Governor Otti Reaffirms Commitment To People-Centered Governance At Uzuakoli Post Commissioning Rally

In a rousing address to the people of Bende Local Government Area, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transformational leadership, rooted in transparency, people-first policies, and inclusive development. The address was delivered during a post-project commissioning rally held at Practicing School Uzuakoli on Friday, June 20, 2025.

With the theme “Celebrating Our Shared Reward”, Governor Otti reflected on the progress achieved in the past 24 months, noting that beyond infrastructure and institutional reforms, the restoration of public confidence in governance remains the most significant achievement of his administration.

“Our greatest reward is the trust of the people. We have shown that governance can truly serve the people when guided by integrity, purpose, and vision,” Otti

Highlighting completed projects, the governor cited the successful reconstruction of the 67.6km Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, now named Joe Irukwu Way, as a landmark development. The road, he noted, will unlock dormant economic assets, improve market access, and significantly raise the GDP of the region over the next year.

He also announced an ambitious push for rural electrification, with an 18-month timeline for achieving energy independence across the Umuahia ring-fenced zone, covering central and northern Abia.

This follows the recent signing of the Abia State Electricity Bill 2025 and the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), designed to regulate and stimulate private investment in the state’s power sector.

Governor Otti disclosed that his government had sealed a partnership with a multinational telecom provider to deploy fibre optic internet infrastructure across the entire state. This move, he said, will ensure high-speed internet access in every part of Abia, promoting business growth, remote work, and seamless global connectivity.

Looking ahead to the yuletide season, Otti called on hoteliers and hospitality investors to prepare for a tourism boom, revealing that tens of thousands of visitors are projected to visit the state this December.

“We are creating a cultural calendar of festivals to make Abia a must-visit destination this Christmas,” he said, tasking the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy to coordinate efforts with community leaders and LGAs

Governor Otti also issued a strong warning against the vandalisation of public assets, especially by scrap metal dealers. He instructed security agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders and vowed that community leaders would be held accountable for any negligence leading to destruction of public infrastructure.

“Let us take full ownership of government assets in our communities. If we allow criminals to destroy what belongs to us all, we are complicit,” he warned.

The Governor applauded the leadership of Abia Arise, a grassroots mobilisation platform for good governance, led by Hon. Nkem Okoro. He urged citizens to join the movement, emphasizing that it transcends politics and is committed to ensuring continuity of good leadership beyond his tenure.

“Abia Arise is not just for today. It is the future. It is how we ensure that our gains are not reversed,” he added.

While congratulating the leadership of the Abia Arise, Bende LGA Chapter, that was inaugurated, the Governor appreciated Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso for joining the Abia Arise family in Bende LGA and invited everyone who shares in the new Abia leadership philosophy, to identify with the group and be part of the campaign for good governance in the State.

Speaking on behalf of other new defectors, the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe said that the movement they have made is to send a message to the people that they have aligned with the Governor to redefine politics in the State and declared that victory is sure in.

In an interview, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legislative Matters and Coordinator of Project Ekwueme in Abia North, Hon. Luke Ukara Onyeani noted that there are 64 Primary Healthcare Centres being retrofitted in the whole of Abia North.

Hon. Onyeani noted that the impact of the PHCs being retrofitted, remodeled and made functional is organic, mind blowing and amazing, adding that, it is the first of its kind in Healthcare delivery in the South East as they have been equipped with necessary facilities and quality healthcare workers.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Bar. Chijioke Nwankwo and the State Coordinator, Abia Arise, Mazi Nkem Okoro appreciated the achievements of Governor Otti and assured of the continuous support of the people for the performing Governor.

In his speech, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 general election and the newest member of the Abia Arise family in Bende LGA, Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso described the presence of Governor Otti as historic and a reaffirmation of the support of the Bende people to him.

Dr. Anyaso said that the Governor has shown transformational leadership from infrastructural renewal to provision of other facilities and pledged to continue working on the path of good governance as enunciated by the Governor.

The event which attracted many dignitaries featured the formal inauguration of the Executive members of Abia Arise, Bende LGA Chapter while Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso donated two coaster buses to the Abia Arise family in Bende LGA to facilitate easy movement for the members and promised to fuel and maintain the vehicle from his pocket.

Governor Otti ended his speech with a message of gratitude and renewed hope:

“Thank you for your faith, goodwill and continuing support. The turnaround Abia is witnessing is your reward. And I assure you — the best is yet to come.”

The rally marks the culmination of a 10-day statewide tour during which 23 projects (18 roads and 5 healthcare centers) were commissioned across multiple communities — a tangible testament to the governor’s promise of equitable and inclusive development.