By Onyinyechi Obi
For 24 long years, Abians wallowed in misery, gnashed their teeth, and yearned for a redeemer. Citizens languished under the heavy yoke of political marauders who hijacked public offices and imposed themselves as leaders. Much like the children of Israel in the Bible, the people groaned under failed promises and leadership that lacked vision and empathy. The land cried out, the people prayed and history recorded a divine answer.
In 2023, God sent a man: a beacon of hope, a reformer, a liberator, a jinx breaker, and a visionary Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR).
He came with a simple but powerful message: “Weep no more, help is on the way.” And indeed, he brought help to Ndi Abia. From the moment he assumed office, the long season of sorrow ended.
In just two years, Governor Otti has redefined governance, setting a new standard that challenges everything once thought impossible in public service. As he rightly said, “We must remove from political campaigns the things that are supposed to be normal rights good roads, quality education, clean water, security.
These are not favours. These are entitlements.” And he has walked that talk with unmatched passion and integrity.
With vision, strategic planning, and a results-driven approach, Governor Otti has sparked an infrastructural revolution that touches every part of the state. From cities to rural communities, the progress is tangible.
According to the State Ministry of Works, over 200 roads have been either completed or are under construction. Among the strategic projects are the 6.8 km Port Harcourt Road, Aba (handled by Julius Berger), set for commissioning by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the 67 km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road; the 30 km Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam Road; the Osisioma-Ekeakpara Industrial Road; the six-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard; the 12.6 km Ohanze-Ntighauzor-Akirika Obu Road; the 5.5 km Owerrinta-Umuikaa Expressway linking Abia with Imo State; and the ongoing reconstruction of the historic Omenuko Bridge.
Complementing these are upgraded drainage systems to tackle flooding and solar-powered streetlights that illuminate communities once covered in darkness. Access roads to farmlands have been opened, boosting rural trade and agriculture.
Driving beyond infrastructure, Governor Otti’s investment in human capital development is equally transformational. Through the Abia Fostering Innovation Reform School Transformation (AbiaFIRST) initiative, primary and junior secondary education is now free and compulsory. The recruitment of 5,000 teachers has addressed longstanding gaps in public school staffing.
Thousands of youths, artisans, and women have received vocational training and start-up kits. Taking a bold step in redefining youth empowerment, Governor Otti awarded automatic employment to 19 top-performing graduates of the TechRise ICT training programme.
The health sector has experienced a similar rebirth. Under Project Ekwueme, over 200 Primary Health Centres are being renovated and re-equipped in 100 days. Three general hospitals have been upgraded to Specialist Centres one in each senatorial zone.
The launch of the Abia State Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme has further expanded access to affordable healthcare. Additionally, a new salary structure (ASHWOSS) for health workers underscores the administration’s commitment to their welfare.
In the public service, Governor Otti has officially flagged off the Umuahia Dedicated Internet Access/Wide Area Network (WAN) Project, equipping Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with high-speed digital tools and fibre-optic connectivity to enhance governance and public service delivery.
Taking it further, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTN Nigeria Limited to implement a Device Ownership Scheme for civil servants. This initiative enables them to acquire laptops, smartphones, and Wi-Fi devices fully financed by MTN accelerating productivity and innovation across the state’s workforce.
Security, a top priority from day one, has drastically improved. Before Governor Otti took office, violent crimes and kidnappings were rampant. Within weeks, his administration launched Operation Crush, a multi-agency security outfit. The government deployed patrol vehicles, surveillance equipment, and strengthened community policing. Today, Abia ranks among the safest states in Nigeria, a haven for living, working, and investing.
On the economic front, Abia is rising with renewed momentum. A ₦10 billion partnership with the Bank of Industry is spurring growth in small and medium-sized enterprises, driving innovation and creating jobs. Investor confidence is at an all-time high, especially in agro-industrial ventures and manufacturing.
In agriculture, the state has launched a wet-season rice farming programme under the In-Growers Scheme and initiated a multi-million-dollar dairy farm project, clear evidence of a deep commitment to food security and agricultural modernization.
Governor Otti is also poised to make history with the planned development of Abia’s first-ever airport, a legacy project that will open the state to global opportunities, enhance trade, and redefine its future.
These are not just projects, they are milestones of transformation that have changed lives, restored faith in governance, and renewed hope for Ndi Abia.
