…Federal-State Partnership Driving Infrastructure Revolution, Economic Growth in Abia — Sunday Dare

A high-powered Presidential Media Team under the Renewed Hope National Media Tour Initiative has commended the transformative impact of key Federal Government projects in Abia State, describing them as critical interventions that are enhancing infrastructure, connectivity, housing, transportation, and economic growth across the South-East region.

The team, which visited ongoing and completed projects executed through the collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government, noted that the projects are not only benefiting Abia residents but are also serving millions of Nigerians across neighbouring states.

The Presidency has therefore commended the remarkable transformation taking place in Abia State under the administration of Governor Alex Otti. They describe the state’s numerous development as a shining example of how collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments can accelerate national development and improve the lives of citizens.

This commendation came at the conclusion of the two-day Renewed Hope National Media Tour undertaken by a high-powered Presidential Media Team led by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Mr. Sunday Dare.
The media tour, which took journalists and government officials across strategic federal and state-owned projects in Abia, showcased the impact of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the growing partnership between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in delivering critical infrastructure and economic development initiatives.
At the heart of the tour was the rehabilitation of the Abia Tower–Aba section of the Port Harcourt–Enugu Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most strategic interstate highways funded through the Federal Government’s Sukuk programme.
The road serves as a vital economic corridor linking Abia, Imo, Rivers, Ebonyi and Enugu States, facilitating the movement of goods, services and millions of commuters across the South-East and South-South regions.
Speaking during the inspection, the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engr. Chidi Uwaeziozi, described the project as a critical economic lifeline for businesses, farmers, transport operators and investors.
According to him, the road features modern engineering specifications, including an extensive service lane designed to withstand heavy commercial traffic and the unique environmental challenges associated with Aba’s terrain.
He noted that the expressway forms part of a broader 56.1-kilometre federal road network incorporating multiple carriageways aimed at enhancing safety, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities.

Speaking during the tour, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stated that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope Media Tour reflects the cordial and productive relationship existing between the Federal Government and Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

According to him, the growing partnership has continued to attract critical development projects to the state, including the airport project, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and other interventions spread across the 17 local government areas.

Prince Kanu emphasized that the administration of Governor Alex Otti remains committed to strengthening partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the people, accelerate infrastructure development, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards across the state.

The Presidential Team also inspected the ongoing Abia International Airport Project at Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, a landmark initiative jointly executed by the Federal Government and the Abia State Government.
The airport, initially conceived as a cargo facility, was upgraded to an international airport to position Abia as a major aviation, logistics and investment hub in the South-East.
Addressing journalists at the project site, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, disclosed that the airport occupies over 1,025 hectares of land acquired by the state on behalf of the Federal Government.
He explained that while the Abia State Government is responsible for constructing the runway, the Federal Government is undertaking the construction of the terminal building.
The Commissioner further revealed that compensation for landowners within the runway corridor has been fully paid, while compensation processes for other affected areas are nearing completion.
The Airport Coordinator and Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, Pastor Okorougo Aji, expressed confidence that the project would be completed within the projected timeline, noting that significant progress has already been recorded with extensive earthworks, runway clearing, cutting, filling and compaction activities currently ongoing.
Another major federal intervention showcased during the tour was the Renewed Hope Housing Estate Project being executed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
The two seperate housing schemes in Umuahia and Onuinya Bende, comprise 200 housing units each. The FHA Umuahia project is on 100 hectares of land provided by the Abia State Government and also forms part of President Tinubu’s nationwide strategy to address Nigeria’s housing deficit and expand access to affordable housing.

The project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, improve housing access and enhance the quality of life of residents.
Speaking during the tour, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, noted that the selection of Abia as one of the pilot states for the Renewed Hope National Media Tour was a testament to the cordial and productive relationship existing between President Tinubu’s administration and Governor Alex Otti’s government.
According to him, the partnership has continued to attract critical federal interventions into the state while complementing the administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal programme.
Beyond the federal projects, the Presidential Media Team witnessed a series of transformative state-funded projects that have reshaped the infrastructure landscape of Abia State.

Among them is the 67-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, a major arterial highway entirely reconstructed by the Abia State Government after decades of neglect.
The road now provides seamless connectivity between communities in Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial Zones, opening up agrarian communities, facilitating trade and enhancing access to social services.
The team also inspected the newly reconstructed four-lane Tower–Onuimo Road, now named Dr. Uma Ukpai Road, the iconic Omenuko Bridge, the Ozuabam–Ndiokereke–Amuvi Road in Arochukwu, and the state-of-the-art Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in Umuahia.

The Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal is designed as a modern transportation hub integrating different modes of transportation and improving passenger convenience and safety.
The Presidential delegation equally visited the ongoing power restoration project in Ohafia, where the Abia State Government has completed a 20-kilometre 33KV power line from Ihechiowa to Ebem, terminating at a newly installed 7.5MVA injection substation.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, disclosed that the project is aimed at restoring electricity to communities that have remained in darkness for over eight years due to vandalism and infrastructure collapse.

He further revealed that the government is in the final stages of acquiring a majority stake in the Abia operations of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), a move expected to significantly improve electricity supply across the state.
Speaking at the conclusion of the tour, Mr. Sunday Dare described the scale of transformation in Abia as impressive and inspiring.
“It is really impressive to see that a state like Abia is experiencing this level of transformation. From roads to transportation, housing, electrification and other critical infrastructure, Governor Alex Otti is addressing the fundamentals of development.

“The collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government is commendable. Governance is about partnership, not political differences. When leaders focus on development instead of politics, the people benefit,” Dare stated.
He noted that the partnership between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alex Otti demonstrates that sustainable development can be achieved when governments at different levels work together in the interest of the people.
Observers on the tour noted that the combination of strategic federal interventions and ambitious state-led projects is rapidly positioning Abia as one of Nigeria’s emerging destinations for investment, commerce, industrialisation and sustainable development.
As the Renewed Hope National Media Tour concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between the Presidency and the Abia State Government would continue to deliver transformative projects capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential and improving the welfare of its people.

From roads and housing to transportation, aviation and power infrastructure, the message from the Presidency was clear: Abia is witnessing a development renaissance driven by purposeful leadership, strategic collaboration and a shared commitment to progress.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed his readiness to partner with the members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the development of the State.

Governor Otti stated this in Government House Umuahia, while receiving in audience, a delegation of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, led by its President and Chairman of the Council, ESV. Chief Victor Adekunle Alonge, who were in the State for their 2026 annual conference taking place at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube layout, Umuahia.

Gov. Otti said that his government considers itself as partners to institutions that share similar visions with it.

“We consider ourselves partners to institutions and people who have the same vision and who share our aspiration for a better place for our people.

“We have worked closely with members of this institution in Abia State and I think we will even redouble that effort.

“There are a lot of things we are doing in the real estate side that will require your involvement and that of your members.

“I think this offers us an opportunity to close ranks and work closer with each other,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti thanked the institution for its choice to hold this year’s conference and annual general meeting of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers for the first time in Abia State.

The Governor assured that members of his cabinet would be on hand to support the association.

“I would instruct my commissioners who are here to work very closely with you.

“I want to also say that our people are on hand to give you all the necessary support that you require,” Gov. Otti assured.

Governor Otti, who used the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to establishing a 5-Star Hotel in Umuahia to provide more comfortable accommodation to visitors and associations that choose Abia for conferences wished the the members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers fruitful deliberations in their annual conference taking place in Umuahia.

Earlier in his speech, the President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Dr Victor Alonge disclosed that they are in the State for the 2026 annual conference of the institution holding in Umuahia with the theme “Corridors, Connectivity and Capital; Rethinking Real Estate Development Along Renewed Hope Infrastructure Investments”, between Monday 13th to Saturday 18th April, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

He revealed that this is the first time Abia is hosting the annual conference and expressed delight that it’s happening under Governor Otti.

Chief Alonge who said that Abia is noted for its huge contributions to the development of the Institution, thanked Governor Otti for the financial and logistics support to the institution in the State and for the good working relationship between members of the institution and the State government.

“I also would like to appreciate Your Excellency for the good working relationship between the members of our profession in Abia State and the State government.

“We would continue to offer the State our professional services in the best global practices, upholding our well articulated and documented code of professional ethics,” Chief Alonge stated.

He said that their members have progressively impacted the State in the areas of policy formulation, Land Administration, Asset Management and Administration, Housing and Project development in general.

He further stated that the Governor’s transformation drives and sound policies have opened up the State to local and foreign investments which he noted has significantly strengthened the economy of the State.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Commissioners for Housing, Land & Survey as well Agriculture, DG GODA and UCDA among other top government officials were present at the visit.

The Federal Government has taken decisive steps to preserve Nigeria’s historical assets, boost tourism, and strengthen aviation infrastructure in Abia State, with key interventions focused on the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker, the National War Museum, and active collaboration on the proposed Abia International Airport project in Nsulu.

At the forefront is the Federal Government’s approval of a contract for the comprehensive retrofitting of the historic Ojukwu Bunker and the National War Museum. This intervention underscores a strong national commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s civil war history, restoring critical heritage infrastructure, and repositioning these iconic sites as major tourism and educational destinations.
The move is expected to enhance cultural preservation, attract local and international visitors, and stimulate economic activities around the sites.

In the aviation sector, the Federal Government is also playing a strategic role in the development of the Abia International Airport in Nsulu.
As part of this collaboration, approval has been secured for the allocation of 200 hectares of land for the establishment of a Nigerian Air Force base within the airport corridor.
This federal presence not only strengthens security architecture around the airport but also signals long-term commitment to the viability and national integration of the project.

These interventions further align with broader federal directives on security and institutional reforms, including ongoing considerations for state policing frameworks, where subnational governments like Abia are working in tandem with federal authorities to enhance internal security mechanisms.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has applauded the Federal Government for these critical interventions, describing them as timely and impactful. He particularly commended the approval of the retrofitting project for the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, noting that it marks a major milestone in preserving the state’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Speaking during his monthly media chat, Governor Otti also praised the State Ministry of Arts and Culture and its Commissioner, Mr. Mathew Ekwuribe, for facilitating progress in the sector.
He emphasized that the restoration of these national monuments will not only protect history but also unlock tourism potential and create economic opportunities for the state.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting arts, culture, and tourism as critical drivers of sustainable development, while urging continued excellence from public officials.
“The reward for good work is more work,” he stated, encouraging sustained momentum.

On political matters, Governor Otti reiterated his unrelenting commitment to the Labour Party, dismissing speculations of defection. He noted that internal party disputes had been conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court, with compliance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), positioning the party for stronger future engagements.

Addressing security matters, the Governor cautioned against ethnic profiling of criminals, stressing that crime should not be attributed to any particular group. He restated his administration’s inclusive governance approach and urged residents to provide credible intelligence to security agencies.

Governor Otti also stated that he would not oppose President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should he seek re-election in 2027, noting that his own political focus remains on securing a second term as governor.
Providing further updates, the Governor highlighted ongoing developments across key sectors, including housing expansion to address rising rents, major investments in agriculture and industry, healthcare upgrades, and education infrastructure improvements.

The governor further announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had donated an MRI machine worth $1 million to the state.
He said 569 healthcare workers have been recruited out of an approved 774, while recruitment remains open. He added that 227 primary healthcare centres are being upgraded to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
He also confirmed significant milestones such as the recruitment of healthcare workers, upgrading of primary health centres, and major private sector investments, alongside continued work on the Abia Innovation and Industrial Park.

Governor Otti ,however, commended residents and security agencies for maintaining peace during a recent protest, which he said was handled professionally without escalation.

Overall, the combined efforts of the Federal Government and Abia State Government reflect a coordinated push toward infrastructural development, heritage preservation, economic growth, and enhanced security, positioning Abia as an emerging hub for tourism, investment, and sustainable development.