Gov. Alex Otti, on Saturday, confirmed that the State Government has paid full compensation to owners of the lands acquired for the Abia Airport project in Nsulu.
Otti made the confirmation during a Grand Civic Reception/Appreciation Ceremony organised by stakeholders in Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas (LGAs) at Okpuala-Ngwa, in Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
He said: “Before any construction began, we ensured that 100 per cent compensation was paid to all landowners.
“If there is anyone yet to receive payment, it is likely due to issues like incorrect account details or disputes over ownership, not government negligence.”
The governor also announced government’s plans to build a fully-fledged airport city, amongst other projects around the airport corridor.
According to him, the complex would feature a three or four-star hotel, shopping plazas, markets, and a Nigerian Air Force base.
He disclosed that access roads to the site were already under construction, with a completion deadline set for December.
He emphasised that the siting of the airport was based on expert recommendations and strategic considerations, particularly its accessibility to both Umuahia and Aba, the state’s major urban centres.
He recounted how many Nsulu natives have expressed gratitude to the government, with one woman reportedly saying she earned more in compensation than she ever would have made farming the land in a lifetime.
“This is a people-oriented government and development should not be a punishment to the people, it should uplift them,” he said.
The governor dismissed speculations that his administration intended to marginalise a particular group or region with respect to the airport project.
“Those who doubted our intentions now know better because we are not like the old regime and we are here to serve all Abians, without discrimination,” he said.
Otti affirmed his government’s commitment to even development across the state, highlighting ongoing projects in Ukwa, Umuahia, and Aba.
He underscored Aba’s pivotal role in the state’s economic strategy, saying that revenue generated from Aba would help fund development in other regions.
Otti further highlighted the success of the state’s free education policy, adding that it had led to a significant increase in school enrollment.
In a speech, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, urged the governor to seek re-election in 2027.
Onwusibe further declared that “there is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia”, until 2031.
“You have done excellently well, and we urge you to contest again in 2027.
“We, the people of Isiala Ngwa North and South, have resolved to work together and ensure victory across all 20 wards in both LGAs,” he said.
A Labour Party chieftain in the area, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, commended Otti for focusing on long-term development goals that prioritise infrastructure and human capital development.
“We are seeing tangible progress – roads, healthcare, education, and empowerment.
“These are not just projects for today, but foundations for sustainable development that will outlive this administration and drive socioeconomic growth in Abia,” Nwokocha said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Obinna Anaba, congratulated the governor, describing his triumph as a victory for justice and good governance.
Anaba commended the administration’s rapid strides in infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic reform.
He pointed out that the governor had already proven that effective leadership is possible.
Anaba, speaking on behalf of both LGAs, affirmed the people’s full support for the governor and expressed confidence he would continue to deliver democracy dividend across the state.
In a remark, a businessman from the area, Mr Cyril Ishmael, said that the Otti-led administration had inspired renewed investor-confidence in the state through visible infrastructural projects and reforms.
Ishmael announced that captains of industry from the area were planning to host an economic summit aimed at complementing the government’s drive to attract investments.
Also, the President of Ngwa National Association in USA and Canada, Dr Ugochukwu Agu, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance, particularly in the education sector.
Agu said that the Ngwa Community abroad had launched support programmes to align with the administration’s developmental goals.
“Our people are pleased with what you are doing.
“We have introduced scholarships for students and undergraduates, and launched a skill acquisition programme.
“We have also built a facility, called the Unity Complex, where these empowerment programmes will be administered,” he said.
No fewer than 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party and Accord Party formally announced their defection to the Labour Party at the event.