Governor Alex Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens’ Welfare, Backs National Vision Centre Decentralization
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Abians through sustained investments in healthcare and other social welfare programmes.
Governor Otti made this known while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Optometrists Association (NOA) in his office, ahead of the association’s 48th Annual National Conference and Elections holding in Abia State.
“The average Nigerian is struggling. And whatever we can do to make life more meaningful and easier for them, this government will support it,” the Governor stated.
“Everything government does should be about the welfare of the people. If a government exists and the people are complaining, then that government must review its vision.”
The Governor emphasized that welfare, encompassing health and security, remains central to his administration’s policies.
“Some may prioritize security, but I see it as part of welfare. If you are not healthy or secure, there is no welfare. Every action we take must uplift the people,” he added.
Commending NOA for its impactful services in the state, Governor Otti welcomed the association’s decision to host its national conference in Abia, describing the conference theme—“Optometry in a Changing World”—as timely and insightful.
He assured the association of his government’s full support to ensure a successful and comfortable stay for all delegates.
Highlighting strides in the state’s healthcare sector, Governor Otti cited the establishment of the Abia State Eyecare Management Bureau—one of its kind in Nigeria,as a testament to his government’s proactive health agenda.
According to him, the bureau has already conducted free eye screenings, treatments, and surgeries across all 17 local government areas of the state.
In response to the association’s request for legislative backing to decentralize the National Vision Centre, Governor Otti pledged to follow up on the pending bill at the National Assembly, adding that his government will continue to champion policies that promote access to quality vision care.
He also encouraged the visitors to tour parts of the state, especially Aba, the commercial hub of the South-East, to witness ongoing developmental progress.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Chimezirim Anderson, President of the Nigerian Optometrists Association, noted that the Abia conference was significant as it would also feature elections for his second term.
He commended Governor Otti for appointing optometrists into strategic government roles, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, and Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi.
“In Governor Alex Otti, Abians got what they ordered. Your leadership is transformational,” Dr. Anderson said.
He informed the Governor that Abia currently boasts the highest number of vision centres in the country, thanks to the association’s efforts. He appealed for support in securing legislative backing for the Vision Centre Bill and requested allocation of land to build a regional office in the state.
In her vote of thanks, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau, thanked the NOA for choosing Abia as the host state, describing it as a testament to the conducive and secure environment created by the Otti administration.
“Governor Otti always says that capital is like a woman who goes where she is attracted. The thousands of optometrists converging on Umuahia, and the full occupancy of hotels reflect that Abia has become an attractive hub,” she noted.
The event was attended by top government officials, including Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, and senior members of the NOA, marking a renewed commitment to collaborative healthcare delivery and policy reform in vision care across Nigeria.
