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.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has thanked the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for approving the establishment of an Air Force base and special training centre in the state, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening security in Abia and the South-East region.
Governor Otti made this known when he received a delegation from the Nigerian Air Force Ground Training Command led by the Air Officer Commanding, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Umuahia.

During the meeting, the Governor approved 100 hectares of land within the Abia Airport Project Site for the Nigerian Air Force to establish its training base, in response to the Air Force’s request for an expansion of the earlier 50 hectares allocated for the project.
Governor Otti assured the delegation that the state government would work closely with the Air Force to ensure the success of the project and deepen the existing security partnership.
“We are going to work with the team to see how we can at the minimum increase the space to at least 100 hectares. You can take it for granted that you have at least 100 hectares of land in that place,” the Governor said.

He further assured the delegation that the state government would facilitate the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) within 30 days, noting that the process has been streamlined to encourage development and investment in the state.
Governor Otti also disclosed that the Administrative Office Complex being constructed for the Nigerian Air Force in Umuahia would be completed before the end of April, adding that the government would ensure the contractor delivers the project on schedule ahead of a planned visit by the Chief of Air Staff.
Speaking on the Abia Airport project, the Governor explained that the airport is a joint partnership between the Abia State Government and the Federal Government, with the state responsible for constructing the runway and perimeter fencing, while the Federal Government will handle the terminal building.
“We expect the runway to be ready very soon, and once the runway is operational, other components of the airport can follow gradually,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Aviation to ensure timely completion of the project.

Earlier, the Air Officer Commanding, Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Adebayo Gabriel Kehinde, commended Governor Otti for his administration’s proactive approach to security and support for the military.
He noted that intelligence and security reports across the South-East indicate that Abia State is currently ahead of other states in the region in terms of security stability.
“As the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command in Enugu, I receive daily security reports across the South-East states. Comparatively, Abia State is well ahead of other South-East states.
“Abia is standing out and I cannot but agree that this does not happen accidentally. It must be the result of proactive leadership and serious support for security agencies,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal Kehinde also revealed that the Chief of Air Staff is interested in expanding the Nigerian Air Force presence in Abia State, particularly at the airport site with the establishment of a Special Forces Training Centre for job training and jungle warfare operations.
He explained that the centre would significantly enhance operational readiness and strengthen security not only in Abia State but across the South-East region.

The Air Force Commander further commended the Abia State Government for renovating the NAF administrative headquarters and residential facilities for officers and airmen in Umuahia, describing them as modern and well-equipped.
He also disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff is planning to visit Abia State personally to assess the facilities being developed and appreciate the state government for its support to the Air Force.
Present during the visit were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Chukwunonye Alajemba, and other top government officials.

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.