During my recent trip to Nigeria over the Easter holiday, my driver opted to take the Mbaise/Umuopara road to Umuahia, bypassing the usual Owerrinta–Aba–Enugu highway.
To my surprise, we encountered a major road construction project just after the Imo River Bridge heading toward the Umuahia Tower.
Intrigued, I asked my driver what he thought of the transformation underway in Abia State. He responded, “Oga, Dr. Alex Otti is doing wonders in this state. We are no longer singing ‘Ancient of Days’ like we used to during the past administration.”
Curious, I asked him to explain. He laughed and said, “You know the song: ‘Ancient of Days, as old as you are, you will never change’? That’s how Abia used to be—stagnant. But now, we’re seeing real change.”
I laughed and asked what song Abians are singing now. He smiled and said, “We now sing, ‘It shall be permanent, what the Lord has done for us, it shall be permanent.”
This light-hearted exchange got me reflecting deeply on the state of Abia under previous administrations and the remarkable transformation now underway under Dr. Alex Otti’s leadership.
In just two years, Dr. Otti’s administration has made infrastructure a cornerstone of development, focusing particularly on roads that enhance economic connectivity. The education sector has seen a major uplift, with many new classrooms constructed and learning environments significantly improved.
Healthcare has also received a boost, with the upgrading of hospitals and primary health centers across the state. Most notably, the proposed $1.3 billion Abia Medical City is a visionary leap toward reducing reliance on foreign medical trips.
In the digital space, a recent partnership with MTN Nigeria to expand broadband access promises to position Abia as a tech-forward and connected state.
Civil servants and pensioners are not left out in singing this new song of progress, as arrears of salaries owed by previous administrations are now being cleared, according to reliable sources.
Artisans and small-scale industries are also beneficiaries of this renewed Abia, enjoying improved power supply—thanks to the strategic interventions by Dr. Otti’s administration in the energy sector.
Investors who had lost hope due to years of governmental neglect are returning, encouraged by a leadership that prioritizes good governance and economic revival. These businesses, once moribund, are now being revived. Abians, indeed, are singing a new and hopeful song.
Dr. Alex Otti’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and community engagement has earned the trust of both citizens and stakeholders.
Looking back, one can’t help but wonder where Abia would be today if his mandate hadn’t been unjustly denied in 2015 and 2019.
To any political group dreaming of halting this progress, it would be foolhardy to think that Abians, now seeing the real dividends of democracy will let go of this new dawn.
Abians are not only joyful, but also resolute. Come 2027, they will reward good governance with even greater support.
As for me, I proudly join the good people of Abia to sing: “What the Lord has done for us, it shall be permanent.”
To God be the glory!
Engr. Bob C. Ibeneme
Leader, Diaspora Alliance for Good Governance, USA.
