Otti Marks Two Years of Transformative Governance in Abia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has disclosed that his administration has spent over ₦40 billion in the past two years to settle outstanding salary and pension arrears, aiming to restore dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees.
Speaking during an event themed “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum” in Umuahia, Otti outlined key accomplishments since assuming office.
Salary and Pension Payments Now Prompt and Regular
N40 Billion Disbursed to Workers and Pensioners
Otti stated that his administration has made it a priority to clear financial backlogs inherited from previous governments. He confirmed that:
Workers now receive salaries by the 28th of every month.
Pensioners get full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements.
Civil Service Reform and Infrastructure Overhaul
Secretariat Renovation and Digitization
The once-abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat has been fully renovated and now accommodates nearly 1,000 civil servants. To modernize operations:
Manual filing systems are being phased out.
Computers have been provided to digitize government processes.
Statewide Connectivity and Tech Advancement
MTN Partnership for Digital Expansion
Otti announced a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria that includes:
Full mobile network coverage across Abia by December 31, 2025.
Launch of Aba Digital Mall to enhance local e-commerce and entrepreneurship.
Education: A 20% Budget Commitment
Smart Schools and Teacher Recruitment
Otti reiterated that education remains a top priority, with 20% of the state budget allocated to the sector. Key highlights include:
Ongoing construction of smart schools in all 17 LGAs.
Recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.
An additional 4,000 teachers to be hired to meet increased enrolment.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to equity and transparency, noting that recruitment is open to all, regardless of origin or religion.
Healthcare Sector Overhaul
Primary Health and Specialist Facility Upgrades
Efforts to revamp the health sector include:
Renovation of over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), set for commissioning on June 1.
Ongoing work on 10 general hospitals and 2 specialist centres.
Medical Village Initiative
Otti revealed plans for a medical village to combat outbound medical tourism and position Abia as a healthcare hub in Nigeria.
Security: Operation Crush Restores Peace
The government’s intervention, Operation Crush, has reclaimed territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminal elements. Otti praised security agencies for restoring safety and protecting lives and property across the state.
Infrastructure: Road and Power Projects Take Shape
Road Commissioning Begins June 1
Multiple road projects across Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of Abia are ready for commissioning, Otti confirmed.
Power Supply: Isolating Umuahia for Stability
Geometric Power now generates 141 megawatts, with plans to expand through a fourth turbine.
Discussions are underway with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, ensuring stable electricity supply in Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.
Solar Lighting Initiative
Nearly 7,000 solar-powered streetlights have been installed to bolster nighttime security and support a 24-hour economy.
Environmental Transformation
Otti praised Abians for embracing a new culture of cleanliness. The state, once among the dirtiest in Nigeria, is now recognized as one of the cleanest due to sustained sanitation efforts and public cooperation.
Economic Empowerment and Private Sector Growth
₦1 Billion for Nano-Businesses
To combat financial hardship and boost small-scale enterprises:
The state has empowered 10,000 nano-businesses with a total of ₦1 billion.
Business-Friendly Governance
Otti reaffirmed his commitment to a private-sector-led economy, rooted in transparency, good governance, and fiscal prudence.
Legislative Support and Public Endorsements
The event also featured goodwill messages and commendations:
Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Chief Ginger Onwusibe hailed Otti’s leadership and urged continued public support.
Speaker Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa and Deputy Speaker Austin Mmeregini passed a vote of confidence, pledging legislative backing for the governor’s rebuilding agenda.
Gratitude and Vision for the Future
Otti credited his achievements to divine guidance and the unwavering support of Abians. He expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him before, during, and after the 2023 elections, reaffirming his commitment to building a functional, secure, and prosperous Abia for all.
