Abia @34: Gov Otti reaffirms commitment to building a new Abia, urges prayers for founding fathers

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his determination to build a “New Abia” that reflects the collective aspirations of its people. The governor made this pledge in a statewide broadcast titled “Continuing Journey in Faith and Discovery,” to mark the 34th anniversary of the state’s creation.

Dr. Otti urged Abians to spare a moment to thank the state’s founding fathers, most of whom have passed on, for their foresight and courage in creating a distinct homeland defined by resilience, entrepreneurship, and optimism.

“Abia is a unique place, endowed not only with an abundance of human talent but also rich mineral resources. Our environmental, social, and cultural realities support multiple economic ventures including agriculture, trade, manufacturing, tourism, and artistic enterprises,” the governor said.

He expressed pride in the progress achieved since Abia’s creation in 1991, despite challenges along the way, noting the global impact of Abians who have excelled in various fields.
Governor Otti, however, stressed that what has been achieved so far is only “a scratch on the surface” compared to the state’s full potential.

“As we reflect on how far we have come, it is time to ask soul-searching questions about how we can rise to the demands of true greatness. We can no longer afford mediocrity. History teaches that development is driven by the determination of ordinary men and women to demand more from themselves and push boundaries,” he said.

The governor urged citizens to recommit to values of excellence, industry, and good neighbourliness, noting that “the torch has been passed to us, and we must make the light shine brighter.”

He challenged Abians to take responsibility for the state’s future by paying taxes, participating in civic affairs, and supporting government efforts to make Abia truly the “Number One State.”

Reviewing his administration’s performance over the past 27 months, Otti said the state has moved the “development needle in the right direction,” prioritising public interest over parochial gains.

“While we may not hit the bull’s eye on every metric, one assurance I can give is that we will never renege on our promise to build a state that works for its people. Things are looking up on every social and economic indicator,” he stated.

According to him, young Abians can now apply for public sector jobs with confidence that recruitment will be based on merit, regardless of origin or political affiliation. He said the government is creating pathways for fulfilling careers through technical training and human capacity development, while restructuring education to align with the demands of the modern economy.

Otti highlighted major strides in road construction, describing the ongoing works as unprecedented in scale and impact. He said new road networks are opening up communities, expanding business opportunities, and boosting agriculture, real estate, and transportation.

On security, the governor reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on crime: “No inch of Abia territory shall be safe for those who traffic in violence. It is either you change your ways or leave and never return.”

The governor emphasised that people remain the centrepiece of his administration’s policies, focusing on health, education, and welfare. He clarified that government’s role is not to solve all societal problems but to remove obstacles to productivity and create an enabling environment for private sector growth.

“Our greatest treasure lies in the intellect and creative spirit of our people. This is our moment in the sun, and it is our responsibility to make it count,” Otti declared.

He congratulated Abians for their resilience and progress over the years, assuring that his government will not slow down in its quest to make Abia a model state in Nigeria.