By Peter Okore, Umuahia
The week-long activities marking the third anniversary of the administration of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, culminated on Friday, May 29, 2026, with a colourful parade by officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Governor Otti inspected the guard of honour and took the salute at the ceremony, which attracted a cross-section of Abians and residents, including government officials, members of the National and State Assemblies, service commanders, traditional rulers, civil servants, clerics, and other stakeholders.
Delivering an address titled “Dignity, Public Welfare and Accountability,” the governor described the occasion as a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the transformation of Abia State. He noted that democracy has provided citizens with the opportunity to shape their future through good governance.
Otti recalled that when his administration assumed office in 2023, it was confronted by widespread insecurity and poor environmental conditions, particularly in Aba, where heaps of refuse littered major streets.
According to him, the government immediately embarked on decisive measures to restore public confidence, beginning with environmental sanitation reforms.
He said the declaration of a state of emergency on waste management in 2023 had significantly improved environmental sanitation across the state through the efforts of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).
“Security was the major challenge in the state three years ago. Several communities were held hostage by kidnappers, armed robbers, and other criminal groups who established camps in forests from where they launched attacks on innocent citizens,” Otti said.
“I thank the security agencies and traditional rulers for their roles in restoring peace and order in our communities. I also urge residents to continue providing useful information to security agencies to sustain the fight against criminality.
“The huge refuse heaps that greeted us when we came into office are now a thing of the past in Abia State.”
The governor noted that his administration has recorded significant achievements across critical sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, transportation, power, agriculture, security, and civil service reforms.
He disclosed that the government has completed 414 road projects covering more than 800 kilometres, while an additional 82 road projects spanning over 200 kilometres are nearing completion across the state.
In the health sector, Otti revealed that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited, while more than 277 primary healthcare centres have been retrofitted and made functional under the Project Ekwueme Initiative and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Impact Project.
He added that the administration has consistently allocated 15 per cent of the annual budget to healthcare and no less than 20 per cent to education.
The governor further disclosed that 5,394 teachers were recruited last year, while another 4,000 are currently being recruited to address the sharp increase in school enrolment resulting from the state’s free and compulsory basic education policy.
Highlighting the administration’s investments in youth development, technology, sports, and transportation, Otti said thousands of young people have been trained in software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other ICT-related skills through programmes such as TechRise.
He added that more than N300 million has been earmarked to support technology-driven enterprises in the state.
Speaking on developments in the transportation and power sectors, the governor said the newly commissioned Prof. Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal, electric buses, bus shelters, and improved road infrastructure have transformed public transportation and eased commuting challenges for residents.
He further stated that ongoing reforms in the energy sector are attracting private investors and manufacturers to the state, while the digitisation of land administration and the implementation of the Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) in 30 Days policy have enhanced transparency and boosted investor confidence in the real estate sector.
Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, women empowerment, social protection, security, and fiscal discipline.
According to him, civil servants and retirees now receive their salaries and pensions promptly, while intervention programmes continue to support women, vulnerable groups, and persons living with disabilities.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, said Abia State was witnessing a historic rebirth under Governor Otti’s leadership.
They noted that Abians rejected the politics of excuses in 2023 and embraced competence, accountability, and visionary leadership.
The officials also commended the administration’s commitment to gender inclusion, merit-based appointments, and human capital development, adding that the governor’s performance had earned him widespread public support.
In their goodwill messages, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe; legal practitioner, Chief Chris Uche (SAN); and industrialist, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, praised Otti’s leadership style and developmental achievements.
They described the administration as visionary, transformational, and focused on delivering sustainable development for the people of Abia State.