National Media Tour undertaken by a high-powered Presidential Media Team led by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare.
The media tour, which took journalists and government officials across strategic federal and state-owned projects in Abia, showcased the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in delivering critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
At the heart of the tour was the rehabilitation of the Abia Tower–Aba section of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most strategic interstate highways funded through the Federal Government’s Sukuk programme.
The road serves as a vital economic corridor linking Abia, Imo, Rivers, Ebonyi and Enugu States, facilitating the movement of goods, services and millions of commuters across the South-East and South-South regions.
Speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, described the project as a critical economic lifeline for businesses, farmers, transport operators and investors.
According to him, the road features modern engineering specifications, including an extensive service lane designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic and the unique environmental challenges associated with Aba’s terrain.
He noted that the expressway forms part of a broader 56.1-kilometre federal road network incorporating multiple carriageways aimed at enhancing safety, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Media Tour reflects the cordial and productive relationship existing between the Federal Government and Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

According to him, the growing partnership has continued to attract critical development projects to the state, including the airport project, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and other interventions spread across the 17 local government areas.

Prince Kanu emphasized that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the people, accelerate infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards across the state.

The Presidential Team also inspected the ongoing Abia International Airport Project at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, a landmark initiative jointly executed by the Federal Government and the Abia State Government.
The airport, initially conceived as a cargo facility, was upgraded to an international airport to position Abia as a major aviation, logistics and investment hub in the South-East.
Addressing journalists at the project site, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the airport occupies over 1,025 hectares of land acquired by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.
He explained that while the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, the Federal Government is undertaking the construction of the terminal building.
The Commissioner further revealed that compensation for landowners within the runway corridor has been fully paid, while compensation processes for other affected areas are nearing completion.
The Airport Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Pastor Okorougo Aji, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the projected timeline, noting that significant progress has already been recorded with extensive earthworks, runway clearing, cutting, filling and compaction activities currently ongoing.
Another major federal intervention showcased during the tour was the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project being executed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The two seperate housing schemes in Umuahia and Onuinya Bende, comprise 200 housing units each. The FHA Umuahia project is on 100 hectares of land provided by the Abia State Government and also forms part of President Tinubu’s nationwide strategy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.

The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, improve housing access and enhance the quality of life of residents.
Speaking during the tour, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, noted that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour was a testament to the cordial and productive relationship existing between President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Alex Otti’s government.
According to him, the partnership has continued to attract critical federal interventions into the state while complementing the administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal programme.
Beyond the federal projects, the Presidential Media Team witnessed a series of transformative state-funded projects that have reshaped the infrastructure landscape of Abia State.

Among them is the 67-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, a major arterial highway entirely reconstructed by the Abia State Government after decades of neglect.
The road now provides seamless connectivity between communities in Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones, opening up agrarian communities, facilitating trade and enhancing access to social services.
The team also inspected the newly reconstructed four-lane Tower–Onuimo Road, now named Dr. Uma Ukpai Road, the iconic Omenuko Bridge, the Ozuabam–Ndiokereke–Amuvi Road in Arochukwu, and the state-of-the-art Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal is designed as a modern transportation hub integrating different modes of transportation and improving passenger convenience and safety.
The Presidential delegation equally visited the ongoing power restoration project in Ohafia, where the Abia State Government has completed a 20-kilometre 33KV power line from Ihechiowa to Ebem, terminating at a newly installed 7.5MVA injection substation.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that the project is aimed at restoring electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over eight years due to vandalism and infrastructure collapse.

He further revealed that the government is in the final stages of acquiring a majority stake in the Abia operations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), a move expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the state.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mr. Sunday Dare described the scale of transformation in Abia as impressive and inspiring.
“It is really impressive to see that a state like Abia is experiencing this level of transformation. From roads to transportation, housing, electrification and other critical infrastructure, Governor Alex Otti is addressing the fundamentals of development.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government is commendable. Governance is about partnership, not political differences. When leaders focus on development instead of politics, the people benefit,” Dare stated.
He noted that the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti demonstrates that sustainable development can be achieved when governments at different levels work together in the interest of the people.
Observers on the tour noted that the combination of strategic federal interventions and ambitious state-led projects is rapidly positioning Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging destinations for investment, commerce, industrialisation and sustainable development.
As the Renewed Hope National Media Tour concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the Presidency and the Abia State Government would continue to deliver transformative projects capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential and improving the welfare of its people.

From roads and housing to transportation, aviation and power infrastructure, the message from the Presidency was clear: Abia is witnessing a development renaissance driven by purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to progress.

The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to preserve Nigeria’s historical assets, boost tourism, and strengthen aviation infrastructure in Abia State, with key interventions focused on the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker, the National War Museum, and active collaboration on the proposed Abia International Airport project in Nsulu.

At the forefront is the Federal Government’s approval of a contract for the comprehensive retrofitting of the historic Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum. This intervention underscores a strong national commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s civil war history, restoring critical heritage infrastructure, and repositioning these iconic sites as major tourism and educational destinations.
The move is expected to enhance cultural preservation, attract local and international visitors, and stimulate economic activities around the sites.

In the aviation sector, the Federal Government is also playing a strategic role in the development of the Abia International Airport in Nsulu.
As part of this collaboration, approval has been secured for the allocation of 200 hectares of land for the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force base within the airport corridor.
This federal presence not only strengthens security architecture around the airport but also signals long-term commitment to the viability and national integration of the project.

These interventions further align with broader federal directives on security and institutional reforms, including ongoing considerations for state policing frameworks, where subnational governments like Abia are working in tandem with federal authorities to enhance internal security mechanisms.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has applauded the Federal Government for these critical interventions, describing them as timely and impactful. He particularly commended the approval of the retrofitting project for the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, noting that it marks a major milestone in preserving the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Speaking during his monthly media chat, Governor Otti also praised the State Ministry of Arts and Culture and its Commissioner, Mr. Mathew Ekwuribe, for facilitating progress in the sector.
He emphasized that the restoration of these national monuments will not only protect history but also unlock tourism potential and create economic opportunities for the state.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting arts, culture, and tourism as critical drivers of sustainable development, while urging continued excellence from public officials.
“The reward for good work is more work,” he stated, encouraging sustained momentum.

On political matters, Governor Otti reiterated his unrelenting commitment to the Labour Party, dismissing speculations of defection. He noted that internal party disputes had been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court, with compliance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), positioning the party for stronger future engagements.

Addressing security matters, the Governor cautioned against ethnic profiling of criminals, stressing that crime should not be attributed to any particular group. He restated his administration’s inclusive governance approach and urged residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

Governor Otti also stated that he would not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seek re-election in 2027, noting that his own political focus remains on securing a second term as governor.
Providing further updates, the Governor highlighted ongoing developments across key sectors, including housing expansion to address rising rents, major investments in agriculture and industry, healthcare upgrades, and education infrastructure improvements.

The governor further announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had donated an MRI machine worth $1 million to the state.
He said 569 healthcare workers have been recruited out of an approved 774, while recruitment remains open. He added that 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
He also confirmed significant milestones such as the recruitment of healthcare workers, upgrading of primary health centres, and major private sector investments, alongside continued work on the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park.

Governor Otti ,however, commended residents and security agencies for maintaining peace during a recent protest, which he said was handled professionally without escalation.

Overall, the combined efforts of the Federal Government and Abia State Government reflect a coordinated push toward infrastructural development, heritage preservation, economic growth, and enhanced security, positioning Abia as an emerging hub for tourism, investment, and sustainable development.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has thanked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for approving the establishment of an Air Force base and special training centre in the state, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening security in Abia and the South-East region.
Governor Otti made this known when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command led by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.

During the meeting, the Governor approved 100 hectares of land within the Abia Airport Project Site for the Nigerian Air Force to establish its training base, in response to the Air Force’s request for an expansion of the earlier 50 hectares allocated for the project.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that the state government would work closely with the Air Force to ensure the success of the project and deepen the existing security partnership.
“We are going to work with the team to see how we can at the minimum increase the space to at least 100 hectares. You can take it for granted that you have at least 100 hectares of land in that place,” the Governor said.

He further assured the delegation that the state government would facilitate the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) within 30 days, noting that the process has been streamlined to encourage development and investment in the state.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the Administrative Office Complex being constructed for the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia would be completed before the end of April, adding that the government would ensure the contractor delivers the project on schedule ahead of a planned visit by the Chief of Air Staff.
Speaking on the Abia Airport project, the Governor explained that the airport is a joint partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, with the state responsible for constructing the runway and perimeter fencing, while the Federal Government will handle the terminal building.
“We expect the runway to be ready very soon, and once the runway is operational, other components of the airport can follow gradually,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure timely completion of the project.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, commended Governor Otti for his administration’s proactive approach to security and support for the military.
He noted that intelligence and security reports across the South-East indicate that Abia State is currently ahead of other states in the region in terms of security stability.
“As the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command in Enugu, I receive daily security reports across the South-East states. Comparatively, Abia State is well ahead of other South-East states.
“Abia is standing out and I cannot but agree that this does not happen accidentally. It must be the result of proactive leadership and serious support for security agencies,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde also revealed that the Chief of Air Staff is interested in expanding the Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia State, particularly at the airport site with the establishment of a Special Forces Training Centre for job training and jungle warfare operations.
He explained that the centre would significantly enhance operational readiness and strengthen security not only in Abia State but across the South-East region.

The Air Force Commander further commended the Abia State Government for renovating the NAF administrative headquarters and residential facilities for officers and airmen in Umuahia, describing them as modern and well-equipped.
He also disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff is planning to visit Abia State personally to assess the facilities being developed and appreciate the state government for its support to the Air Force.
Present during the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Chukwunonye Alajemba, and other top government officials.