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Tag: Dr. Alex Otti

  • Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Otti honours Abia-born Super  Falcons on historic WAFCON triumph

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has celebrated three Super Falcons of Abia origin following Nigeria’s historic victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where the Falcons defeated hosts Morocco in Rabat to clinch a record-extending 10th continental title.

    The players hosted by the Governor were Miracle Usani Ofem of Abia Angels FC, Christy Ucheibe of Benfica Ladies (represented by her father), and Esther Okoronkwo of AFC Toronto, Canada.

    Speaking during the reception held on Tuesday, December 23, Governor Otti expressed deep appreciation to the players for projecting Abia State and Nigeria positively on the continental stage.

    “I just want to thank you for bringing honour and pride to this State and our Nation. We are very happy that you emerged champions. Abia State is a State of champions,” the Governor said.

    Governor Otti explained that the state had initially planned to receive the players earlier, but tight schedules prevented the meeting. He reaffirmed his administration’s belief in celebrating excellence to inspire others.

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    “We like to celebrate people who have done well so that others can emulate them and even want to do better. As you perform better, be assured that we are also going to celebrate you,” he assured.

    The Governor also disclosed that the victorious Falcons would receive a “handsome reward package,” to be conveyed through the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.

    Earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, praised Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to sports development and thanked him for honouring the Abia-born champions and rewarding excellence.

    Similarly, Chairman of Abia Angels FC, Mr. Johnson Nwosu, described the occasion as historic, noting the club’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s elite women’s teams under the current administration.

    Responding on behalf of the players, Usani thanked the Governor for his support and hospitality, describing the reception as a great honour. The event was attended by top government officials and political leaders across the state.

  • Otti presents N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill to Abia Assembly

    Otti presents N1.016 trillion Appropriation Bill to Abia Assembly

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, yesterday proposed N1.016 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year tagged “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities”.

    The appropriation bill which  earmarked 80 percent for capital projects, was presented on the floor of the State House of Assembly in Umuahia.

    Governor Otti said the proposal reflected his administration’s determination to “drive rapid socioeconomic growth and unlock new opportunities” across the state.

    Giving a breakdown of the proposed sum, Otti said “N811.8 billion (80%) is dedicated to capital expenditure, a 32% increase from 2025. N204.4 billion (20%) is for recurrent spending, reflecting expanded personnel obligations and administrative needs.”

    Education retained the highest priority with 20% of the budget (N203.2 billion).

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    The funds, according to Gov Otti will cover salaries for 15,000 teachers, construction of 17 model primary/secondary schools, three technical colleges, and ICT labs and staff quarters in over 100 schools.

    Tertiary institutions like Abia State University, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, and Arochukwu College of Education, will share N52.8 billion for salaries, hostels, lecture theatres, and upgrades, the governor said.

    “Health receives N149.7 billion (15%), targeting renovation of 7 general hospitals, provision of critical equipment for ABSUTH and 23 other health centres, and manpower development.

    “The government also reserved N169.3 billion (16.7%) for aggressive road infrastructure. Key road projects include: Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road;

    Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende Road; Nkata-Amaeke Road; Agbo-Umueze-Mbom Road; Umuoji, Mgboko, and Amauzukwu-Mbom roads, among others,” he added.

    According to the governor, his  administration will invest N11.1 billion in public transport, with N6 billion set aside for 80 additional electric buses and completion of modular transport terminals.

    On energy, the governor announced that Abia has acquired electricity distribution assets outside the Aba ring-fenced zone, adding that it was advancing its push for energy independence through ASERA and the new State Electricity Law.

    “The state is projecting a total revenue of N607.2 billion from both internal and external sources, including N223.4 billion IGR; N83.2 billion FAAC; N67.1 billion VAT;

    N26.5 billion grants, and  N168 billion other federal inflows.

    “This leaves a N409 billion deficit, to be financed through concessional loans exclusively for capital projects.

    “Not a penny shall be borrowed to fund recurrent expenditure,” Otti assured lawmakers, reaffirming his administration’s strict fiscal discipline.

    On the achievements of his administration, Otti said over 600km of roads have been built or rehabilitated since 2023, adding that key hospitals were restored with about 200 primary health centres refurbished.

    He also listed the recruitment of 771 health workers and over 5,000 teachers, saying there were plans to engage 4,000 more.

    “A doubling of school enrolment following free and compulsory basic education; 120,000 residents enrolled in state health insurance since April.

    “Abia ranked the most prepared state for health emergency response in Nigeria; a significant rise in internally generated revenue (IGR), projected to hit N100 billion by year-end…

    The governor thanked the 8th Assembly for its cooperation and pledged continued transparency and accountability.

    “We remain committed to building an Abia where dreams are revived, institutions work, and every community feels the impact of governance,” he said.

  • Abia 2027: Ukwa East endorses Otti for second term

    Abia 2027: Ukwa East endorses Otti for second term

    Stakeholders from different political parties, traditional rulers, the clergy, women and leaders of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia state have unanimously passed a vote of Confidence On the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, following his tremendous infrastructural development across all sectors of the state. 

    The people who took the decision at the end of an enlarged stakeholders meeting at the council’s headquarters at Akwete, affirmed their total support for the state Governor to complete all his good works in the state. 

    After an exhaustive deliberation on the administration in the past two years and three months, they expressed satisfaction that by the time the governor completes his first tenure in office that the state would witness an unprecedented infrastructural turnaround never witnessed since the creation of the state. 

    The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by Ken Okere, a two-term commissioner at the Abia State lndependent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) and seconded by Chief Israel Nwahunanya, a former Local Government Chairman of the People’s Democratic party (PDP) and later, state treasurer of the same party

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    The people commended Otti for the ongoing construction of both the Ohanku and the Obohia roads of Aba which leads to Ukwaeast Local Government Area and appealed to the Governor to ensure that both roads are not abandoned but terminates at the aforementioned towns of Ukwa East Local Government Area to open up the Area and give the people a sense of belonging in the Present Government. 

    The Chairman of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia state, Chibunna Akara, highlighted the developmental strides already achieved by the state government and the council since the inception of his administration in November last year.

    He recalled that his administration had on assumption of office embarked on various road grading and rehabilitation including the renovation of various buildings within the council.

    He said the council also sponsored many students in the last Junior and Senior Secondary schools WAEC Examinations while over thirty Youths of the council have been trained in Digital Skill Acquisitions and empowered to be on their own and that additional 50 youths will soon be shortlisted for the next tranch of the programme which remains ongoing in this administration to ensure that the Youths are gainfully engaged. 

    The chairman also stated that the local government has enjoyed peace since the inception of the present administration with a proactive synergy adopted with the security Agencies and the Local Vigilante organisations. 

    Akara also disclosed that there is an ongoing construction of solar water projects across the ten electoral wards of the council with six of them already completed.

    He said the state government has earmarked twenty schools for reconstruction across the ten wards of the council including the construction of Ultra Modern High Court at Akwete, and the ongoing construction and renovation of ten Health centres across the ten wards of the council and called on the people to continue to support the administration of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti whom he said meant well for the council and the entire state as a whole. 

    The people of the area who spoke through many leaders also commented on some other problems of the council which includes lack of Electricity and Boundary Challenges and called on the council Chairman to relay their challenges to the Governor for positive response. They, however praised the Mayor of the Council, Hon. Chibunna Akara for the peace that the Local Government has enjoyed since he became the chairman and urged him to sustain his strategy. 

    The people also agreed to set up different committees to look into the various challenges of the council and proffer a lasting solution that would positively impact on the lives of the people of the area.

    Speaking at the occasion, the state commissioner for lnformation, Prince Okey Kanu who hails from the Area assured the people that the two roads of Obohia and Ohanku currently ongoing from Aba will be completed by the State Government and that both roads will terminate at Ukwa East local Government Area towns. 

    He also disclosed that the state Government will also embark soon on another road that would cut across many other villages in council through RAMP while the state Government has also concluded plans to commence the construction of a General Hospital at Ohanku village of the council. 

    The commissioner assured the people that the council will be adequately carried along in the developmental programmes of the state Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti whom he described as caring and sensitive to the plight of the people of the state irrespective of where you come from and also called for a sustained support of the people for the Present administration. 

    Other speakers included Lewis Obianyi, representing Ukwa East state constituency in the State House of Assembly, HRH Eze Ikeagwuchi Ekeke, Lady Dr. Ngozi Nwagbara, immediate past Mayor of the council and currently a Commissioner at the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Chika Emuchay, former commissioner for Health in the State, Special Adviser to the Governor, Mrs Matilda Anyamele, Chief Uche Sunday Aja, (Odereoha) a former Transistion Committee Chairman of the council who also moderated the occasion.

    They commended Akara for convening such a high profile gathering of stakeholders of the council irrespective of political affiliations saying that that was the first of it’s kind in the council and called on him to sustain same where the people will always meet to rub minds for the general well-being and development of the council.

  • Avoid bringing shame to Abia, Otti charges intending pilgrims

    Avoid bringing shame to Abia, Otti charges intending pilgrims

    The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged intending pilgrims from the state to avoid attracting shame to the state as they join their counterparts to participate in this year’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

     This is as the state has announced that it has commenced the screening of intending pilgrims for the 2025 Christian pilgrimage.

    Otti, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kenneth Kalu equally advised them to be good ambassadors of the state.

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     Flagging off the screening in Umuahia, the state capital, Otti emphasized the need for intending pilgrims to shun every behavior that could attract shame to the state but focus on their religious mission.

    Otti lamented that the Abia contingents had not participated in the pilgrimage for the past few years, explaining that it was the value placed on the trip that made his administration reactivate the sponsorship of pilgrims.

    The governor pointed out that the reduction in the number of those to be sponsored was necessitated by other competing needs in the state.

     Earlier, Chairman of Abia State Christian Pilgrims Board, Emmanuel Agomuo, encouraged every person who would be successful in the screening to be a good ambassador of Abia while in Israel.

    He, however, informed the intending pilgrims that filling of forms was not an automatic guarantee that they would make the trip, rather only those successfully screened.

  • My administration is focused on building critical Abia economic sector – Otti

    My administration is focused on building critical Abia economic sector – Otti

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says his administration is focused on improving critical sectors of the economy including infrastructure, healthcare, power, and education, among others.

    Otti stated this while he received in audience, the President of the Diaspora Alliance, Rev. Emmanuel Ihim who came in the company of the Archbishop of the Methodist Church, Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzor Okpoko.

    Otti informed his administration’s investment in education and revealed that 20% of the 2024 and 2025 budgets were allocated to the sector in addition to the introduction of free and compulsory as well as the ongoing recruitment exercise for 5000  teachers as a deliberate approach to rebuild the sector, aligned with the Diaspora Alliance’s call for focused leadership and reaffirmed his belief that leadership should be rooted in integrity and the fear of God.

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    The governor assured that his administration was just getting started and pledged that more transformative policies would be implemented to improve the lives of Abians.

    The State Chief Executive revealed that his administration had identified three locations for the establishment of the proposed Diaspora City in the State; a project aimed at creating a modern, world-class residential and business hub for Abians in the diaspora.

    He said that the State is in the process of selecting the most suitable site among the three locations identified, adding that the Abia Diaspora City would feature state-of-the-art amenities to ensure the project meets the high standard of living for both residents and investors.

    “We are already working on the Diaspora City. Actually, we want it to be a place where you and I can live.

    “We have identified locations, about three of them, and are in the process of choosing one where all the amenities that you can think of are available.

    “I am sure that in a few months, we would come out to announce it but it has been in the works,” Otti stated.

  • NUP to Abia Gov: Reverse decision not to pay 45 months pension arrears, gratuities

    NUP to Abia Gov: Reverse decision not to pay 45 months pension arrears, gratuities

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to rescind the decision scrapping the payment of 45 months pension arrears and gratuities owed to retirees in the state.

    The union made the appeal in a letter signed by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal and addressed to Otti.

    The NUP leadership acknowledged Governor Otti’s commitment to pensioners by ensuring prompt payment of monthly pensions since June 2023 but noted that a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the state government and the Abia State NUP Council, was done in error and has generated discontent among retirees.

    The NUP urged the governor to set aside the agreement and order a review.

    “The union officials signed the MOU in error, but with genuine intention and not to discredit your administration in any way,” part of the letter stated.

    NUP insists that pension payments and gratuities should not be tampered with to the detriment of retirees, as provided for in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

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    “Majority of pensioners disagree to forgo their legitimate entitlements because there was no consent among the members to waive their hard-earned rights,” the union added.

    The union appealed to Governor Otti to pay the balance of the 45 months wiped out and ensure the payment of the forgone gratuities.

    The NUP added; “We appeal to you to accept our plea and completely re-examine the earlier areas of pensions paid to the retirees in percentage and pay the remaining balance.

    “It is on record that before your administration came to power, Abia State pensioners were virtually not paid their monthly entitlements and at some point, they were even paid in percentage, which is against the extant law that guarantees payment of pension as a right and not a privilege.”

  • Abia gov kick starts construction of modern court halls in 17 LGAs

    Abia gov kick starts construction of modern court halls in 17 LGAs

    The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has flagged off the construction of model court buildings across the 17 local government areas of the state.

    Speaking while performing the foundation laying ceremony at the Umuene Magistrate Court, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state, Otti said that the modern court buildings would be replicated across the remaining 16 LGAS of the state.

    The governor noted that the project speaks volumes of his commitment to building a community with access to justice, assuring that he would work with the judiciary and other stakeholders to build an ecosystem where justice is the order of the day.

    He stated that the project was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to institute an effective judicial system that responds to the 21st-century demands of judicial service delivery.

    “What we have gathered to witness is not just about the erection of new blocks of courtrooms from where those who work in the temple of justice can perform their day-to-day activities.

    “We have come to fulfill a major campaign promise that under our watch, centres of justice administration in the state shall have a more functional appeal.

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    “This project is in line with our vision of working closely with the judicial arm of government to create robust channels for the speedy dispensation of justice.

    “This initiative is anchored on the common understanding that access to justice is an irreducible minimum in a democracy,” Otti stated.

    The State Chief Executive assured that the project would be delivered as scheduled, warning that he would not accept short falls from the designed work while maintaining that mechanisms have been put in place to monitor the work.

    Otti charged the host community to ensure that the court halls and all the facilities to be provided are not vandalized.

  • Otti visits families of slain policemen, vows to fish out perpetrators

    Otti visits families of slain policemen, vows to fish out perpetrators

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has visited the families of policemen who were attacked in Aba by unknown assailants and commiserated with them over the unfortunate incident.

    Four policemen were involved in the attack at Opobo road axis of Aba yesterday evening where two policemen lost their lives and two others were wounded by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.

    Speaking to journalists after the visit to the families of the victims and hospitals where the two wounded policemen were receiving treatment, Otti described it as unfortunate.

    He vowed that his government would fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and regretted that the attack was coming a few weeks after a similar incident that involved soldiers and assured that there would be a change in strategy to deal with it.

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    “We thought that with all that we have done including rounding up some of the people that were involved in that last attack  this would not happen again.

    “We have decided to change our strategy. We do not want to speculate but like you (journalist) rightly asked, it is reasonable to suspect that the enemies of the state, particularly those who don’t seem to see any good or want any good for Abia people may be somehow connected to this. That’s a suspicion.

     “We are not going to let this go away without identifying and bringing to book all those who are directly or remotely involved,” Otti said.

    Otti said he believes that by the time investigations are over and all the intelligence that is being gathered is put together, the government would know actually where the attacks are coming from.

    He emphasised that his government would not succumb to the blackmail.

    “We believe that something is wrong and our government is not going to succumb to this kind of blackmail and we are going to fish them out wherever they run to.

    “It is still early days but as I said, we’ve started picking up some of the people that were suspected to be involved in the last attack on soldiers and this one we are not going to allow it to die. We are going to follow it through,” Otti said.

    The state chief executive, who was with the state Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police, reassured the security agencies that the state government was behind them.

    He equally reassured the people of the state that his administration was equal to the task and urged them to go about their lawful businesses, adding that the security agencies are intensifying efforts to ensure people in the state are secured.

    “The people know that this government will not rest on its oars and everybody goes about their businesses.

    “We don’t want people to panic, we don’t want people to be discouraged. We are equal to the task.”

  • Otti begs NDDC minister to mobilise contractors to sites

    Otti begs NDDC minister to mobilise contractors to sites

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has requested the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to mobilise their contractors to site, to complete abandoned projects being executed by the ministry and agency across the state.

    The governor spoke when he received the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Abubakar Momoh, and his team, called on him while in Abia to inspect roads and other projects by the Ministry and the NDDC.

    Otti attributed the primary reason for abandoned projects initiated by the NDDC to outstanding debts owed contractors and urged the Minister to assist in resolving the payment issues.

    “Abia State is a major beneficiary of abandoned NDDC projects, and there is one, just around here (in Isialangwa South) that goes all the way to the Expressway. The reason for abandonment was that they (the contractors) were being owed, since 2018.

    “I am sure that the details can be provided for you to get them to come back to work.

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    “There are others around Umuahia, around Aba, and if we can get them to come back to work, I would appreciate it, but the major issue is about payment.

    “Sometimes in the past, it was like a herculean task to get paid when handling NDDC projects, so if you can look into it, you can get a lot of the projects that were abandoned back to life,”  Otti said.

    The Governor said both the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC were important to Abia State. He expressed his appreciation to the Minister for visiting Abia to see things for himself.

    Earlier in his speech, the Minister said he and his team were in Abia to inspect projects by the Ministry of  Niger Delta Affairs and the NDDC.

    He lauded Governor Otti for the huge infrastructural development and improved security situation witnessed in Abia within a short period of his assumption of office, and appealed to him to continue to make peace in the state and region a top priority for the economic prosperity of the people.

    He said the Ministry of Niger Delta is not in competition with the NDDC states but would collaborate with them to achieve meaningful development, adding that there should be a robust relationship between the two to achieve results.

  • 2019: Otti still in Abia governorship race, says Aide

    The Director, Media and Publicity of Alex Otti Campaign Organisation, Mr Kazie Uko says the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Dr. Alex Otti, has not stepped down from the race.

    In a statement he issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Sunday, Kazie stated that Otti “is still very much in the race.”

    He described the rumour that the former bank executive had stepped down for Mr Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress as unfounded.

    “The rumour is a false and deliberate attempt by desperate politicians to confuse the Abia electorate,” he stated.
    He, therefore, urged Abia people  to remain unshaken in their resolve to vote for Otti on March 9, in order to enthrone credible leadership in Abia.

    “We urge Abia indigenes not to be distracted by false rumours being spread by rejected and hopeless politicians and their collaborators,” Kazie further stated.

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    “Abia people should be rest assured that Otti is determined to win the March 9 election on the platform of APGA and will not trade that for anything.

    “Just like we did in 2015, APGA will win the 2019 election, this time with wider margin,” he also stated.

    NAN recalls that Mr Emeka Uwakolam, the Governorship Candidate of the Accord Party stepped down for Otti on March 1 and urged the party members and supporters to support the APGA candidate. (NAN)