Tag: Alex Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has addressed concerns surrounding the $125 million loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), saying that the conditions were generous.

Otti, while responding to questions during the monthly media parley on Friday in Umuahia, allayed fears expressed at some quarters concerning the IDB loan.

“There is nothing to worry about; the conditions are generous and by the time I looked at it, I was actually surprised,” he said.

The Federal Executive Council had at its meeting on Wednesday, approved the facility to finance the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project, but not yet drawn.

Otti, however, said that one should only express worry about what happened to the exchange rate.

“If the money was borrowed prior to May 2023, the exchange rate at that time was under N500.

“But today, if you are paying back you will begin to look for thrice that money and that is where the issue of deployment comes in,” he said.

Otti promised that his administration would continue to give prior attention to the health care sector, saying that 120 out of the 200 primary health centres for rehabilitation had been completed.

He said that the government was also fixing all the 22 general hospitals in the state, adding that Obingwa General Hospital would soon be completed and inaugurated before the end of the month.

The governor said that the government was working to upgrade education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

He said that 221 primary and secondary schools were receiving attention in the first phase of rehabilitation.

Otti explained that the implementation of the free and compulsory education from primary to  junior secondary school at the beginning of the year,  had led to massive enrollment in public schools.

The governor also said that a lot of roads were receiving attention, stressing that about 50 of them were being addressed by direct labour, while 30 were on contract.

He expressed happiness that some of the challenges with funding had been dealt with, given the recent passage of the supplementary budget by the State House of Assembly.

The governor addressed other developmental efforts of his administration, especially in the areas of electricity, agriculture and others.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, on Wednesday, warned political office holders and senior public officers to step up their performance or shown the way out.

Otti issued the warning, while addressing the  2025 Second Quarter Abia Executive Council Strategy Retreat at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The retreat has as its theme: “Sustaining the Momentum: Leadership in Execution.”

He said that his administration would no longer tolerate underperforming officers, adding that the retreat was mandatory for all senior state’s public service officers.

He urged them to embrace continuous learning, collaboration, and regular self-assessment to sustain the momentum of reforms and development efforts across the state.

He said that the outcomes of the retreats were expected to drive government’s holistic transformation agenda.

“These sessions help us assess progress, measure against key milestones, and accelerate delivery within available resources,” he said.

The governor, who referenced  a biblical principle on unfruitful trees, reiterated his zero-tolerance for mediocrity in leadership.

“I’m sure you recall the biblical instruction about trees that do not bear good fruit,” he said.

He commended his team’s progress but urged them not to benchmark themselves against past administrations, which he said were marked by mediocrity.

Otti called on participants to maximise mentorship opportunities from members of the Global Economic Advisory Council present at the retreat.

He further emphasised that consistent underperformance was a result of personal choice and not the lack of opportunities for improvement.

“Leadership is not perfection but the courage to learn, unlearn, and relearn,” he said.

In a remark, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, described the theme as both a recognition of progress and renewed call to action.

Kalu said that effective execution remains the real test of leadership credibility.

He expressed the need for discipline and collaboration to translate the visions of the administration into tangible results.

The event was attended by top government officials, development partners, and members of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council.

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.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration has committed over N40 billion to clearing arrears of salaries and pensions in the past two years.

Otti said this on Thursday during an event organised to mark his administration’s two years  anniversary with the theme “Transformative Governance: Sustaining the Momentum”, in Umuahia.

The governor said that this move was aimed at restoring dignity and financial stability to the state’s workforce and retirees.

He said that prompt salary and pension payments had become an integral part of the system with workers now paid by the 28th of every month.

Otti added that pensioners now receive full monthly payments, ending the era of partial disbursements experienced by retirees.

He also announced the full renovation of the previously abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, now housing nearly 1,000 civil servants.

The governor revealed efforts to digitise government operations and phase out manual filing systems through the provision of computers.

He also said that an agreement with MTN would  ensure full network coverage across the state by Dec. 31, 2025.

Otti said that the state would  also be  witnessing the development of the first Aba Digital Mall by MTN, aimed at boosting e-commerce and local trade.

Otti reiterated the sustained resolve of Abia Government to allocate 20 per cent of the state’s budget to education, and confirmed that smart schools were under construction across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

According to him, the state’s free basic education policy had increased enrolment, prompting the transparent recruitment of 5,300 new teachers earlier this year.

He also disclosed that another 4,000 teachers would be recruited to match the growing student population across public schools.

The governor assured equal opportunities for all, regardless of state of origin, ethnicity, or religion during the exercise.

On health, he said that over 100 Primary Healthcare Centres(PHCs) had been renovated, with commissioning set to begin on June 1.

Otti also said that renovations were ongoing at ten general hospitals and two specialist centres to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Otti revealed plans for a medical village to tackle outbound medical tourism and position Abia as Nigeria’s healthcare hub.

On security, he credited the government’s security intervention code named ”Operation Crush” for reclaiming territories in Umunneochi and Isuikwuato from criminals, restoring peace and safety.

He praised security agencies for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Otti stated that several roads in Umuahia, Aba, and other parts of the state were ready for commissioning starting June 1.

He stressed that good governance, accountability, and prudent spending of public funds remain his administration’s core principles.

Otti reaffirmed the state’s private-sector-driven economic strategy and commitment to creating a conducive business environment.

He highlighted the government’s ₦1 billion empowerment of 10,000 nano-businesses to support entrepreneurship and reduce financial hardship.

On electricity, he confirmed that Geometric Power now generated 141 megawatts, with the fourth turbine expected to boost capacity further.

He revealed discussions with Enugu DISCO to isolate Umuahia as a power island, following the Aba model.

Otti said the move aims to ensure stable electricity across Umuahia, Bende, Umunneochi, Isuikwuato, Ohafia, and Arochukwu.

He also noted the installation of nearly 7,000 solar streetlights, part of efforts to improve security and drive a 24-hour economy.

On sanitation, he celebrated the state’s transformation from one of the dirtiest to among the cleanest in Nigeria.

He praised citizens for embracing cleanliness and environmental responsibility as a collective lifestyle.

Otti commended civil servants, appointees, healthcare workers, and cleaners for driving the administration’s achievements.

He  attributed his administration’s success to divine guidance and the unwavering support of the people of Abia.

The governor also expressed deep gratitude to the citizens for their support before, during, and after the 2023 elections.

He further reaffirmed his commitment to building a functional, safe, and prosperous Abia for all.

In their good will messages, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, and the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, commended the governor for his transformational leadership style.

They urged the people of Abia to continue to support the programmes and policies of the state government.

Also, in their remarks, the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Chief Emmanuel Emeruwa, and his deputy, Mr Austin Mmeregini, passed a vote of confidence on the governor.

They expressed the resolve of the legislature to continually give the governor all the legislative support required to execute his rebuilding agenda.

The event was attended by the former deputy governor, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, former Chairman of Ohafia LGA, among other dignitaries.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration will only borrow money to run the state when it is absolutely necessary.

The Governor made the vow in Umuahia on Wednesday during a lecture series to mark his two years in office.

Otti, while responding to some of the issues raised by the lecturer, Dr Idika Kalu, a onetime Finance Minister, said borrowing was not to be done recklessly adding that he would only borrow when necessary.

The governor said he had to inculcate financial discipline and responsibility in the system to get the state to a greater level.

He said he had been paying workers and pensioners having found that it made more economic sense to pay than to keep the money at the bank.

“We shall commit the remaining two years of this term to institutionalizing the reforms that have been initiated.

“Collectively, we shall make Abia the hub of transformational ideas; we shall not be tired of listening to new ideas, for that is the path to continuous growth and progress,” Otti stated.

The governor thanked Dr Kalu for accepting to deliver the second anniversary lecture of his administration.

Otti said the state put the lecture together to “talk to ourselves honestly and evaluate how far we have come, what we have done right, and what we can do better.”

In his lecture, the one-time Minister of Finance, urged the governor to borrow to expand the projects that would create value for the state.

The octogenarian maintained that such borrowing was not bad once it was done in the interest of the state.

The lecture was titled : Two years of transformation; Sustaining the momentum”.

Kalu also urged Otti to use the media in major roles in his development efforts because of their powers to cause change.

“The media can help this nation get back to life so don’t give them minor roles but give them key roles,” Kalu said.

Kalu commended Otti for his numerous projects some of which he said he had seen delivered while some are still ongoing.

He urged the government to always abide by the rule of law and to show examples of how things should be done rightly and uprightly.

Kalu harped on the need to punish errant persons who instilled impunity in the society noting that a society where impunity reigned was not modernized.

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti has appointed a native of Edo State, Benson Ojeikere as the new Head of Service for the state.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu made the announcement immediately after the State Executive Council meeting on Monday, January 13.

Prince Kanu commended Ojeikere’s impressive career, highlighting that he was named the Best Corps Member in Abia State during the 1999-2000 National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, year.

Kanu noted that due to Ojeikere’s dedication and outstanding performance, the then-state government decided to retain him in its service.

Over time, Ojeikere has climbed the ranks, serving as a director and later as a permanent secretary, before being appointed Head of Service.

“This is a landmark appointment, considering the fact that he is not an indigene of Abia State,

“However, His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, strongly believes in meritocracy.

“To him, there is no dividing line between an Abia citizen and a resident. Once you live in Abia, you are part and parcel of the state,” Kanu stated.