Otti Declares Era of Failure Over in Abia State as He Marks Third Anniversary

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has praised his administration’s performance in the past three years highlighting achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and public welfare.

Gov Alex Otti and his wife Priscilla at the event

The Governor, who spoke during a parade heralding his third anniversary in office at Umuahia Township Stadium l, declared that the era of failure in Abia State was over.

Reflecting on his early days in office, Otti recalled leading a refuse evacuation exercise in Aba less than 24 hours after his inauguration despite a heavy downpour, describing it as a defining moment for his government.

Eze Linto and his 1st deputy, Eze Mmerengwa

“By refusing to be held back by an inclement weather, we sent out a clear message that the era of making excuses for failure was over, Otti said.

“Ours is far from a perfect administration, but even the most fervent critic cannot but acknowledge that on the most critical measures of progress, Abia has turned a corner.”

According to him, strategic projects such as Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia and the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road have improved connectivity, boosted economic activities and enhanced the quality of life for residents.

“Our road infrastructure investments are carefully designed in ways that leave no part of the state behind.

“We are as mindful of the expectations of our industrial and trading communities as we are conscious of the opportunities quality roads can unlock in our centre,” he said

He said the government had consistently allocated 15 percent of its annual budget to healthcare, and 20 percent to education, resulting in major infrastructure upgrades and personnel recruitment.

“The first measure of wealth is the health of the people.

“It is for this reason that we are pulling all the stops to set standards that align with our vision for the future.

“While our investments in physical infrastructure answer the economic and social needs of today, prosperity in the future will require a mass of enlightened and highly skilled citizens,” he said.

The Governor disclosed that over N300 million had been set aside to support technology-driven enterprises and innovation to equip young people with skills for the digital economy through technology-focused programmes covering software engineering, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“Our vision is to give young dreamers every support they need to thrive, compete and find fulfilment in a world where knowledge is the ultimate capital,” he said.

Gov. Otti said the state had made significant progress in tackling criminality through closer collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders.

“Several communities were held hostage by kidnappers and other criminal elements three years ago.

“The situation today is entirely different because we take the security of our people as our primary obligation.”

The governor also pointed to improvements in environmental sanitation, transportation and power supply, noting that investments in electric buses, transport terminals, waste management systems and electricity infrastructure were helping to reposition the state for growth.

He attributed much of the administration’s achievements to fiscal discipline and prudent management of public resources, revealing that the state had reduced its debt profile by more than 70 per cent while maintaining one of the highest capital expenditure ratios in the country.

“There is so much to do with the resources available to us that we cannot spare a dime for frivolity,” he said.

The governor expressed gratitude to residents for their support and urged them to remain committed to the state’s development agenda.

“We have come a long way, but the road ahead is still far and our journey is only just beginning,” Gov Otti said.

Speaking at the grand finale of the anniversary, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Emmanuel Meribole said the changes across the state were visible for all to see.

Meribole noted that the launch of the NKATA Technology Initiative demonstrated the administration’s commitment to preparing young people for the future through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Ngozi Felix, praised the administration’s commitment to social inclusion and women’s participation in governance.

She noted that while the administration had invested heavily in infrastructure, it had also prioritised human capital development and the welfare of women and vulnerable groups.

In his goodwill message, former presidential aspirant and elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, described Otti as a results-oriented leader who has brought private-sector efficiency into governance.

According to Ohabunwa, many Abians see the current administration as the fulfilment of long-held aspirations for a prosperous and well-governed state.

In his goodwill message, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, said Governor Otti’s achievements spoke louder than any political rhetoric.

“Your works speak for you. Within such a short time, you have shown visionary and transformational leadership that has touched the lives of Abians in ways nobody has ever seen,” he noted.