Tag: Otti

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia says his administration has completed the reconstruction of 90 roads that were at different stages of dilapidation, when he assumed office.

Otti said this during his interaction with newsmen for the month of June at the Government House, Umuahia on Friday night.

He said: “All the 90 roads were done by our Ministry of Works by direct labour, and some of them fit into our Zero Pothole Policy.

“We have reconstructed and rebuilt and inaugurated 16 roads.

“We have also worked on another 16 roads at the moment and the total length of the 16 roads is about 165 kilometers running through the different senatorial districts of the state.”

The governor said that the State Government had awarded the “long abandoned and very difficult Ohanku Road”.

He described the road as very strategic, leading to various settlements in Aba.

He further said that the rigid pavement technology would be applied in fixing it.

“For those who have visited the area, I am sure that you would confirm that work has started on the road, so also a few other roads in Aba.

“We are very strategic about roads because we believe very strongly that access is key to a thriving economy.

“We have a plan to touch every road in every Local Government in the next 12 months.

“At the moment, we are compiling a list of the strategic roads that we will take on as we go into our second year,” he said.

Otti said that plans were underway to secure virement from the 2024 budget for road construction, because “it appears that we are running faster than our budget on roads”.

He said that this would enable the government to have enough money to work on more roads and give access to different communities in the state.

On healthcare, he expressed the determination of the government to evolve programmes and policies that would transform the health sector of the state.

Otti said that as part of its efforts, the government had commenced  the rehabilitation of general hospitals across the state.

He also said that the government was determined to rehabilitate the primary healthcare centers and it would be in batches in order to make the centers operational.

“Of course, the state University Teaching Hospital is on course, a lot of work needs to be done both in terms of infrastructure and the skills.

“i understand that 19 disciplines or areas have already received accreditation, we will continue to build on that,” he said.

The governor also spoke on what the government was doing on education, particularly the huge dilapidation of the public schools.

He said that his administration had started remodelling public schools in its resolve to improve educational standard to provide a conducive learning environment.

“We are not discouraged. We are just taking them in phases.

“We are not complaining but it is important that we remind ourselves where we are coming from and know that Rome was not built in a day.

“The most important thing is that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.

Also on agriculture, Otti said that the government had been paying a lot of attention to agriculture because of its desire to achieve food security in the state.

He said: “In the last one week, we had dispatched 300 persons of Abia origin to Nassarawa to do sophisticated mechanised agricultural training by CSS Farms, one of the leading farms in the country

“These 300 people were drawn from the 124 political wards, as the whole idea is that they would be able to train others as they come back.

“So, all these are geared toward achieving food security.”

Otti also said that the government was desirous to partner reputable organisations to boost the production of palm oil, rubber, cocoa, plantain and rice, amongst others.

On security, he said that the government takes security seriously and remains committed to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.

He expressed regrets over the killing of five soldiers in Aba on  May 30, describing the incident as dastardly and a breach in security.

He gave assurance that the government would leave no stone unturned to ensure that everyone connected with the killing was apprehended.

He said that the government had issued enough warnings and now resolved more than ever before to deal decisively with hoodlums, who refused to relocate out of the state.

Otti said that his administration had prioritised workers’ welfare, hence salaries were now paid on the 28th of every month.

According to him, other pending issues inherited from the previous administration, such as promotion and arrears of leave allowances, were being looked into.
(NAN)

Abia Governor Alex Otti has formally received the three rescued siblings abducted in Amaoba-Ime Oboro, Ikwuano local government area by a commercial motorcyclist.

 Gideon,8, Divine,6, and Israel 4 were abducted while returning home from school on May 10, 2024 by a commercial motorcyclist contracted by the grandmother to take them home.

Receiving the children with their parents and other well wishers at his residence in Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South local government area, the Governor thanked God and all those who worked hard to ensure their release.

He expressed joy the children have finally been reunited with their parents and admonished parents to be more careful about the safety and security of their children.

“I will like to also admonish parents to be more careful because this was avoidable. First of all, you should not hand over your children to people you do not know, be they Keke or Okada riders. 

Read Also: PDP chides Otti over alleged lack of accountability, transparency

“There is nothing you’re doing that is more important than looking after your children. That is my word to parents, grandparents and everybody who has something to do with one Abia child or another.

“It is very very important that we take their security, comfort and safety very seriously. 

“A lot of lessons have been learnt from this and I believe we shouldn’t let this kind of thing repeat itself,” he said.

He implored security operatives who took part in the rescue operations to follow through and ensure that everyone involved in the abduction was prosecuted and brought to book to serve as deterrence to others.

The Governor pledged that the government would support the rescued children in the best way that it deemed fit and recommended that communities go back to the positive culture of seeing all children as their own.

Narrating how the children were rescued, the Mayor of Ikwuano Comrade Osinachi Nwaka, said the rescue unfolded in three stages pointing out that he led the first operation in Ekwulobia Anambra State.

While describing the rescue as a remarkable triumph, Osinachi Nwaka saluted the unwavering commitment of the Governor and security agencies and commended Governor Otti for restoring safety and security in Abia.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd) lauded the optimism of the Governor which gingered the Mayor and others who participated in the operation and described him as a father.

Lending his voice, the member representing Ikwuano State Constituency Hon Boniface Isienyi said the rescue operation was not an easy task adding that it took God’s grace to make it possible.

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State has criticized the Labour Party (LP), under Governor Alex Otti, over the alleged lack of transparency and accountability in the current administration.

During a media chat on Thursday, June 13, the state chairman, Alwell Asiforo Okere emphasized the PDP’s commitment to championing the interests of citizens and advocating for a government that prioritizes their well-being.

Represented by Elder Abraham Amah, the acting Publicity Secretary and Vice Chairman of Abia North, Okere expressed gratitude to Abians who, through their courage, steadfastness, vigour, energy, and sacrifices, have secured the liberty enjoyed by citizens and Nigerians today.

He said: “We will not take their sacrifices for granted, and must continue to hold our leaders to account to ensure that their struggles are not in vain.”    

The PDP while reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the ideals of democracy and good governance in the state, said that they will not sit by idly, and watch the foundations of the democracy the party built in Abia to erode.

Amah said: “As a party, we are dedicated to upholding transparency and accountability in the conduct of government business. We reiterate our pledge to run a shadow government that will diligently scrutinise the actions of the current administration, holding them accountable for their promises and commitments to the people at all times. Sadly, the Otti-led administration has chosen to disregard calls for transparency and accountability.

“Our ceaseless call for transparency, especially in following due process and the letters of the Abia Public Procurement Act was prescient, judging from the historical antecedents of some major actors, and the recent allegations of massive fraudulent activities in the Ministry of Health, leading to the suspension of the Commissioner has vindicated us. We believe that scrutiny in other MDAs would reveal deeper rot in the system, and Abia Must not go in this direction.

Read Also: Governor Otti frowns over dilapidated NYSC camp structures in Abia

“Abia PDP remains vigilant and steadfast in our mission to serve the good people of Abia State with integrity and honesty. We stand ready to champion the interests of the citizens and advocate for a government that prioritises the well-being of all at all times.

“We call on the good people of Abia State to continue to hold the government to account and protect that which is very dear to our survival as a people; the democracy we fought for.

“As we continue with our forward march to the Promised Land, we urge the members of the PDP, the elders, and the good people of Abia State never to sleep or slumber and have faith in the ability of the PDP to always redirect the present government any time it fails to uphold the principles of democracy anchored on liberty, equity, justice, and fairness.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vowed to identify and bring to justice anyone directly or indirectly involved in the killing of five soldiers at Obikabia Junction last Thursday.

The governor made this pledge during a condolence visit to the headquarters of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Asa, Ukwa West LGA, where he offered his sympathies to the widows of the slain soldiers.

He said: “Let me start by sending out words of sympathy to the Nigerian Army, the Brigade Commander himself and most importantly the families of the five fallen heroes.

“It’s as if General Diya was with me at the last place that we went to where I had promised everybody that was listening to me that we will smoke out whoever is remotely connected to this killing, whoever they are, wherever they are, wherever they run to.”

He condemned the dastardly and irresponsible act committed by  criminals who want to destabilize the state and described it as very sad.

“We as a government will continue to condemn this dastardly act, a very irresponsible act committed by criminals who do not want any good for society.

“It’s very sad but then, it has happened and because it has happened, we will need to move on but we cannot move on without identifying those who are responsible”

He pledged to work closely with all security agencies in the state to ensure that no stone is left unturned to fish out the preparators and bring them to book.

“We are going to work like we have always done with security agencies particularly the intelligence unit of the security agencies to ensure that we leave no stone unturned” Gov Otti reassured.

Read Also: PWDS, CSOs urge Tinubu to appoint Tejuosho as humanitarian minister

Governor Otti disclosed that his government has placed 25 million Naira bounty on anyone with useful information that would lead to the apprehension of the criminals.

The state chief executive announced automatic scholarship for the deceased children up to university level and will also ensure that the scholarship is legalized by the state House of Assembly to ensure that successive governments continue in the trajectory.

Earlier, the Brigade commander 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General Olusola Diya said they were not relenting in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act, disclosing that they have been gathering intelligence to bring who ever that is directly or remotely connected to the killing to book.

He disclosed that two vehicles belonging to the Army were burnt, weapons carted away while 5 personnel lost their lives during the unfortunate attack.

The Speaker Abia House of Assembly Rt Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, senator Darlington Nwokocha, the Chief of staff to the Governor Pastor Caleb Ajagba among other government functionaries accompanied the Governor to the visit.1

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia on Wednesday inaugurated the reconstructed 3.5 kilometer six-lane Ossah Road, Umuahia, rechristening it Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road was renamed after the first Military Head of State, late Gen. Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi, who hailed from Ndume Ibeku Umuahia.

In a speech at the event held at Okpara Square, Umuahia, Otti said, “From today, this road will be named after a great Nigerian, a great Abia man, a great Ibeku man, his name is Gen. Johnson Thomas Umumnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi.

“So the street is Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Umuahia.”

He said that the reconstruction of the road from four lanes to six lanes commenced in September 2023.

He said that the project was embarked upon to enhance both vehicular movement and aesthetics of the capital city.

He said that he faced discouragement from different quarters, including the members of the State Executive Council, who
advanced reasons that the project would not be feasible.

He said that he remained committed to his resolve to transform the entire landscape of the state capital, despite the discouragement.

“I remember when we were sworn-in, one of the first things that I wanted to do was to expand this road and make it look like an approach to the state capital.

“Unfortunately, by the time I started engaging with my colleagues, a lot of them wanted to discourage me, they said it was going to be very difficult and that the compensation to be paid was going to be huge.

“Also, that there were some people who were going to raise serious resistance to moving their properties backwards,” he said.

Otti said that the inauguration of the road had set in motion the fulfillment of his vision of making Umuahia North Local Government Area to look like a proper capital city.

He also said that the expansion of the road affected 135 buildings and that the owners of the buildings were paid compensation in full before the project commenced.

“We sat down and we identified about 135 buildings that were going to be involved in this demolition and we valued them and put everything at the table and all of them agreed that they were good value for their properties.

“So, everyone whose property was affected received 100 per cent of their compensation before the programme commenced.

“I am happy to report that rather than using Police and Army to get those buildings out, the people of Ossah actually removed their buildings themselves,” Otti said.

He thanked the residents for their support toward the successful completion of the road.

“You have been supporting not just the ministry but also Craneburg Construction Company that was working tirelessly to ensure that what we agreed was what was delivered.

“So, today, we have invited you here to be part of the epoch-making inaugurarion to open this road up for public use,” the governor said.

In a speech, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, said that the present administration was executing projects that could have been achieved some 24 years ago under the past governments

“We at the National Assembly are happy with you and we say that the only reward for hard work is more work,” Onwusibe said.

Also, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, said that the road stretches 3.5 km long from the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to Okpara Square, Umuahia.

Oti said: “The pavement structure is superb, comprising 200 millimetre laterite soft base, 200 millimetre crushed stone base, 600 millimetre asphaltic concrete binder course and 40 millimeter asphaltic concrete wearing course.

“In addition, the existing drainage was demolished and the entire road lined on both sides with one meter by one meter covered concrete drains with paved drainage.

“Also, a two-meter wide elevated concrete sidewalks are provided on both sides and the entire road furnished with solar street lights and roadway marking.”

He said that the rigorous engineering processes utilised in rehabilitating the road were aimed at ensuring that a quality, solid and durable road would be delivered to the residents.

In a remark, Eze Emelike Chiabuotu of Eziama Mgbaja/Ossah Autonomous Community, expressed gratitude to the government for the rehabilitated road.

Read Also: Otti hosts NIPSS participants, promises gender-friendly policies

Chiabuotu said that this had further strengthened the trust of the people in the present administration.

The Transition Committee Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Victor Ikeji, described the road as an unprecedented move towards the achievement of urban renewal and development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also commissioned the construction of the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal.

He also unveiled the rehabilitated Michael Okpara Square, which accommodates the pedestal for the statue of the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr Michael Okpara.

NAN reports that the event was attended by the former Military Vice President, Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, who formally inaugurated the road.

(NAN)

Abia state governor, Alex Otti has assured that his administration will take the lead in ensuring that the ambition for an Abia Airport comes to fruition as soon as possible.

Governor Otti was speaking when he received in the audience a delegation from the Federal Ministry of Aviation led by the Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Meribeole.

Governor Otti, who expressed a desire to see an Abia Airport standing in the next one-year, noted that aside from locating land for the project, owners of the land have also been reached for timely take-off of the project.

Otti said: “One important thing about the airport is also location and so we now zeroed in on the place we are looking at the moment. We didn’t just identify the location, we went the extra mile of identifying the owners of the large land because it’s a huge parcel of land. We have already started a meeting with them.

“For us, we are in a hurry. I believe that all that is required to give you access, you will receive in record time. This is to assure you that we are more than ready and that everything you require you will receive.

“We hope that at least in the next one year, an airport will be standing. We don’t intend to complete everything in one year, but at least once we have the runway and the terminal building, the rest would come from time to time.”

Governor Otti used the forum to thank President Bola Tinubu for consenting to set up an Airstrip for the state and for accommodating the same in the 2024 budget.

He also appreciated the minister of aviation, Festus Keyamo, and his team for being on the same page with him in envisioning an Airport for Abia as soon as possible.

Read Also: Otti to security operatives: fish out okada rider who ‘kidnapped’ siblings in Abia

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Emmanuel Meribeole while acknowledging the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti towards a better Abia, said that they are in the state to ensure that the land approved for the project is in alignment.

He said that part of the delegation are experts from FAAN, AEROSPACE, NEMA, and NEIMET among others, noting that they are starting with Airstrip as already approved by the federal government.

Meribeole while acknowledging the fact that an Airport project is capital intensive said that the advantage of having an Airport cannot be over-emphasized as it will lead to job creation, promotion of commerce, revenue generation, and even development of the state.