Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparent governance, infrastructure renewal, healthcare modernization, and economic revitalization, declaring that Abia is firmly on the path of structured and measurable transformation.

Speaking during the February edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” at the Government House, Umuahia, the Governor rolled out sweeping updates across critical sectors .From airport compensation payments and digital healthcare reforms to transport modernization and industrial revival.

Governor Otti disclosed that over 4,000 out of nearly 10,000 landowners affected by the Nsulu Airport project have received compensation, particularly those whose lands fall within the proposed runway corridor.
He emphasized that payments are being made systematically and transparently, village by village, with claimants’ names publicly displayed in communities to eliminate secrecy.
“Everyone who should be compensated will be compensated. Work is progressing uninterrupted,” the Governor assured, dismissing negative reports as deliberate misinformation.
Construction of the runway, he confirmed, is advancing steadily.

In a major leap toward modernizing public transport, the Abia State Government has commenced full rollout of the Abia Connect Card, a cashless payment system for the state’s electric Green Shuttle buses.
Beginning March 1, 2026, commuters will pay subsidised fares through automated ATM card payments:
Aba – Umuahia – Aba: ₦800
Umuahia – Ohafia – Umuahia: ₦1,000
City routes (Aba & Umuahia): Flat rate of ₦150
The first Abia Connect Card is free, obtainable at designated terminals across Aba and Umuahia upon presentation of an ABSSIN number.

Governor Otti explained that the cashless transition eliminates delays, revenue leakages, and disputes over change, creating a seamless “tap-and-go” system that enhances accountability and commuter convenience.
The Umuahia Central Bus Terminal will serve as the operational hub, with Aba maintaining its own terminal structure.

The Governor announced the commencement of a pilot Digital Healthcare Programme in selected hospitals, marking the transition from manual record-keeping to technology-driven medical services.
Phase One of the Project Ekwueme Primary Healthcare intervention has delivered
200 retrofitted and remodelled Primary Healthcare Centres
77 additional rehabilitated facilities under the World Bank-supported IMPACT project
This brings the total to over 270 healthcare facilities across the state.
Recruitment of healthcare professionals is ongoing to address staffing gaps, while international-standard training is being facilitated through collaboration with a US-based medical foundation.A newly flagged-off General Hospital in Ukwa East — the first in the LGA’s history — will serve as a referral centre, strengthening secondary healthcare delivery.

On infrastructure, Governor Otti revealed that:
31 road projects are currently ongoing under the Ministry of Works.
Construction will soon begin on the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
Projects are also being executed by the Greater Aba and Greater Ohafia Development Agencies.
To boost economic growth, land has been secured in Aba for an SME Village and Innovation Hub, designed to support small businesses, particularly within the tech and phone-repair value chain.
The Governor further disclosed that the state has reacquired the moribund Afro Beverages Company and is receiving investor interest, alongside revival discussions surrounding Star Paper Mill.
“It is not our preference to run these companies. We want credible private investors who will create sustainable jobs,” he said.

Governor Otti confirmed that reconstruction of the Enyimba International Hotel has commenced, with plans for 250 rooms and an international convention centre upon completion.
He clarified that the Abia State Government holds 80% ownership of the Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotels project, while 20% belongs to families of early pathfinder investors through ACCIMA.

In education, the state received 36,000 applications in its ongoing teacher recruitment drive, with 24,000 candidates shortlisted for computer-based tests to fill 4,000 positions.
On power supply, efforts are underway to restore electricity to Ohafia and Ukwa East, while the state pursues a majority stake in the regional electricity distribution company to improve supply reliability.
Governor Otti also announced the commencement of leave allowance payments and resolution of outstanding entitlements owed to former elected councillors.

Addressing security concerns, particularly around Umuahia South, the Governor assured residents that no part of Abia State is under the control of criminal elements.
Through the Security Trust Fund and collaboration with the Police, DSS, Army, and Navy, he stated that the administration remains proactive in safeguarding lives and property.
“If this place is not safe, everything we are doing will come to naught. We will continue to ensure that you can sleep with your two eyes closed,” he declared.

From compensating airport landowners and digitizing healthcare to introducing cashless electric transport and revitalizing industries, Governor Otti’s briefing underscored what he described as a deliberate, transparent, and technology-driven governance model.
With infrastructure expanding, healthcare modernizing, transport digitized, and security reinforced, Abia State appears firmly positioned on a path toward sustainable development and economic renewal.

The Federal Government of Nigeria’s drive to entrench positive peace and curb community violence has gained renewed momentum in Abia State with the formal launch and domestication of the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP).

Speaking at the Government House, Umuahia, during the official declaration of the programme in the state, Governor Alex Otti reassured Abians that no part of the state would be ceded to criminal elements, maintaining that Abia remains peaceful and secure.

Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, the Governor emphasized that security has remained a top priority since the inception of his administration. He stressed that relative peace is indispensable for meaningful development, noting that Nigeria’s complex security challenges demand innovative, people-centred and collaborative approaches.

The National Community Violence Reduction Programme is a flagship federal initiative spearheaded by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in partnership with Gray Child Foundation and the Rotary Action Group for Peace.

It was officially launched on August 13, 2025, as a comprehensive human security initiative aimed at tackling the root causes of violence across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The NCVRP adopts a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, mobilising key stakeholders to address the full spectrum of violence, ranging from terrorism, insurgency and banditry to organised crime, radicalism, ethno-religious conflicts and social unrest. The programme targets vulnerable and at-risk groups including women, youth, children, persons living with disabilities, the elderly and victims of violence.
Governor Otti commended Rotary for its unrelenting humanitarian service and commitment to peacebuilding, describing the initiative as noble and timely. He reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to collaborate with federal authorities and development partners to ensure the success of the programme in Abia.
Earlier, the Abia State Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Peace, Sunny Megwara, underscored the critical link between peace and development.

He explained that the NCVRP is designed to dismantle the push and pull factors of violence by strengthening communities, promoting resilience and preventing conditions that breed extremism and conflict.
Among its key objectives, the programme seeks to enhance community resilience by equipping citizens with tools, knowledge and resources to resist violence and extremist agendas. It also promotes social cohesion by bridging divides across ethnic, religious and social lines, fostering tolerance and mutual respect.

The initiative further aims to strengthen local governance and law enforcement through capacity building, improved security awareness, and enhanced collaboration between community structures and mainstream security agencies. It provides support for vulnerable groups and victims of violence through psychosocial services, medical aid, empowerment programmes and social reintegration schemes. Additionally, it advocates the development of context-specific peace and security policies at local, sub-national and national levels.
Rotary representatives noted that February, being Rotary’s Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month, aligns strategically with the programme’s objectives. With Rotary members present across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, the organisation pledged sustained collaboration to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of violence.

The domestication of the NCVRP in Abia marks a significant step in advancing the Federal Government’s vision of activating positive peace nationwide—anchored on collective responsibility, strategic partnerships and community-driven solutions.
As stakeholders reaffirmed, lasting peace is achievable when government, civil society and citizens unite in shared commitment to security, development and national stability.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has commended officers and soldiers of the 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty, describing their sustained operations as a major factor behind the relative peace and security currently enjoyed in the state.

Governor Otti gave the commendation through his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, during the 14 Brigade Combined West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia.
He described WASA as a long-standing tradition of the Nigerian Army that promotes unity, boosts morale, and strengthens civil-military relations.
“The professionalism and discipline exhibited by officers and men of the 14 Brigade have continued to play a vital role in sustaining peace and stability across Abia State, and the government deeply appreciates your sacrifices in service to our nation,” he said.

According to the Deputy Governor, WASA goes beyond a social gathering, noting that it is a time-honoured tradition that fosters unity, esprit de corps, and confidence among personnel, while strengthening the bond between the Armed Forces and the society they protect.

Engr. Emetu reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to sustained collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, stressing that peace and security remain indispensable to sustainable development.
“Peace and security are indispensable to development, and the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti will continue to partner with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to ensure a safe and prosperous environment for our people,” he stated.

He urged the troops to remain disciplined, loyal, and professional as they discharge their constitutional responsibilities in the year 2026.

Earlier in his address, the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General H. M. Bello, traced the origin of WASA to the colonial army era, explaining that the tradition has been sustained by the Nigerian Army to promote unity, confidence, and esprit de corps among personnel.
He highlighted the Brigade’s operational achievements in 2025, noting that sustained patrols and joint operations with sister security agencies led to a significant reduction in criminal activities within the Brigade’s area of responsibility.
“Through sustained patrols and effective collaboration with sister security agencies, the Brigade recorded significant operational successes in 2025, resulting in a marked reduction in criminal activities,” Brigadier General Bello said.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the leadership of the 82 Division for their support and guidance, while reaffirming the Brigade’s commitment to professionalism and constitutional responsibilities.

The event featured inspection of dishes, cultural troupe performances, tug-of-war competition, presentation of prizes and awards, beating of the retreat, and the lighting of a bonfire, creating a relaxed atmosphere for officers, soldiers, and their families to celebrate a successful operational year.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. David Kalu; the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; the Mayor of Bende LGA, Hon. Uwabunkeonye Bassey, and his Deputy, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Anya (Ngoo Bekee); former Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Hon. Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex); the General Manager of the Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA), traditional rulers, religious leaders, government appointees, and other dignitaries.

Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent Office of the Deputy Governor
19-01-2026