Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that directly benefit citizens and ensuring prudent management of public funds to maintain economic growth and long-term development in the state.
The governor made the pledge on Friday during the grand finale of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration in Umuahia, where he reflected on achievements recorded over the past three years and outlined plans for continued progress.
According to Otti, his government remains focused on delivering sustainable development initiatives and enhancing the quality of life of residents across the state.
Highlighting the administration’s financial management efforts, the governor said fiscal discipline had remained a key priority, noting that the state’s debt burden had been reduced by more than 70 per cent through accountability and careful management of resources.
He revealed that 414 road projects spanning more than 800 kilometres had been completed within the last three years. He added that an additional 82 road projects covering over 200 kilometres were nearing completion and would soon be inaugurated.
Among the major infrastructure projects completed by the administration, Otti listed Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the six-lane Ossah Road, the Omenuko Bridge, and the final stretch of the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road.
Speaking on healthcare development, the governor disclosed that ongoing projects at the Abia State Teaching Hospital and Amachara General Hospital would soon be completed to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
He said, “shall be completed to further expand the tertiary care space. In the new Abia, the first measure of wealth is the health of the people. It is for this reason that we are pulling out all the stops to set standards that align with our vision for the state.”
Otti further stated that his administration would continue prioritising all sectors of the economy, while highlighting significant investments in healthcare. He disclosed that nearly 1,000 healthcare workers had been recruited and posted to facilities across the state to improve service delivery.
On education and youth development, the governor said the state had invested substantially in technology-focused programmes, including training in software engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. He added that more than N300 million had been set aside to support innovation and technology-driven businesses within the state.
Addressing workers’ welfare, Otti reiterated his commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions. He also noted that collaboration with security agencies had contributed to improved security and better protection of lives and property across Abia.
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The governor assured residents that efforts to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery and create more economic opportunities would continue.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of members of the Abia National Assembly caucus, the representative of Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe, praised Otti’s performance in office.
He said the governor had “surpassed expectations in delivering campaign promises through extensive road construction and reconstruction, education, healthcare and other development projects across the state,” and pledged the lawmakers’ support for his future aspirations.
Also speaking at the event, elder statesman Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chris Uche commended the governor’s leadership style. They said the administration’s achievements in key sectors over the last three years had restored public confidence and renewed the pride of Abians both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, described the developments in the state as a historic transformation under Otti’s leadership.
They maintained that Abia residents had rejected excuses and embraced competence, accountability and visionary governance during the 2023 elections, leading to the progress currently being witnessed across the state.