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Tag: Alex Otti

  • Otti reaffirms commitment to raising governance standards in Abia

    Otti reaffirms commitment to raising governance standards in Abia

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to elevating governance in the state, urging members of the enlarged Abia State Executive Council to approach their responsibilities with a sense of urgency.

    Speaking at a two-day retreat organized by the state government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti emphasized the need for a proactive and results-driven approach to governance. 

    The retreat, themed “Sustaining Momentum: Accelerating Execution,” served as a leadership forum to address operational challenges and enhance government effectiveness.

    In his speech, titled “Eyes on the Ball,” Otti reaffirmed his dedication to surpassing past governance benchmarks. 

    He stressed that every sector within Abia’s economic and social ecosystem is vital to the state’s development, highlighting the high expectations of the people.

    The governor called for the development of a robust execution framework to drive the achievement of Abia State’s strategic governance goals for the year.

    “This administration is not going to be judged by the mediocre standards of the past administration because we were elected to raise the bar and raise it very very high.

    “What we need to do in the course of this retreat is to see where and how our approach to the execution has deviated from the trajectory we seek to travel. 

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    “The agenda for us all in this exercise shall be to collectively develop a robust execution template that will drive the attainment of our strategic governance target for the current fiscal year.

    “This retreat has been set up to underline how we shall run as a government in the new year. 2025 will be a crucial year for the State. So, we are required to exceed whatever we achieved in the past,” Gov. stated.

    He encouraged participants to use the retreat as an opportunity to assess deviations from the set trajectory and realign strategies for improved execution and called for open and constructive engagement among attendees.

    Speaking earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, who disclosed that the theme of the retreat is “Sustaining Momentum: Accelerating Execution”, said that the administration of Governor Alex Otti has gathered momentum in several areas of infrastructural development, health, education and other sectors, and stressed that the retreat is aimed at sustaining the momentum.

    He said that the retreat is an opportunity for the participants to reflect and map out strategies to move towards achieving the goals of the present administration and urged them not to be satisfied at the level they find themselves at present.

    In his paper presentation titled, “Enhancing Public Service Through Efficiency, Accountability, Transparency and Impactful Reforms”, a former Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye regretted some challenges in the service to include lack of capacity, accountability and transparency and recommended capacity building, conducive work environment, and contract appointments to fill the gaps in the service

    Orosanye stressed the need for staff auditing, identifying the competence gap, determining the size of workforce needed and embarking on training and retraining to have an impactful reforms. 

    He said that there should be collaboration between the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Head of Service, adding that the friction between the public and civil servants could be minimised by acknowledging that they are working to achieve a goal.

    In their reactions, some participants including the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu and his Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning counterpart, Lady Ugonma Jimonu said that the retreat is to ensure that top government officials in the State are brought to the same page as they strive to build a new Abia as envisioned by Governor Alex Otti.

    They said the retreat would reduce conflict between political appointees and the bureaucrats, adding that they would be going back home with better understanding on the ways of implementing the polices and programmes of the government for 2025.

  • Obey order halting airport construction, stakeholders tell governor

    Obey order halting airport construction, stakeholders tell governor

    Nsulu Stakeholders Forum (NSF) has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to obey an order of the state High Court in Okpuala Ngwa, which directed the state government to stay further action towards seizing over 1350 hectares of land belonging to some Nsulu communities in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area for the proposed Abia airport project.

    The communities are Ikputu, Umuikeocha Umuode, Umuezeukwu, Umuogu, Uwaomaikoo Umuosu, Umuata Umuosu, Umule Umuosu, Okpulorukwu Umuosu, Umuogele Umuosu, Umuodeche, Ubaha, Umuala, Umuezenta Nbawsi, Mbubo and Umuomainta Nbawsi. NSF, in a statement by its Convener, Mazi Chigoram, said Justice Enyinnaya Okezie, on December 20, 2024, made the order in suit HIN/62/2024 by representatives of the communities.

    It stated that Chukwuemeka Nwaogu appeared for the claimants at the hearing while the Acting Director of Civil Litigation, Abia State Ministry of Justice, C. Ogwo appeared for the respondents.

    According to NSF, Justice Okezie held: “It is hereby ordered as follows: That C.O. Ogwo undertakes that action in respect of the subject matter in this suit shall be stayed till the motion on notice is determined.”

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    The group continued: “NSF noted that Governor Otti is not above the law or court order, as any order made by a court of competent jurisdiction must be obeyed. Otti only enjoys immunity and that does not grant him power to go against a clear order of court. 

    “The affected Nsulu communities are challenging the desperate attempt to take over their land and have taken the matter to court. The governor cannot sit at Government House and disobey a court order.

    “We also find it offensive that the Otti government went into the land to cut paths, despite the clear order of the court staying action in the matter.

    “We have it also on good authority that while the affected communities have been peaceful and looking forward to the matter being determined by the court, Otti’s Special Assistant on Lands and Housing and Project Coordinator of Abia Airport Project, Pastor Okorougo Aji has been busy calling for all sorts of meeting with community village heads, compound heads and others, the latest being the one slated for February 6, 2025, at Government House.

  • Businessman Anyaso lauds Otti’s leadership

    Businessman Anyaso lauds Otti’s leadership

    Businessman and philanthropist Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso has praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for what he called his remarkable accomplishments within two years in office.

     At a grand reception in honour of the governor at his Ikoyi, Lagos home, Anyaso described Otti as a leader who has redefined governance in the state, setting a higher standard for future administrations.

     “This is not a political gathering but an opportunity to celebrate His Excellency, the governor of Abia State. We are proud of his achievements and grateful for his efforts,” Anyaso stated, emphasizing that Otti’s leadership transcends political affiliations.

     The event drew an array of notable personalities, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate; Lagos State governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; business leaders; industry captains; and prominent figures from the entertainment and celebrity spheres. The gathering served as a platform to acknowledge Governor Otti’s contributions to Abia State’s development and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

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     Other speakers, including Ngozi Ekeoma, Managing Director of NEPAL Energies, UD Kalu, and Charles Ahize, also commended  Otti, emphasizing his transformative leadership within a short period.

    They agreed that such remarkable achievements deserved a grand reception.

     Governor Otti attributed his administration’s success to selecting the right people to work with, stressing that leadership’s influence extends beyond explicit instructions.

     He also addressed the persistent challenge of corruption, noting that it is difficult to combat if the leaders themselves are corrupt.

     Otto  reiterated his commitment to his vision for Abia State, refusing to be swayed by political opponents who spread false information.

     He noted that over 90-95% of Abia’s citizens are satisfied with his administration’s performance despite some opposition.

    “Some individuals’ only purpose is to blackmail and settle scores.

    They demand to be part of the government and threaten chaos when their demands are unmet,” Otti explained, expressing his readiness to face any opposition.

     Peter Obi also took the stage, beginning by thanking the Almighty God for bringing everyone together and expressing his gratitude to Chima Anyaso for hosting the event.

     He acknowledged the challenges of uniting people in the country and appreciated the attendees for their presence.

     He stated that the large turnout reflected belief in the governor’s good governance.

     He also emphasized the importance of opposition, suggesting that if no one is against you, it might indicate a problem, as opposition usually signals that one is doing well.

    Obi noted that it is the ordinary people—especially the market traders, not the elites—who can truly judge whether a leader is succeeding.

    “We must care for the poor and the market people, as they are the ones who will drive investment,” he urged. Reflecting on the role of leadership, Obi stressed that being an “excellency” isn’t about personal gain, but about doing what’s right for the people.

    He called on  the governor to ignore past instances of corruption, focusing instead on the future.

     Obi encouraged everyone to continue supporting Governor Otti and praised his efforts, particularly in road construction and improving schools for the benefit of everyday citizens.

     He concluded his speech by wishing blessings for the governor’s family and safety for all in attendance, reaffirming the importance of hard work, inclusivity, and opportunities for everyone.

  • Otti announces plans to employ 2,500 teachers in Abia

    Otti announces plans to employ 2,500 teachers in Abia

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti has announced massive recruitment of teachers for the basic and post-basic schools in Abia state.

    The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu during a media chat at the State Government House in Umuahia, the state capital said that the 2,500 teachers to be employed across the state were to fill vacancies already existing in the school system.

    “The state government has also concluded plans for massive employment of teachers in the state for both primary and secondary schools. This of course is another pointer to how important this sector is to the governor,” Prince Kanu stated.

    Prince Kanu equally announced that the government has commenced the full implementation of the out-of-school children policy informing that school marshals have been appointed to work with the harmonized task force in the state to achieve the objective of the government in that regard.

    He noted that having commenced compulsory free education for pupils and students of basic education, there was a need to ensure the out-of-school children policy was made effective.

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    The Information Commissioner also announced that the government has introduced mathematics clinics for students in examination classes of JSS 3 and SS3 which will be held on Tuesday and Thursday of every week between the hours of 7-7:45.00 am to fully realize the STEM policy of the present administration.

    “The Abia state Ministry of Basic Education has fully commenced with the enforcement of the Out of School Children Policy initiative with the appointment of Education Marshalls.

    “Also to strengthen its programme for our schools the state government has introduced a Mathematics Clinic that would run from Tuesdays through Thursdays to enhance the teaching of Mathematics.

    “Mathematics we know is very basic to the realisation of the STEM subjects. STEM subjects involve Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics and Mathematics is the bedrock for the development of science and technology,” Prince Kanu maintained.

    Contributing, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi stressed the essence of quality education and said that it cannot be achieved without teachers.

    “There is no way we can talk about quality education without teachers. In our schools, we don’t have a sufficient number of teachers to handle most of the subjects.

    “Before now, there have been speculations all over the place about the employment of teachers. It is now, within the week we are going to make public the modalities.

    “It is not going to be a process where you bring your application to the Ministry or whoever. We are going to have a platform where we do it online.

    According to Elder Ubochi, enforcement of the free and compulsory basic education policy of the state government is essential as education is pertinent to Dr. Alex Otti led administration.

    “To make this work, the Ministry established what we called ‘Education Marshalls’. They will work like a task force but not in the same modality.

    “The essence of setting up this group is to move around during school hours, any child that is of school age seen around will be picked up, not to be beaten or embarrassed but be taken to the school nearest to him or her.

    “But before he or she is taken to the school, we will use the child to locate the parents or guardians or whoever has been keeping the child and we will be able to find out why he is holding back the child from going to school,” Ubochi clarified.

    He equally explained that the reason for the STEMS education programme is that the government wants to build confidence in the external examination or certificate class students of JSS 3 and SS 3.

    He said they would be resuming classes from 7,00 am before the normal school period commences and that they would be learning Mathematics from seasoned teachers in the morning and extend of closure time from 2 pm to 4 pm for other science subjects such as Biology and Physics, Chemistry and English.

  • Otti assures adequate compensation for airport project land owners

    Otti assures adequate compensation for airport project land owners

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured that the state government would adequately compensate land owners of the proposed federal government planned airport project in the state.

    Otti also commended the people of Nsulu in Isiala Ngwa North local government area of the state and their spirit of commitment and sincerity of purpose in identifying with the plans and purposes of his administration in making sure that the airport project kickstarted in their community was completed on schedule.

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    Governor Otti who made the commendation at Government House Umuahia, during an enlarged meeting with Nsulu Airport Communities Landowners Forum, said the meeting was necessary in order to carry the landowners along in the quest to actualise the Abia Airport project.

    The governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his magnanimity in making sure that the airport was brought to Abia, adding that a lot of sacrifices was expected from the host communities and major stakeholders towards the timely realisation of the project.

  • Abia Airport ‘ll not be abandoned – Otti

    Abia Airport ‘ll not be abandoned – Otti

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Thursday said the Abia Airport project would be completed on schedule.

    Speaking to newsmen after a meeting of the state government with Nsulu Airport Communities Landowners Forum in Umuahia, Otti said the government had taken several steps to ensure the project would not be abandoned.

    The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, expressed the resolve of the government to constantly engage host communities to secure their “productive collaboration” towardvthe project.

    “There is need for us to make sure that  host communities are carried along and that is why we are here and had a number of meetings with individual host communities and also collectively.

    “Also, what you are seeing here is a collection of the host communities, and they are the people representing the landowners.

    “We have tried to underscore the need to move forward in order to make sure that the project is actualised and completed on schedule.

    “There is no doubt that all of us here  are on the same page in terms of the relevance and importance of this project to Abia.”

    He said  the government had taken into cognisance, the fact that a project of this magnitude would require a lot of sacrifice from host communities.

    “We have been able to touch base with them, also to seek their productive collaboration to make sure that within the space that has been projected for the completion of this airport work continues,” he said.

    Otti thanked President Bola Tinubu for giving his approval for the siting of an airport in the state and for choosing Nsulu as a place for it.

    He also thanked the people of Nsulu for their commitment to his  administration’s agenda to ensure  that every project initiated in Abia would be completed.

    Otti restated the commitment of the government to adopting ongoing engagement with genuine landowners until the successful completion of the airport project.

     “It has been a very productive meeting, and we have agreed that this meeting will continue and this engagement will continue till the project is finally completed.

    “We have also on the same platform that the cutting of the traces must be completed to ensure that we identify the genuine landowners.

    “We have agreed that after that is done, enumeration will continue and adequate compensation will be paid.

    “We also agreed that Abia indigenes, especially Nsulu people, will have the right to work and benefit from the project, so the first right of employment will be extended to Nsulu people.

    “Also, we are on the same page that as earmarked, the project will not be abandoned, he said.

    Responding, a representative of the Forum, Chief Uzo Azubuike, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.

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    Azubuike charged those, whom he described as intruders, to steer clear of  the project to enable state government identify the real land owners for enumeration and payment of adequate compensation.

    He thanked the government for making the first adjustments by reducing the size of the area intended for use of  the project.

    Azubuike, also pleaded with the  government to further consider reducing the size of the land mass already earmarked for the airport project.

    Azubuike, further, said that this was necessary for survival of the communities, predominantly made up of farmers.

    He expressed determination of the host communities to continually support the government to facilitate the realisation of the project.

    (NAN)

  • Otti signs 2025 Abia State appropriation bill into law

    Otti signs 2025 Abia State appropriation bill into law

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has signed the 2025 Abia State Appropriation Bill which was earlier passed by the Abia State House of Assembly, has been signed into Law.

    Otti signed the bill into today, Friday, December 27.

    Present during the signing were, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Clerk of the House of Assembly, Mr. John Pedro Irokansi and some other members of the House and appointees of the Governor.

    A statement from Gov. Otti’s special adviser on Media, Ferdinand Ekeoma has it that, “With the signing of the Appropriation Bill by the State Chief Executive, the state is expected to witness massive development in different areas of the economy as the Governor had earlier assured that the government would use the 2025 budget to break new grounds while consolidating on the visible achievements his government has recorded so far.”

    The Governor had disclosed that his desire to build a robust economy and a prosperous state, saw him prioritise areas like the Education Sector, Health, Job Creation, Infrastructure etc

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    “Given the solid foundation which the Otti led-government has laid in the last 18 months, and which has been attracting accolades from different quarters, analysts are of the opinion that the state would be one of the fastest developing states in the country, if his government sustains the present tempo being witnessed in different areas of governance.

    “It would be recalled that the Governor had earlier in the month of December presented a budget sum of Seven hundred and fifty billion, two hundred and eighty two million, two hundred thousand naira only (N750, 282, 200, 000.00) for the 2025 financial year.

    “The figure which represents about 30% increase in the 2024 budget figures and has the sum of N611.7 billion which represents 82% of the entire budget dedicated to Capital projects, further explains Governor Otti’s audacious desire and determination to turn around the economic fortunes of the state by prioritising capital projects which would have the propensity to speed up development in the state.”

  • Otti approves N250,000 monthly stipends for Abia traditional rulers

    Otti approves N250,000 monthly stipends for Abia traditional rulers

    • Debunks N25,000 Christmas package for state civil servants

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has approved N250,000 monthly stipends to traditional rulers in the state.

    This was disclosed by the leadership of Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.

    The Traditional Rulers’ Council while expressing gratitude to Governor Otti said that the payment would be uniform.

    In a release endorsed on behalf the Traditional Rulers in the state, the Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah commended Governor Otti and described his relationship with Ndi Eze Abia State as unprecedented, saying that no former governor in the state has honoured the traditional institution like the way Dr. Otti has done.

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    According to Eze Linus Nto Mbah, the royal fathers equally saluted Governor Alex Chioma Otti for approving a special Christmas package of N150, 000 to each of them to support their Christmas in addition to the monthly stipend.

    While praying God to give Governor Otti good health, sound mind, resources, more grace and wisdom to continue to pilot the affairs the new Abia which every part of the state is already enjoying, Eze Mbah reassured Governor Alex Otti that the royal fathers are committed to assisting him in ensuring peace and tranquility reigned supreme in their domains and in dealing with criminal elements in their areas.

    Meanwhile, the state governor has debunked approving N25,000 Christmas cash grant to civil servants in the state.

    A statement signed by Ukoha Kalu Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to governor Otti, described the rumour as a scam, adding that it was a deliberate attempt to deceive and scam unsuspecting members of the public.

    “There is a circulating SCAM Post about a N25,000 Christmas Cash Grant from Governor Alex Otti.

    “The post is a deliberate criminal attempt to deceive and scam the unsuspecting public.

    “The General Public is hereby advised to ignore the scam as the Law Enforcement Agencies have been alerted to Investigate and Apprehend the Fraudsters.

    “All Social Investment, Welfare and Intervention Programmes of the Governor and Government of Abia State are published on the Official Website of Abia State Government.”

  • Days of unmerited promotion of civil servants over in Abia -Otti

    Days of unmerited promotion of civil servants over in Abia -Otti

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has assured that no civil servant in the state’s civil service without passing through the normal process.

    Governor Otti, speaking during the December edition of his monthly media chat with journalists and Abians held at the State’s Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, the state capital stated that, under his watch, promotion of civil servants would be based on merit.

    This is coming on the heels of mass failure recorded during the just concluded promotion/confirmation examination conducted by the state government for its workers.

    “If you sit for an examination and you probably didn’t prepare very well, there are greater chances that you will fail than you will pass.

    “I have also gotten feedback from some of the people who took the exams to say that in the past everyone who took the exams will pass, but everyone cannot pass this time.

    “The directive that they should go and sit for the exam once again is the right direction.

    “But I am not too sure that we are where we will ask anybody to leave because you didn’t pass, you may just be where you are until you Pass” the governor said.

    Governor Otti said the security architecture of the state is being rejigged to nip in the bud completely, the new trend of crime in some parts of the state, assuring Abians coming home for the yuletide of adequate security.

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    The state chief executive who informed that he had on Tuesday  presented the 2025 budget estimate to the State House of Assembly amounting to N750 billion reiterated that about 82 percent of the budget is for capital expenditure while about 18 percent would go on recurrent expenditure.

    “Some people have made comments about the size of the budget. When you look at the size in absolute terms, it would look high, but if the budget size with over 30 percent  inflation and exchange rate depreciation, then the difference is not even as much as it looks

    “The important thing is that every budget is an aspiration. It is an aspiration that is founded on logic.

    “Budgets entrusted become the budget realistic and at the end of the day you would have implemented it. It is all about planning.” Otti explained.

  • Gov. Otti awards ₦150m business grants to best 150 graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic

    Gov. Otti awards ₦150m business grants to best 150 graduates of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has demonstrated his commitment to empowering graduates and revitalizing education in the state by awarding ₦150 million in business grants to the top 150 graduates of the Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba (formerly Abia State Polytechnic). 

    Speaking at the 19th–21st combined convocation ceremony of the institution, Governor Otti emphasized his administration’s focus on producing graduates who can become employers of labor rather than job seekers. He announced a N1 million grant for each of the best 150 graduates—50 from each graduating set—urging recipients to submit business proposals by December 31, 2024, via the designated email address, oggh@abiastate.gov.ng. 

    The governor reiterated his dedication to education by revealing that 20% of the state’s 2025 budget would be allocated to the sector, matching the allocation in 2024. He attributed the ongoing improvements in the state’s public education institutions to this strategic funding. 

    “Our focus on education has resulted in the retrofitting of primary and secondary schools across the state, capacity development for over 2,000 teachers, and prompt payment of salaries and allowances to teaching and non-teaching staff,” he stated. “We’ve also addressed the outstanding salary arrears inherited from previous administrations.” 

    Governor Otti highlighted his government’s payment of N5 billion in accumulated counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) earlier this year. He noted that UBEC had committed to releasing over N10 billion to further support education in the state. 

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    He also assured attendees that the polytechnic’s internal road network would be reconstructed to improve the campus environment and disclosed that his administration had begun clearing salary arrears owed to the institution’s staff, including those no longer on the payroll. 

    The convocation marked a celebration of excellence, with Governor Otti affirming his vision for an education system that nurtures entrepreneurship and self-reliance.

    Explaining the decision to rename the institution after Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Governor Otti described him as an icon of excellence and dignity, adding that the move was intended to inspire future generations of students. 

    The event saw the polytechnic’s Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Stanley Egege, pledge to continue advancing the institution’s technological and entrepreneurial focus, while the Rector, Dr. Christopher Okoro, highlighted achievements such as the introduction of new programs, including Artificial Intelligence, and progress toward accrediting 16 additional courses. 

    The ceremony celebrated 6,621 graduates, comprising 3,138 National Diploma recipients and 3,483 Higher National Diploma recipients. 

    Governor Otti, accompanied by state and federal lawmakers, commissioners, and other dignitaries, also inaugurated new projects at the institution, including a perimeter fence for the Osisioma Campus, the renovated Rector’s Lodge, and the reconstructed main gate.