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BURNING ISSUE

UNLOCKING THE PROSPERITY OF THE LAND

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2 years ago

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Protocols,

1. The foremost governance priority of our administration is to cut down the long standing barriers to the productivity of our people. We are a community of very hard working individuals who leave nothing behind in a single-minded determination to return home at the end of each day with something for the family, and an extra for tomorrow. Regardless of the profession we choose — be it farming, retail business, education, civil service or other forms of legitimate economic pursuits — our people have consistently demonstrated exceptional energy, creativity and dedication, distinguishing themselves in various endeavours both locally and internationally.

2. Our resilience and general sense of optimism saw us through many unfortunate events including a civil war and countless other instances of social and economic upheavals that only served to strengthen our resolve to face life and its setbacks with courage and faith in the promises of a new beginning. We are never afraid to start afresh, to push harder and to travel farther in a continuous quest to contribute to the expansion of the frontiers of human civilization. In the end, it does not matter how far we travel, we never forget where it all began.

3. The decision to return home and throw our hats into the political ring happened for the simple reason that we could no longer bear the continual stunting of the productivity of our people by the misery of bad governance and an unproductive political culture that relegated our people to the background. The terrible state of our urban and rural roads after decades of abandonment presents a tragic proof of the unfortunate leadership disposition held sway in this State before now. The old system not only stunted the output of our hardworking population, it pauperised individuals and families, created room for the escalation of criminality and most unfortunately, negatively influenced our core moral values.

4. Our foray into politics was a practical rejection of the ineptitude of the old order, and the ruins that it caused. We promised to do things differently, to solve socio-economic problems and support the daily endeavours of our people by removing the mountains of obstacles that perennially inhibited performance. Politics, for us, is about service, making life easier and better for every group of economic actors. In our world, the greatest reward for being a public servant is the opportunity it offers to influence the future of the society and set standards that those coming after us can leverage on to also find their place in a fast-changing world.

5. In the last 18 months, we have moved with a resolute determination to banish the ugly memories of the past and create for Ndi Abia, the very future that we collectively dream of. This commitment has seen to the construction and reconstruction of pathways and roads that were abandoned for several decades and the restoration of order and security in communities that were hitherto left at the mercy of criminals up till the last days of May 2023. We have also restored certainty in the payment of salaries and pensions, improved urban sanitation and ushered in a new governance model that places the needs of the common people at the centre of decision making. We have demonstrated a clear appreciation of the social and economic needs of all parts of the State and have remained firmly committed to addressing the major challenges, within the limits of available resources.

6. Today, we have come together to witness the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road. This 11.45 kilometre stretch of road would on completion in the next 12 months breathe new life into the economies of the communities along this corridor and stimulate job creation through the expansion of opportunities in agriculture, food and beverage processing, hospitality, retail trade and real estate. This is more than just the regular road project; it is a statement of our determination to right the wrongs of the past and effectively remove the shackles that have held down the growth potential of this part of the State.

7. This road reconstruction Project is strategically connected to the other development projects sited at this region including the the proposed Abia Airport construction project at Nsulu, the redevelopment of Nsulu Games Village into a modern multi-purpose sports complex, and the remodelling of dozens of educational and health facilities in different clans and communities in Isialangwa. The grand design is to make the most of the locational advantage of the communities around this part of the State to create new urban centres outside Aba and Umuahia, This consideration is rooted in the fact that Isialangwa is strategically located between the two major urban centres in the State. The Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road Project and other development initiatives around this part of the State offer a clear peep into our bold development agenda which promise to connect cities and towns, ultimately creating a long stretch of organised and secured urban communities.

8. On completion, this road would shorten travel time to Umuahia from Umuala, open up the local markets within the communities and attract thousands of shoppers from the urban centres who love fresh, organic agricultural produce. The opening of this stretch of road by this time next year would lead to increased agricultural investments as farmers expand their farm holdings to be able to meet the pressure of higher demands.

9. Ladies and gentlemen, permit to use this opportunity to pay tribute to whom it is due. In the recent time, I have been working with the sons and daughters of Jaja Anucha Ndubuisi Wachukwu, Ugo Ngwa, to honour our departed leader and former Senator and first Speaker of the House of Representatives who brought recognition to this community. Just yesterday, I gave a final nod for the renovation of his residence and mausoleum sequel to the celebration we plan for him next year. Let me therefore instruct the commissioner for works and the contractor to extend this road from Umuelemoha junction to Jaja Wachukwu’s compound which I’m told is just about 1km.

10. Projects like this, and similar ventures the State Government is financing along this District, are for the administration, the essential definition of social and economic empowerment. Beyond the Ntigha-Nbawsi-Umuala Road, there are several other road reconstruction and rehabilitation projects the State Government will execute in the communities within this economic corridor in the next 12 months. The road projects will on their own create jobs for the youth because each contractor shall be directed to source their materials locally and also use our people for aspects of the jobs that are less technical. Ultimately, the network of roads will create the foothold for the holistic development of the entire District in ways that stimulate multiple chains of economic and social activities.

11. We are looking beyond the domestic environment as we work to create a new development frontier in this part of the State. We are very keen on attracting investments from private individuals and multinationals, the diaspora community and federal agencies. Presently, we are developing a smart power sector model that would set the State on the path to sufficiency through autonomy in the generation and distribution of power for household and industrial needs.

12. We may not be able to achieve the entirety of everything that had been envisioned in the short to medium term but I can guarantee that the foundation that shall be laid in the next 12 to 24 months would be sufficiently robust to flourish autonomously in the long run. What we ask of the people is their commitment and support because ultimately, these development programmes shall be structured to economically and socially benefit the communities along this corridor. We encourage you to work with us to prevent all forms of sabotage and mischief. I would be the first to admit that there may be a few disruptions to our daily routines but you can also rest, assured that necessary measures have been put in place to mitigate the difficulties to smooth flow of traffic and other forms of inconveniences.

13. The Contractor has since guaranteed that this project would be completed on schedule. It had already been made clear to everyone that would be involved in this Project that only the best in terms of job delivery and material quality would be acceptable. We shall not accept compromises of any sort. The expectation is that the execution of this Project shall follow the technical specifications as contained in the design submitted and approved by the State Ministry of Works. May I also assure that on our part, we shall be consistent in meeting our financial obligations to the Contractor as they fall due while monitoring shall be strict.

14. Let me conclude by reassuring Ndi Abia of our total commitment to the holistic development of all parts of the State. Every community is strategic to our overall development framework in the light of the fact that every part of the State offers some comparative advantage that can be leveraged upon to stimulate growth, create job opportunities and support the utilisation of local raw materials. Our target is to establish an integrated development paradigm that creates opportunities for every community to develop with the raw materials and body of human and material resources found within. The long term goal is to cut down rural-urban migration by closing the development gaps between the urban and rural communities in the State.

15. Again, we encourage our people to remain law abiding, pay your taxes and other statutory fees as and when due and continue to cooperate with security agencies to stamp out all forms of criminal activities in the State. We remain unwavering in our determination to make all parts of Abia highly intolerant to all forms of criminal activities. Those who dare us shall be met with the full weight of the powers of the Government.

16. Thank you for listening and may God bless you.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
25/11/2024

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BURNING ISSUE

Presidential Visit, Education, Healthcare Reforms Drive Abia To Nigeria’s 3rd Most Improved State — Otti

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11 hours ago

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July 24, 2026

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Governor Alex Otti has attributed Abia State’s emergence as Nigeria’s third most improved state in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index to his administration’s strategic investments in healthcare, education, infrastructure.
Also his governance and the growing collaboration with the Federal Government, including the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Speaking during the July edition of his monthly media chat at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti described the latest ranking as a clear validation of his administration’s reforms.

The Governor said the progress reflects the positive impact of government policies on the lives of Abians.
The first Abia citizen noted that Abia has made one of the most remarkable improvements in the country’s performance ranking, rising from 36th position in 2024 to 10th in 2025, and now 3rd in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index, behind only Enugu and Jigawa States.

Governor Otti said the state’s transformation has been driven by sustained investments in critical sectors, particularly healthcare, education, infrastructure, land administration and economic development.

Highlighting achievements in the health sector, he disclosed that Abia recorded one of Nigeria’s best performances in reducing maternal and infant mortality in the first quarter of 2026, while enrolment into the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme continues to increase.

According to him, 144 of the state’s 200 Primary Healthcare Centres have been fully functionalised, while 77 additional health facilities renovated through the World Bank intervention have also been completed, with about 30 more centres expected to become operational soon.

On transportation and infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that the state has received 20 additional electric buses, which would operate on routes including Umuahia–Bende–Arochukwu, Umuahia–Uturu (ABSU), Umuahia–Umudike–Ikwuano, Aba–Owerri and Aba–Ukwa. He added that surveillance systems have been installed in the buses to ensure accountability and improve service delivery.

The Governor further disclosed that work is progressing steadily on the Aba Bus Terminal, while the first phase of the Ekeoma Market remodelling has been completed and would soon be commissioned.
In the area of land administration, Governor Otti said the government has issued 4,923 Certificates of Occupancy within three years, with nearly 1,000 processed this year alone, adding that the completion of the state’s digital mapping project in partnership with UN-Habitat would usher in a fully digitised land administration system that would eliminate fraudulent land transactions and speed up property documentation.

On education, he said the administration’s Smart School initiative is gathering momentum with two Smart Schools already commissioned out of the planned twenty, assuring that the remaining eighteen schools would be completed soon.
“The idea is to expose our children to modern technology from an early stage,” the Governor stated.
Addressing ongoing infrastructure projects, Governor Otti acknowledged that the rainy season has slowed the pace of road construction but assured residents that work continues across major project sites. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending flooding through the construction of durable drainage infrastructure.

Responding to concerns over rising rents in Umuahia and Aba, the Governor attributed the increase to growing demand for accommodation and announced that the government would soon commence the Pocket Layout Housing Project in Umuahia to bridge the housing deficit.
Governor Otti described the recent visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a major boost to Abia’s creative economy. He revealed that a dedicated bank account has been opened for the Akwete Cloth Production Hub, while the First Lady has authorised the release of the funds she pledged to support the Akwete women’s weaving initiative.
He urged residents to promote indigenous industries by patronising and wearing the locally woven Akwete fabric.

The Governor also commended residents for embracing environmental sanitation, urged them to sustain the culture of cleanliness, praised security agencies for maintaining peace across the state and congratulated the Commissioner of Police on his promotion to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

 

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BURNING ISSUE

Abia To Reposition Umuahia Markets, Orders Facelift And Relocation As Urban Renewal Gathers Momentum

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2 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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The Abia State Government has unveiled plans to transform key markets in Umuahia, including the Ogwumabiri Market at Ossah, through comprehensive renovation and, where necessary, relocation to more suitable sites, as part of a wider urban renewal programme aimed at boosting commerce, improving infrastructure and ensuring sustainable city development.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu explained that the government is taking a holistic approach to modernising markets within the state capital to create a more conducive environment for traders and consumers while addressing planning and environmental concerns.

He also announced that the tendering process for the construction of the Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been concluded, with the list of successful contractors expected to be released during the week.

On infrastructure, the Commissioner said the Ministry of Works is currently executing direct labour road projects at 46 locations across the state. He noted that three road maintenance projects have been completed, while two additional roads have been incorporated into the ministry’s maintenance programme.

According to him, the completed projects include the failed section of the Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of the Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato LGA, and the rehabilitation of Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu LGA.

He added that rainy season maintenance has commenced on the Opopo Junction–Azumini–Obehe Road, a federal highway linking the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as the access road to Obingwa General Hospital and the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.
As part of measures to strengthen urban planning and public safety, Kanu announced that the state government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as a prerequisite for obtaining building permits in Umuahia.

He said the policy is designed to improve structural integrity, prevent building collapse and safeguard lives and property by ensuring that every building is designed in accordance with the soil characteristics of its location.
The Commissioner further revealed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified drainage desilting operations across flood-prone areas of the capital city to mitigate flooding and improve environmental sanitation.

Areas currently benefiting from the exercise include Adelabu Street, the drainage channel from Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church Ndume Road, Church of Christ axis and Finbarrs Road.
The latest decisions of the State Executive Council underscore the Otti administration’s commitment to modernising markets, expanding infrastructure, strengthening urban planning, improving road connectivity and building safer, more resilient communities across Abia State.

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AKWETE WEAVERS

First Lady’s Historic Visit Deepens Federal-State Partnership

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2 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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… Abia Secures ₦2 Billion Boost For Akwete Women

The visit of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, to Abia State has reinforced the importance of strong collaboration between the Federal Government and state governments in promoting economic empowerment, cultural preservation and inclusive national development.

In a landmark visit to Akwete, Ukwa East Local Government Area, the Nation’s First Lady joined Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and the First Lady of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, on an inspection tour of the famous Akwete Weaving Cooperative Society, where she interacted with master weavers and witnessed the centuries-old weaving tradition that has earned Akwete international recognition.

The visit, which culminated in a grand civic reception attended by government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, women and youth groups, stakeholders and residents, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering local industries, preserving Nigeria’s cultural heritage and supporting women-led enterprises under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a major highlight of the visit, Senator Oluremi Tinubu announced a ₦2 billion intervention fund to support the empowerment of women engaged in Akwete cloth production, describing the indigenous fabric as a priceless national heritage deserving greater recognition and patronage.
She urged Nigerians, particularly people of the South-East, to promote and proudly wear Akwete fabric just as other regions celebrate their indigenous textiles.

“I am here to announce to all Nigerians that Akwete belongs to the nation. It is a beautiful fabric that deserves to be modernised and promoted. On my own, I am donating Two Billion Naira to support this project,” the First Lady declared.
She disclosed that her interest in Akwete cloth was sparked after watching a documentary on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), adding that she had long desired to visit the weaving community.

The First Lady further pledged to wear Akwete attire during her husband’s second term, emphasizing that preserving indigenous culture remains vital to Nigeria’s identity.
Describing Governor Alex Otti as “a good man,” Senator Tinubu commended him for transforming what was intended to be a private visit into a historic celebration of culture and national unity.

Governor Alex Otti, while welcoming the First Lady, described her visit as a watershed moment for Abia State and the Akwete weaving community.
According to him, the visit represents a strategic Federal endorsement of the State Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition Akwete as a globally competitive textile brand capable of creating jobs, expanding exports and empowering women.

Governor Otti revealed that his administration began revitalising the Akwete weaving industry shortly after assuming office in 2023, stressing that the Federal Government’s support would accelerate the vision of transforming Akwete into a thriving production hub.
He appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the bold economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government, particularly the removal of petroleum subsidy and the floating of the naira. He noted that the policies have increased revenue available to federal, state and local governments for developmental projects.

The Governor also pledged the readiness of the Abia State Government to partner with the First Lady in establishing a modern production hub that would strengthen the capacity of Akwete women and preserve the ancient craft for future generations.

Earlier, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, described the visit as historic, noting that it was the first time a Nigerian First Lady had personally visited Akwete to support its women weavers.


She praised Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative for delivering practical social investment programmes that continue to uplift women, small businesses and vulnerable groups across the country.

Goodwill messages from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Chris Nkwonta, former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah, and the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuribe, highlighted the economic and cultural significance of the Federal Government’s intervention.
They commended both the First Lady of Nigeria and the First Lady of Abia State for drawing national attention to Akwete cloth and called for the establishment of a world-class weaving and production centre to boost exports, tourism and employment.

The event also featured the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title “Ugo Nwanyi of Abia” (The Pride of Womanhood) on Senator Oluremi Tinubu in recognition of her exceptional commitment to women empowerment, national unity and the preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.


The historic visit is widely regarded as a significant milestone in strengthening Federal-State cooperation and advancing the shared vision of economic diversification, women empowerment, cultural renaissance and sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the transformational development agenda of the Abia State Government.

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