Written by Engr. Bob Ibeneme
Leader, Diaspora Alliance for Good Governance, USA.
In just two remarkable years, Governor Alex Otti has rewritten the narrative of development in Abia State.
His transformative strides across the state have reawakened hope, rekindled faith in governance, and placed Abia firmly on the path of sustainable growth. With bold vision and tireless commitment, Governor Otti is delivering real dividends of democracy.
At the core of his administration’s success is a sweeping infrastructure renaissance, especially in road construction and rehabilitation. No sector showcases this better than the strategic roads being reconstructed and dualized across the state.
The once treacherous Port Harcourt Road in Aba, long abandoned by previous administrations, is now fully reconstructed and motorable, restoring its role as a vital economic artery and symbol of urban revival.
Also, the dualization of the Ossah Road leading to Okpara Square has given Umuahia, the state capital, a modern look. This road serves as a major gateway and now boasts proper drainage and solar-powered streetlights, ensuring durability, safety, and aesthetics. Governor Otti understands that strategic roads must not only serve but also impress.
Another landmark project is the ongoing dualization of the Abia Tower – Umuopara – Onuimo road and the Umuikaa – Owerrinta Road which connects Abia and neighbouring Imo State among other multiple communities. The reconstruction of these roads will improve both commerce and communal integration.
Beyond roads, the education sector in the state is witnessing a renaissance with 20 percent of the 2025 budget allocated to education, building of smart ICT-enabled schools, reconstructing aging classrooms, and recruiting qualified teachers especially for underserved rural areas.
The present administration has also ensured that regular teacher training and retraining are conducted for teachers across the state to ensure that learning remains progressive and impactful.
The Healthcare sector has not been left behind as Governor Otti’s administration is reconstructing and equipping general hospitals and health centers in all the 17 LGAs. His recent approval for the recruitment of medical personnel is not just administrative but life-saving as Abians now enjoy better access to quality healthcare services closer to home.
In addition, the most ambitious initiative is the proposed Abia Medical City. This mega project aims to position the state as a medical tourism destination in West Africa, reducing dependence on foreign medical trips. This singular initiative reflects a Governor who thinks both locally and globally for the welfare of his people.
In the digital realm, the groundbreaking partnership with MTN Nigeria is bringing expanded broadband access to Abia, thus laying the foundation for a tech-driven economy, opening doors to innovation, digital education, and youth empowerment.
Civil servants and pensioners now sing songs of gratitude, as the Governor has been clearing salary and pension arrears accumulated over the years. He has also implemented the new minimum wage, making Abia one of the first states to do so. Workers are now assured of dignity and prompt compensation under his watch.
The energy sector is also seeing renewed vigor as there has been appreciable improvement in the power supply especially for artisans and small-scale enterprises thereby boosting productivity. These targeted interventions has truly helped in sustaining local industries and stimulating inclusive economic growth.
Today, investors are returning with confidence haven been driven away by infrastructural decay and bureaucratic lethargy in the past years. They have now found a business-friendly environment marked by transparency, efficiency, and strategic support from the government as old businesses are being revived while new investments are streaming in.
The transport sector, under Dr. Otti’s leadership, is experiencing a renaissance. His appointments reflect meritocracy and competence, ensuring that every money spent yields maximum value. His strategic deployment of resources is winning accolades, even beyond the state.
Indeed, Abians have taken notice of this uncommon leadership, where transparency, accountability, and community engagement are now the hallmarks of governance in the state. Governor Otti’s open-door policy has dismantled the walls of elitism and restored citizens’ voices in policymaking.
One thing that is clear is that Abians will not trade this newfound progress for empty promises as the people have tasted good governance and they will protect it. Any attempt to derail this momentum will be stoutly resisted by a populace now awakened and empowered.
Indeed, Abians are joyful, resolute, and forward-looking. They will continue to stand with Governor Otti not just out of loyalty, but in appreciation of tangible results and renewed pride as his legacy is being written not with words, but with the visible transformation of lives and landscapes.
TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!
