Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, healthcare, education, and infrastructural development, assuring residents that his government will continue working tirelessly to improve their lives, ABN TV reports.
Speaking during a highly anticipated media engagement on January 30, 2025, broadcast live across radio, TV, and online platforms, Governor Otti addressed key issues affecting Abia State, outlining his administration’s achievements and future plans.
Governor Otti highlighted major strides in healthcare, including the ongoing renovation of 200 primary healthcare centers across the state’s 184 wards. He disclosed that five centers are ready for commissioning, while contractors, who began work using their own funds, are being reimbursed promptly.
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The government has allocated over ₦10 billion for the project, with funds securely lodged in the Ministry of Health’s account. Additionally, plans for renovating 22 general hospitals are at advanced stages, with contracts for four major hospitals in Ohafia, Arochukwu, and Obingwa set to be awarded soon.
In a major milestone, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital has regained accreditation, allowing more student admissions. Governor Otti also revealed that ₦16.6 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget to improve training and infrastructure in schools of nursing and health technology.
Governor Otti emphasized his administration’s zero tolerance for education deprivation, reaffirming that primary and secondary education in Abia is free and compulsory.
“No child in Abia State will be denied access to education,” he declared.
To accommodate an expected surge in student enrollment, the government will recruit over 2,000 teachers, with the application portal already open. Additionally, the retirement age for teachers has been extended to 65, with considerations to increase it further to 70. Teacher retraining programs are also ongoing, while tertiary institutions, including Abia State University, are being revitalized, with some campuses relocated back to Uturu for better management.
The governor also provided updates on his administration’s aggressive infrastructure drive, revealing that several completed road projects are ready for commissioning.
One of the latest projects is the 13.95 km Okpurueyi to Oboro Ikwuano road, a key access route for communities known for cocoa and rice production.
“We are focused on giving our people the access they have been denied for decades,” Governor Otti asserted.
He also announced plans to reconstruct the notorious Omenuko Bridge, a death trap that has claimed many lives, with the flag-off scheduled for next week.
Governor Otti reassured residents of his administration’s unwavering commitment to security, noting that the government has refurbished five abandoned Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and handed them over to the police to boost security operations.
“Our duty is to stay awake so that Abians can sleep with both eyes closed,” he stated.
He also highlighted recent security successes, including the arrest of a notorious criminal in Lagos.
“We recently apprehended a criminal who believed his native doctors made him invincible. He confessed that our security intelligence was stronger,” the governor revealed.
He urged Abians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility.
“Everyone must be the chief security officer of their environment. Don’t be afraid to report any suspicious character; we will take them on,” he assured.
Addressing concerns about counterfeit products in Cemetery Market, Aba, Governor Otti acknowledged the issue but noted that such challenges are common in commercial hubs.
“Wherever genuine products exist, counterfeit ones follow,” he remarked.
Encouraging local manufacturers, he stated:
“If you can make fake products, you can also make genuine ones. I encourage our people to create original products and register with NAFDAC.”
Responding to a question from Ifeanyi Okali of ABN TV regarding pension arrears, Governor Otti criticized dishonest pension leaders while commending genuine pensioners.
“I have paid 100% pensions monthly since I assumed office. Those leaders who signed the Memorandum of Agreement but now claim they didn’t are dishonest. We won’t reward dishonesty,” he asserted.
“If they are unhappy, they should return the money already paid. If they want to declare a dispute, they should return the money first and then take us to court.”
On teacher disengagement, the governor clarified that his administration had not sacked any teachers.
“If some were unlawfully employed by the previous administration, that’s not my responsibility. However, qualified individuals are welcome to apply,” he stated.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to Abians for their unwavering support, pledging to continue delivering impactful governance.
“We are here to serve the interest of the larger majority, not a select few,” he affirmed, dismissing resistance from a “noisy minority” who benefited from past administrative failures.
He concluded with optimism for a prosperous 2025, promising transformative governance that prioritizes the welfare of every Abian.
