As his administration approaches its third anniversary in office, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has unveiled a comprehensive account of achievements across critical sectors, declaring that his government has restored security, rebuilt public trust, reduced debt, revived infrastructure, strengthened healthcare and education, and repositioned the state for sustainable economic growth.
Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Abians, while highlighting major achievements recorded in nearly three years of governance.
Speaking during the May edition of his monthly media engagement with Abians, Governor Otti said his administration has made significant progress in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, social justice, security, education, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and economic reforms.
“We are happy that this administration, in another week, will clock three years in office, and I think it is appropriate to discuss some of the things that have been achieved,” the Governor said.
According to him, one of the major successes of his government has been the restoration of public confidence in governance through visible development and prudent management of state resources.
“The most important part of this administration is the impact it has made in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, fiscal responsibility, and social justice in restoring the dignity of our people. We are rebuilding trust in governance and government,” Otti stated.
Governor Otti disclosed that his administration has restored relative peace and security across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state through deliberate interventions, particularly the launch of Operation Crush.
He cited Umunneochi LGA, once plagued by banditry and criminal activities, as a success story, noting that traditional leaders from the area recently paid him a thank-you visit following the liberation of affected communities.
“The LGA was previously under the control of bandits, but when we came in, barely a month or two later, we launched Operation Crush and liberated all those communities,” he said.
The Governor said his administration has ensured regular salary payments to workers, maintaining payment by the 28th of every month, while pensioners are also receiving their entitlements consistently.
He further disclosed that Abia’s debt burden has reduced by 60 percent, attributing the achievement to prudent financial management and fiscal discipline.
Otti also revealed that his government has recovered several illegally acquired government lands and properties, warning that criminal appropriation of public assets would no longer be tolerated.
On infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that his administration has completed 414 road projects spanning approximately 864.12 kilometres within three years, while 82 additional roads covering about 212 kilometres are currently under construction.
He noted that road projects are complemented with street lighting and drainage systems, while a zero-pothole and maintenance policy has been introduced to preserve infrastructure.
Several completed projects, he added, would be commissioned beginning next week as part of activities marking the administration’s third anniversary.
In healthcare, the Governor disclosed that the state has recruited 821 healthcare professionals, with 771 already resumed, while others remain at different stages of recruitment.
He stated that 277 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have been retrofitted across the 184 wards of the state, with over 180 already fully functionalized.
Otti also highlighted ongoing upgrades in secondary healthcare facilities at Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Umunneato, while the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), Amachara, is undergoing reconstruction.
Additionally, he announced the completion of General Hospitals in Obingwa and Arochukwu, which will be commissioned during the anniversary celebrations.
Governor Otti revealed that public school enrolment has increased significantly, with over 300,000 new students enrolled, attributing the rise to reforms in the education sector.
He said 5,394 teachers recruited by the state resumed work last year, while another 4,000 teachers are currently being recruited.
To improve school infrastructure, Otti stated that renovated schools are now being fenced, while dilapidated structures across the state are being addressed to ensure schools meet minimum standards.
He further disclosed that two smart schools are ready for commissioning, while three additional smart schools will be completed by June.
The Governor also highlighted progress in tertiary institutions, including Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Abia State University (ABSU), and the College of Education, Arochukwu, noting that accreditations have been restored and new faculties are under construction.
In the area of lands and public buildings, Governor Otti said the state has issued 4,077 Certificates of Occupancy, completed the New Abia Master Plan, and digitized over four million land-related documents to curb fraud and enhance transparency.
On sanitation, he noted that following the declaration of a state of emergency on sanitation, Abia has become one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.
According to him, over 13 tonnes of waste are evacuated weekly, while more than 2,000 jobs have been created through the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).
Governor Otti,however, disclosed that the state’s transport initiative has conveyed over 326,000 passengers, while 20 new buses are expected by July and another 30 buses before year-end.
He announced that the Umuahia Multimodal Transport Terminal has been completed and would be commissioned on May 27, while the Aba terminal is expected to be completed next year.
To support transportation sustainability, the Governor said the government is installing solar hybrid charging systems for buses and has delivered 70 bus shelters across Umuahia and Aba.
In the power sector, Otti said the state has acquired electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia, Bende, Ohafia, Ikwuano, and Umunneochi, while over 50 transformers and 10,000 solar lights have been procured under the Light Up Abia programme.
He added that the Abia State Electricity Agency has been established to drive reforms aimed at guaranteeing stable electricity supply.
Governor Otti revealed that the government is in the final stages of selling the Abia Beverages Company, acquired from AMCON, while discussions are ongoing regarding the sale of the Star Paper Mill, with the state retaining 10 percent equity in the beverages company.
He also announced plans to establish an SME and Innovation Hub in Aba in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to him, TechRise Cohort 3 is currently training about 850 persons in digital and innovation skills to foster entrepreneurship and employment.
The Governor further disclosed plans to ensure statewide 3G network coverage, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to improving living conditions and creating opportunities for all Abians.
“This government remains focused and determined to improve the welfare of our people, develop the state, create jobs, and make life easier for all Abians,” Governor Otti assured.
