Governor Otti Flags Off Government House Reconstruction, Says People-Centered Projects Came First
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has confirmed the ongoing reconstruction and upgrading of the Governor’s Office and Government House facilities in Umuahia.
The Governor, who spoke during a Sabbath service at the Unity Chapel within the Government House explained why the project was not prioritized earlier in his administration.
According to Governor Otti, the decision to delay work on the Government House was driven by a deliberate choice to focus on people-centered projects that directly impact the lives of Abia citizens.
“As a government, we applied the principle of scale of preference. While the Government House is important, we didn’t consider it more important than paying salaries, rehabilitating schools, fixing healthcare centers, or reconstructing our roads,” he said.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration prioritized initiatives such as free basic education, primary healthcare, and road infrastructure to uplift the lives of the masses. “Government is about the people. If the people do not support the government, leadership will fail,” he added.
With visible progress now made in those key areas, the Governor said it was time to address the condition of Government House. He revealed that reconstruction work has begun at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, which is expected to be completed by the end of June.
The office of the Secretary to the State Government is also at the furnishing stage, while renovation is ongoing at the Government House Clinic and the Governor’s Lodge.
Governor Otti also hinted at the reconstruction of the Unity Chapel and emphasized the need for good health, strong families, and continued faith in God.
He thanked the church for its consistent prayers and support for his administration.
“As we approach two years in office, which marks the halfway point of our first term, we are poised to accelerate development efforts and deliver even greater dividends of democracy to our people,” he assured.
The church service featured a sermon by Elder Ezekwem Odigbo of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, who spoke on the theme “Facing the Giant,” drawing lessons from the biblical story of David and Goliath. He encouraged believers to trust in God’s power to overcome challenges.
After the service, Governor Otti inspected the ongoing reconstruction works at Government House.
The service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Okezie Nmeregini, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Commissioners, and other top government officials.
