By Izuchukwu Nwokoma
The Governor Alex Otti-led administration on Thursday, May 29, 2026, marked its 3rd anniversary since coming to power on May 29, 2023.
The landmark anniversary offers the administration another opportunity to reel out its achievements in security, environment, infrastructure, policy formulation, and other sectors of the state.
Analysts and observers who have followed the trajectory of Abia State say Abia under Governor Alex Otti has been transformed beyond rhetoric and political distractions. They argue that the state has now joined the comity of states in Nigeria referenced for infrastructure, economic development, and environmental cleanliness.
From the construction of roads to the retrofitting of primary and secondary health centers, Governor Otti has revived sectors that were hitherto in a state of comatose.
Healthcare delivery has been a top priority. His administration has upgraded medical facilities across the state, including the Abia State University Teaching Hospital and Abia State Specialist Hospital. Ongoing projects include: the upgrade of Amachara General Hospital and Umunnato General Hospital to specialist hospitals, the reconstruction of 7 general hospitals across the state, and the rehabilitation and functionalization of 3 cottage hospitals in Aba, Umuahia, and Nkporo.
The government is also retrofitting PHCs across the 184 electoral wards, among other medical interventions.
In education, the administration says it inherited a shattered and dilapidated tertiary education system marked by non-payment of salaries and lost accreditation in ASCETA, ABSU, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.
Since taking office, significant steps have been taken to reverse the situation. The major achievement of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, according to Commissioner Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, has been infrastructural upgrades in tertiary institutions.
She added that the first sports fiesta for students of all tertiary institutions in the state was held. The relocation of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic to its permanent campus at Osisioma has started, and enrollment has increased from 3,000 to about 15,000 students.
On infrastructure, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, highlighted projects executed through direct labor and contracts in the last three years. Flagship projects include Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Omenuko Bridge, and the expanded 6-lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.
The administration has also improved access and connectivity within cities and between communities, easing the movement of goods and services. During the scorecard presentation on Monday, Oti said 414 roads have been completed by his ministry, GADA, and GODA through direct labor and contracts.
The administration has made significant strides in lands and public buildings.
Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, said digitization and modernization of land administration processes have improved service timelines.
Public sensitization campaigns and reforms have also been introduced to ensure transparency and efficiency in land management. Other actions include: the recovery of existing layouts, opening up of new layouts, land acquisition, acquisition of 1,026 hectares for the Abia Airport, and issuance of Certificates of Occupancy within 30 days.
The Ministry of Power and Public Utilities has also been active. Commissioner Engr. Ikechukwu Monday said the government has restored power to over 100 communities in Ukwa land, paid off accumulated electricity bills owed by MDAs under previous administrations, and restored power to over 32 MDAs. The government also set up ASERA and granted more licenses to power operators to open up the electricity market.
Also, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, hailed the progress achieved so far. He said the administration’s achievements in soft infrastructure and reforms have changed the narrative in the state.
According to him, residents are testifying to the positive turnaround, and this is the first time Abia is seeing a governor generally loved by the people.
The 3rd anniversary is a week-long event that began with an interdenominational thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 24, at the Trademore Event Centre, Umuahia.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to serving God and fulfilling promises made to the people.
He said thanksgiving and worship are a personal conviction for him and his family, and that giving glory to God is necessary for the successes recorded.
On Monday, May 25, 2026, Governor Otti flagged off the construction of an Ecumenical Centre in Umuagu, Umuahia.
The 1,000-capacity building is being constructed for the Christian community in Abia State, fulfilling a promise made before the 2023 election.
Otti clarified that the center will not be funded by the state government but from his private purse.
On Tuesday, Governor Otti commissioned and flagged off several roads, including: Aro Amano–Eke Aro Road; Adelu Road (commissioned); Osisioma–Aba Geometric Road (commissioned); Afule Road, Osisioma (commissioned); Assemblies of God Church Road, Osisioma (commissioned); 7-UP–Umuchichi Link Road, Aba (flag-off); Nwogu Ajagba Street, Aba North; Nwala Street, Aba North; Sacred Heart Street, Aba South (commissioned); Elizabeth Avenue, Aba North (commissioned); Nigerian Brewery Road, Aba North (commissioning); Etche Road, Aba South (commissioning); Mosque Road, Aba South (commissioning); Crystal Park Road, Aba South; First Phase of Aba Ring Road; and Umuaduru–Okpulo Umuobo, Osisioma (flag-off).
The newly constructed Umuahia Bus Terminal, Umuafai/Umunna Road, and Okwuta Road are among other projects started and completed by the administration.
According to Prince Okey Kanu, these projects form part of a larger infrastructural revolution transforming communities across Abia under Governor Otti’s leadership. The road interventions are expected to improve mobility, stimulate trade and investment, open up previously neglected areas, and support the economic resurgence of Aba and its environs.
He said the transformation is visible and the promise is becoming reality, adding that Aba is rising again under a government committed to excellence, accountability, and sustainable development.
Many Abians say they cannot go back to “Egypt,” describing Governor Alex Otti as the hope of transformation that has been missing in the state for years.