NewStats: 3,263,867 , 8,181,667 topics. Date: Sunday, 08 June 2025 at 11:58 AM 1a4p4k

The Governor and Visitor to Abia State University Uturu (ABSU), Dr Alex Otti OFR, on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, paid a visit to the University for an on-the-spot assessment of infrastructural facilities in the Institution and promised to build a 5000-capacity hostel as well as retrofit the existing ones.

The Governor who made the promise at the University Hostel A, expressed disgust at the level of decay and apologized to students for the neglect by past istrations on their welfare and assured that work will commence immediately on renovating the hostels to make them conducive while the construction of the 5000 capacity hostel will commence in few months.

'I am very happy to meet with you students today, but at the same time, I feel so sad to see the condition of the hostels where you live. I want to congratulate those of you who still manage to achieve success under these living conditions' the Governor added.

The Governor also promised that cafeterias will be built around the hostels while the construction of the new faculty buildings for Law and Agriculture in Uturu will also commence soon as promised.

Earlier, during a courtesy visit in his office before the commencement of the inspection of facilities, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, described the Governor as God sent, adding that the visit to ABSU shows his commitment to march words with action in his determination to build the new University of our dreams.

The Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and other Government officials accompanied the Governor to the visit, while the entire complement of the University management and others were on hand to them.

The high point of the visit was the Governor's interaction with the excited students at Hostel A and others who gathered to cheer the Governor for the historic visit to the University.

Jubilant Abians have saluted the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti for his numerous infrastructural revolution taking place at various nooks and crannies of Aba, the famouus Enyimba City and the Commercial nerve center of the State.

The jubilant residents of Aba who ed Governor Alex Otti as he inspects progress of work on the Port-Harcourt Road, Aba, Ekeakpara - NNPC Road Osisioma, Omuma Road to the abandoned Old Express with over one Kilometre heaps of refuse, the long abandoned Eziukwu Road, Market Road, Tenant Road, Cameroun Road, Ehi Road, Clifford Road, School Road and other strategic Roads across Asa Road within Aba Metropolis and city centre. They extolled the commitment of Governor Otti in changing the narratives in road and drainage Infrastructures in Aba.

Some of the residents of the Roads undergoing constructions including Mr. Titus Ndubuisi, Mr. Nneamaka Enyindiya, Mrs. Ngozi OKeke among others described Governor Otti as the People’s Governor, elected by the people to work for the people.

The residents who were chanting solidarity songs for the Governor said emphatically that Governor Alex Otti does not need to come to Aba for re-election campaigns. They said that the roads and drainages he has fixed and the ones he is currently fixing are enough campaign for him. They publicly rejected the era of sharing money, rice, keke napep, okada, kerosene and deceptive non-sustainable 'empowerment' that impoverished the people.

They narrated how dilapidated and abandoned the roads and neighbourhood were before the Governor's intervention and said that no Government in the last 24 years plus has attempted doing what Governor Otti has done for them.

Inspecting the roads in company of his aids, Governor Alex Otti expressed satisfaction with the level of work on the roads and said that with the multiple ongoing construction and reconstruction of roads across the State, Abia will soon take its pride of place in the comity of economically advanced States with the right environment for investment and investors. He asked the Honourable Commissioner for Works to put pressure on the contractor handling the Ekeakpara - Osisioma Road to accelerate the pace of the work.

Governor Otti commended the quality of the job done on Port Harcourt Road, Aba by Julius Berger, adding that the road will soon be ready for commissioning.

Governor Otti while noting that Aba's lost glory is gradually coming back, as the people no longer witness perennial flooding in the city, urged Aba residents to assist Government in keeping the city clean and to desist from obstructing free flow of water in the drains through unwholesome acts of throwing debris into the drainages.

The Governor thanked the enthusiastic people of Aba for their to the contractors and his Government and assured them of more glorious days ahead. He added that soon, the roads would be fully completed and commissioned.

Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
08 - 03 - 2025.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of Port Harcourt road, Aba being handled by Julius Berger Construction Company will be completed and ready for commissioning by 29th May this year.

Governor Otti disclosed this while speaking at the monthly media briefing tagged "Governor Otti Speaks to Abians". He reiterated his istration's commitment to driving massive infrastructural development, saying that his Government is in a hurry to transform all sectors of the State's economy.

"We don't have time. We are in a hurry. So, we have to do so many things at the same time.

"Before you know it, the four years is over and you will be wondering what happened and that's why, even before we were sworn in, we brought Julius Berger to Port Harcourt road and they started the road design.

"Some people didn't understand what we were doing. They taught we were in a hurry to take over but we were simply trying to maximize time", Gov. Otti explained.

The Governor, who noted that the ongoing expansion of Library Avenue popularly known as (Bank road ) will be completed before the end of March, 2025, also noted that work is progressing at various project sites across the State including the recently flagged-off Omenuko bridge. He announced that work will commence at Owaza road in Ukwa West LGA as he would be flagging-off the reconstruction of the road by next week.

On Power, Governor Otti said a lot is being done to increase power availability and stability across the State as arrangements are being perfected in that regards.

On security, the State Chief Executive acknowledged appreciable level of peace and security across the State as a result of proactive measures put in place by the combined security architecture of the State.

While responding to a question on why he has been working from his private home instead of renovating and retrofitting the Government House, in Umuahia that was looted and rendered unusable by appointees of the immediate past istration, Governor Otti insisted that his priorities are delivering results to Abians and not where he operates from.

"You are worried that I am not operating from here. I don't think you should worry about that. The important thing is that I'm operating.

"Abians want to see activities not where their Governor is staying. Where I live is not as important as having roads in Aba and Umuahia and other Local Government Areas in Abia State.

"It is not as important as ensuring that Aba and Umuahia particularly are kept clean on a 24 hour, seven days basis. It is not as important as ensuring that our people have good hospitals and accessible schools to go to.

"It is not as important as ensuring that our schools are fixed. Those were the area I declared state of emergency on. I didn't declare emergency on Government House and where the Governor will live.

"So, what the issue is, is that this Government House is important but not as important as some of the things that I mentioned earlier," Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor further explained that his decision to delay moving into the Government House was based on careful resource allocation, and reassured Abians that the State's seat of power would be fixed in due course, not just for his istration but for future Governors.

"When I inspected both the Governor's Lodge and the Governor’s Office, they were in terrible states of disrepair, vandalized and looted.

"Renovating them requires significant funds, but I considered it more urgent to channel those resources into infrastructure, security, health, environment and education.

"I can assure you that in no distance time, since we are taken care of those important areas, we'll come here and fix it (Government House). Gov. Otti stated.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
07 - 03 - 2025.

Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured of the Abia State Government’s to tackle the issues causing the drop in crude oil production in Nigeria.

Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, 22nd October, in his Umuehim Nvosi Country home, when he received in audience a delegation of the Defence Headquarters t Monitoring Team, led by Major Gen. JAL Jimoh, who paid him a working visit.

Governor Otti who decried the drastic drop in crude oil production in Nigeria, which according to him formed part of his discussion in a recent visit to the National Security Adviser, said that the numbers available to him between June, July, August, put the average oil production level somewhere around 1.4 million barrels per day. He noted that it was far below Nigeria’s crude oil quota of 2.2 million barrels per day.

The Governor recalled that 20 years ago, Nigeria’s crude oil production capacity was about 2.5 million barrels per day.

“Around 20 years ago, I believe that was in 2005, our production capacity, not even the quota, was about 2.5m barrels a day. So, the difference between 2.5 million barrels and 1.4 barrels also speaks to the challenges because if you are not exporting enough oil, you are not going to generate enough foreign currency to deal with all the issues that we have in the country,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otti explained that because Nigeria’s economy is presently largely import dependent, the crisis in the foreign exchange market today can be tamed by a simple improvement in the quantity of Oil we produce and export, noting that it is a demand and supply situation.

"If supply is weak and demand is high, prices will keep going up."

He assured the team of the of the State Government to help them succeed in their assignment. In his words,

“We have everything that it takes, all the problems are man-made problems, be it the oil theft, be it the crisis, insurrection in the Niger Delta. And, I believe that with determination and a lot of efforts that you are making, we will tame this oil theft so that our country will improve in of foreign exchange receipts and reduce the insurrection we have everywhere".

“So, I’m fully in of what you are doing, and I will give you every that is possible from government, and I will also encourage you to work with your colleagues (the State Security Heads). If there is anything you think they can do, they are all a phone call away. They are your colleagues; work with them so that we can together make a success out of this assignment." He assured.

Earlier in his speech, the leader of the monitoring team, Major Gen. JAL Jimoh, said that the t Monitoring Team was recently constituted to carry out oversight on some of the most pressing challenges faced by the country’s vital crude oil sector.

Speaking on the mandate of the team, he said, “Our mandate is clear: to ensure robust monitoring and oversight across activities related to crude oil and gas extraction, transportation, and security within all the oil-producing areas of the country”.

Speaking further, he said that their visit to Governor Otti was to acknowledge his invaluable to the initiative, to underscore their commitment towards transparency and cooperative engagement with all stakeholders involved, and to assure the Governor that no effort would be spared to restore optimal operational efficiency within the oil sector.

Other of the team who ed Maj. Gen. Jimoh, on the visit to Governor Otti, include Rear iral D. Fadeyi, Rear iral S.D. Ibrahim Air Vice Marshal Dari, Brigadier General A.A. Idris, Colonel M.M. Silong, Lieutenant Colonel M.J. Bent, Commissioner of Police Iyama Daniel, and Commandant Muhammed Waska.

Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

Senate of Abia State University, at its 274th Regular meeting, ed a resolution thanking the Executive Governor and Visitor to the University, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his uncommon magnanimity and benevolence in regular payment of salaries, restoration of security, commencement of payment of the 11-months arrears of salaries owed staff of the University by the previous istration and approval for the installation of solar power, as part of the “Operation Light up Abia Project”.

Senate described the Governor as a promise-keeper and cerebral and promised its unflinching to his people-centric istration.

Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor and Chairman of Senate, Distinguished Professor Onyemachi Maxwell Ogbulu, further disclosed that the newly created Faculties of Optometry, Nursing Sciences and Medical Laboratory Science will take-off in the 2024/2025 academic session and announced the full accreditation status for the next five (5) years, secured by Optometry and Nursing Sciences programmes, at the just concluded accreditation exercises by their respective Professional bodies.

He appreciated the Registrar/CEO, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, for approving increment in the ission quota for Nursing Sciences of Abia State University.

The Vice-Chancellor urged Deans and Heads of Department, whose academic programmes will be involved in the forthcoming October/November, 2024 National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation exercise to work assiduously to replicate the 2022 and 2023 back-to-back 100% full accreditation achieved.

Senate-in-session congratulated the 52 students of the University who were successful at the 2024 highly competitive Federal Government Scholarship Scheme and directed full registration of students for the ongoing Federal Government NELFUND Loans programme for Tertiary Institutions in the country.

Senate pledged its continued commitment in promoting Teaching, Research and Community service and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on corruption, exploitation, cultism and examination misconduct, as defaulters will be sanctioned, in line with extant rules and regulations of the University.

Senate observed one minute silence in honour of the departed immediate past Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Evelyn N. Iheukwumere.

Being the Text of an Address by Governor Alex C Otti, OFR, at the 2024 Special Retreat for of the Abia State Executive Council and Senior Appointees of the Government Held at Panyu Hotel and Resort, Aba on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Protocols

1. For many of us, this particular auditorium has come to represent a learning theatre, a place where excellent plans are laid, questions are asked and clarity established. Shortly after our victory in the 2023 general election, the best brains and thinkers from different parts of the country and beyond assembled here to plot our governance trajectory. We returned in August 2023, a few weeks after we took office, for the first round of retreat for those who had been selected to drive the execution of the programmes of government.

2. Our focus in 2023 was to develop a robust understanding of the intricacies of the public sector and its peculiarities. The choice of resource persons, including former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, Arunma Oteh, OON, Ben Akabueze, and Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, was informed by our commitment to interact with the best and get ourselves prepared to deliver excellence across important frontiers of governance.

3. In a speech titled “From the Drawing Board to the Field of Play,” I made it clear that we are a very ambitious Government, noting that excuses shall not be accepted to justify failure. I also spoke of an enduring commitment to create systems that work for everyone, a governance architecture that is service-oriented, and a team of senior officials that understand the expectations of the ordinary people. I charged us to focus on delivering on the promises that won us the overwhelming of the Abia electorates who retained very high hopes that we shall use the levers of power to effect a holistic turnaround in their economic and social fortunes.

4. Today we have reconvened at this same ground to take stock, to identify what has worked and how well, what needs to change and also talk to ourselves for the purpose of learning and growth. Some personnel changes have been effected in the last one year as we seek to get the best out of every governance frontier. So, for some of us, it is our very first retreat but for others, this event is a continuation of a routine we introduced in 2023. Wherever you belong, the aim is the same: we want to take a moment out of our regular routines to relax and then learn new insights.

5. On this note distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me formally welcome you to the 2024 Special Retreat for senior government functionaries in our dear State. Thank you for making all the sacrifices to be here. I want to specially thank those who had to cut short their holidays to be part of this retreat. We had actually made it mandatory for all concerned officials because of the importance we attach to the exercise. It is therefore important that everyone participates actively and learns from the resource persons we have carefully assembled to us with their exceptional knowledge and experience.

6. Let me very respectfully thank our resource persons for ing us for this important assignment. Thank you for offering to our governance transformation agenda. We are eagerly looking forward to learning from your presentations. For today and tomorrow, we shall all be pupils in your classroom and will submit willingly to your pedagogical authority by taking notes and asking questions as appropriate. Let me plead on behalf of everyone that you generously indulge our innocent ignorance.

7. In the last 16 months, we have made very important strides in a number of strategic areas but we are hungry for more. Sincerity in self-appraisal is a major hallmark of our istration. We want to build on the gains of the last retreat to improve governance outcomes through a more effective distribution of public resources, structured revenue generation and tracking process, and the application of technology and data for effective and robust decision making.

8. While it is fair to acknowledge the modest success we have recorded, I would, however, want us to dwell more on the areas where we have not done exactly well in line with our laid out strategic framework. To be clear, we have deliberately set the bar very high to insulate us from the trappings of mediocrity. We want to wake up each morning with a fresh resolve to do better, to work harder and to achieve more. The hunger to be the best has informed our pattern of appointments and the leverage given to each official to drive their strategic outlook in pursuance of the broad vision we had laid out at the beginning of this important project.

9. At the same time, we are also cautious not to overreach ourselves. The resolve is to give our best everyday, appreciating that we do not have what it takes to solve all the social and economic problems around us. What we ask of ourselves is to be deliberate in the things we do, purposefully inspiring changes, engineering excellence and building a dynamic team to the vision in our various spheres of influence.

10. Changing the mind-set of the people and making it impossible for them to ever accommodate mediocrity in public affairs ever again is our ultimate pursuit — to set higher governance benchmark and make the ordinary people the guardian of the new standard. That, I can tell you, is the only path to sustained growth.

11. At any rate, we shall do our best but must also strive to find balance between what we want to do today and the template we leave for future generations, taking proper cognizance of available resources and competing needs. This retreat weekend has been carefully structured to provide clarity on what we can do to achieve consistent progress over the medium to long term.

12. Do not forget that we have clear priorities even as we continue to adjust to new, unexpected realities and external events we did not create but which nevertheless impact our ability to deliver on the set targets. We want quality education for pupils and students in all our public schools from primary to tertiary. On health, we want to have the best healthcare delivery ecosystem in the region. What do we want in the transport sector? My idea is simple and that is to build a system that provides safety and reliability for commuters at affordable cost at all times. On agriculture, we are focused on food security, job and wealth creation for everyone connected to the agricultural value chain.

13. Our generous infrastructure outlay is designed to stimulate the economy and attract investors who will in turn employ willing hands in rural and urban communities. We are very deliberate about what we seek to achieve with our investments in road infrastructure which explains why we started from the cities with the highest volume of economic activities, and then the agricultural belts. We are determined to revive the old production centres and create new economic corridors for investors seeking to take advantage of our large markets and abundant labour force.

14. I am impressed with the quality expectations from many of us and I align with all of them. Additionally, I shall be looking forward to better collaboration and openness by the time we return to work on Monday. While I agree that there may be productive tension from time to time, I expect all of us to work in synergy with each other, provide necessary to colleagues and offer guidance where needed because if you are here, the assumption is that you care more about the State than individual credit.

15. In addition to team work, I would also want to see a new culture of openness. Freely discuss your concerns and take them up with team including me if need be. We are presently working out a structure that will allow for more regular interactions with other appointees outside of the State Executive Council. This is expected to happen at least once a month as that could also be an opportunity to interact and share ideas. More on this will be communicated as soon as we conclude the arrangements.

16. Going forward, work-life balance shall be taken more seriously for all appointees because we need to stay fit and balanced to keep delivering quality governance results. Only one exception is allowed to exist here! I believe that we shall hear more from the health experts in the room to guide us on how to develop new health consciousness in our lifestyle choices, especially as public officials who should be models of excellence in the way we live.

17. Let me now invite you to sit back and settle in for what promises to be a learning marathon. Thank you for listening and may God bless you.

Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR,
27/09/2024

The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti have revealed that his istration has fixed 108 roads in the state through direct Labour under the Supervision of the Abia State Ministry of Works.

The Governor appreciated the Staff of the Abia State Ministry of Works for their dedication to duty as he said that it would be difficult to differentiate between a road fixed through direct Labour and the one Constructed using major Construction companies.

Speaking in Umuahia on Friday during the Monthly Media Chat with Journalists tagged ‘Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians’, the Governor reiterated his istration’s commitment to change the narrative.

“We have not rested on our oars, on the last count last week,we have fixed 108 Roads under the Direct Labour by the Ministry of Works, we are very proud of our brothers and Sisters who populate that Ministry over what they are doing”

“Some of the roads you may have seen was done under Direct Labour by the Ministry, I want to use this Opportunity to thank Them”

“For the roads under Contract, they are being delivered on time with detailed specifications contained in their contract”

“We flagged off the Ohafia- Arochukwu Road which is about 44.3 Kilometers that es Ohafia to Arochukwu and ends at the Boundary of Akwa Ibom State and the good thing is that Akwa Ibom have done their own portion of the road, so when the road is completed, it will connect back to the 66.4Kilometers Ohafia to Umuahia Road”

On Health Care Delivery, Governor Otti stated that his istration has opened an eye center at the General Hospital Amachara in Umuahia which has attended to over 600 patients so far.

“Am happy to report that the General Hospital Amachara has received another boost, about three or four days ago, the eye centre was opened and about 600 patients were attended to, I call on our people who are in the vicinity to go and have their eyes fixed”

“We have started with the phase two of the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, am aware that the Hospital had it accreditation restored in December 2023 after our massive attack on the Health sector, now we are going for the Phase two upgrade of the Hospital”

“I have given the Ministry of Health marching order to deliver the retrofitting of the 200 Hospitals accross the 184 Wards in the State in a 100 days, the whole ideal is that no matter where you are or come from, you will be attended to if you have a primary health care need”

Governor Otti restated his commitment to improve the Education sector by training of teachers to meet global standards.

“Education is also another area we are working very hard to upgrade the schools, we started the program of training teachers as we identified about 2000 of them, we got a consultant reputed in that area, 200 of them have been trained since last week, the remaining 1800 of them, will complete their training soon”

“The ideal is that the 2000 of them who are now being trained will be training others”

“I visited their classrooms the other day and I was happy with the quality of teachers and am proud of what they are doing, another area is looking at the curriculum of what will make our pupils to compete with those from other parts of the World because the world is now a global village, it is important that they are properly taught “

The Governor said his istration is currently evaluating companies that will transform waste to Wealth in the state.

Responding to a question about mass Retrenchment of Workers, the Governor dismissed the Insinuation and said his istration has no plan to retrench workers.

“I don’t know where that is coming from, there is nothing like that, there is nothing in the pipeline, we don’t have any such plans “

“People who are used to not going to work, we told them that our istration doesn’t tolerate such”

Governor Otti declared that he is not worried about 2027 as the Future is in the Hand of God.

He said there is no need responding to the video clip by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu who had said Governor Otto will be the last Labour Party Governor to Govern Abia State.

“I don’t want to respond to it for the simple reason that it will be foolhardy for me to be talking about what will happen in 2027, my belief is that power belongs to God and he gives it to who he wishes, I am actually not competent to sit here say what will happen by that time”

“I know a man who was boasting that he will be something in 2023 but Covid came and took him in 2020, I do not subscribe to playing God”

On the issue of workers who were disengaged under the istration of Former Governor Senator Theodore Orji , Governor Otti said he has directed his team to look into the possible ways to assist those who were affected by that decision.

“I do know that a few of them came to me with my officials in the last one week and I said they should look into their matter”

“I believe that people should not be judged or treated fairly or unfairly because of where they come from, once you live in Abia, you are from Abia, this is a Government that do not discriminate”

“One of our House of Assembly member who come from Anambra State , we gave him ticket in 2023, he contested and won the election, one of our Permanent Secretaries is from Edo State and we have a Mayor who is not from here”

“Anyone who was disengaged because of where they come from, we are looking at them”

Governor Otti said his intervention by hosting an expanded meeting of Labour Party Stakeholders was to bring a lasting solution to the Party.

“If you follow the events, you would also notice that majority of Labour Party are happy with the Intervention we make here, they will always be one or to persons who will not be happy with what we are doing in the Labour Party”

“I believe that Peace will return to the Party”He said.

Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti says his istration has not borrowed any Kobo from anywhere and has been running the activities of Government with the little available resources.

The Governor reaffirmed that his istration has no god father or anyone that will hold it to ransom but a Government of the People .

The Governor who stated this on Friday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia during his Monthly Media Chat with Journalists also thanked Abians for listening to him and not ing the Nationwide Hunger protest which has negatively affected some states across the Federation.

He said his istration was on Top of everything Security as the Security agencies has been asked to redouble their efforts in fighting crime and criminality in the State.

“We prioritize the welfare of those who cannot fend for themselves over the rest of us who can fend for themselves, The vulnerable widows, the pensioners, people with disabilities, they need our s and I want to encourage us to look up on for people in our own little corner and see how we can give a helping hand to that your neighbor who cannot afford two square meals, to that person that is sick”

“I want to use this Opportunity to thank Abia People for heading the call I made last Monday for our people not to use the street for protest, protest is allowed in our constitution but a lot of time protest are hijacked by people who have no business in the protest, I want to thank everyone because our state has become very peaceful, if you have followed the news you will agree with me that those protest started as peaceful but later ended up with violence and those states lost their citizens because of clashes with security agencies, I want to thank our people for our understanding, that does not mean that we are not paying attention to the issue that has been raised, we are even sensitive enough to hear what you are not saying”

Speaking further , the Governor said his istration continued with activities in priority areas of Health, Education ,Security,Agriculture and Digital Technology as he said the state had receive international agencies who are interested in what his istration is doing,

“Not too long ago we had a medical mission of two groups who visited me and put a lot of things on the table and we are engaging with them and very soon we will flag off the project which will be one of our signature projects because we are committing everything into building a medical city in the State”

On road Infrastructure, Governor Otti said the Engineers in the Ministry of Works has been moving from site to site to ensure compliance with standard.

“We moved to Omuma road where we are dualizing the road and from there we moved to Portharcourt road in Aba where Julius Berger is doing doing very well and as a matter of fact the Managing Director of the Company visited me few days ago and sort approval for extension date of completion to February ending 2025 and we approved it for them “

“We also visited Ohanku road and a few others , other jobs from Umuahia to Ohafia is going as Scheduled, NUNYA in Isiukwuato is also going on, I will want to report that part of Bende to Ohafia to Arochukwu road which was awarded by the Federal Government and abandoned, we went to make representations to the Federal Government through the Minister of works to start something on that road, and the Minister of Works has given us Approval to start something on that road and every soon, we will make the road usable for our people”

“We are also happy that one of our Football clubs the Abia Warriors made us proud by coming Second in the Nigerian Professional Football League, so it is all good news from every sector”

Governor Otti said his istration has not borrowed any money since inception despite the tempting offers as he believes that it was better to manage whatever he can rather than going into debt.

“So far we have been able to operate without borrowing a Kobo, it is better to manage whatever we can manage without going into debt, we have had offers and some of them are tempting and at the appropriate time, we will access them. We have not accessed any of them so far”

The Governor while reacting to a question over the Policy of his Government to take some civil Servants back to the classroom said the policy was shelved a little bit because his istration looked into those with prerequisite training and will send only them into the classroom and he is planning for a special package for Teachers.

“So the Policy is selective not massive transfer “

“From next week we will be increasing the retirement age of Nurses from 60 to 65years”

The Governor revealed that every encroachment on land belonging to Schools in the State will be retrieved and handed over to the classroom.

“There is nothing you do that you won’t have people criticize it particularly those who benefited from those irregularities”

The Governor said the issue of disparities in the salaries of Local Government was not true as the investigation revealed that no salary of any Local Government was been deducted.

On the issue of Minimum, the Governor revealed that his istration has already set up a committee to look into what the state can do.

“The Minimum wage means that every other salary will be adjusted accordingly so my team and the Nigerian Labour Congress are already engaging and we will come up with something inline with the meager resources available the State.

The Governor revealed that the timetable for the conduct of Local Government election will soon be out as his istration will soon approach the Abia State House of Assembly for amendment of the Local Government law and the conduct of the election will be seamless.

While reacting over the Resignation of the Former Commissioner for Health Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo , the Governor said that money was not stolen, and neither mismanaged but then, there were procedures that were abused under her watch as Commissioner for Health.

“On the Former Commissioner For Health, Her resignation has been received and accepted. Before she resigned, a committee that was set up, turned in a report”

“Going through the report, there was no financial impropriety established but there were conducts that were not consistent with laid down policies. But since she offered to resign, the government decided to accept her resignation”

“I want to repeat that money was not stolen, money was not mismanaged but then, there were procedures that were abused and we didn't think that was enough, for more than a reprimand, a caution or a warning but she choose to throw in the trowel and we had to accept her resignation."The Governor Stated

The Abia State Government has constituted a special committee to recover all encumbered public schools in the state.

The Committee which is headed by the Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche as Secretary and Honourable Commissioners for Justice, Lands and Housing, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, GM UCDA, GM GADA as well as the Chief Security Officer to the Governor as .

Briefing news men on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu said the committee is saddled with the task of identifying about 180 public schools whose land has been taken over by officials and cronies of the immediate past istration.

According to him, government would not tolerate the greed and mindless impunity by a privileged few who have surreptitiously taken over lands belonging to government schools. He equally condemned the misuse of schools handed back to different organizations stressing that such schools must be used exclusively for educational purposes.

“The state government has equally condemned the misuse and misapplication of schools that have been handed over to different organizations.

Prince Kanu said that a full diagnostic assessment of the educational sector of the state has been conducted, adding that about 12, 000 teachers in public schools will undergo a capacity building program during the summer to prepare them for the emergent new look schools that government would have from September.

He equally announced that work has commenced at the Federal College of Education, Ofeme, Umuahia North LGA, fully ed by the Abia State Government, adding that the state government has ed the college to secure an office at the Okpara round about for a smooth take off of activity.

Prince Kanu warned that henceforth, those driving without vehicle number plates or hooded number plates would be apprehended and punished accordingly by security agencies.

In a bid to retrieve the State from infrastructural ruins and accelerate its economic development, the Abia Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has said that his istration is open to partnering serious-minded investors for infrastructural financing with concessionary options.

The Governor spoke on Tuesday 23rd July, when he received in audience a delegation of FUNGTAI Engineering Company Nig. LTD, led by the Director of Projects, Dr. Cyril Christopher who paid him a business visit to present their proposal to build sports infrastructures in the State.

Governor said, “My preference is to deal with a partner that comes up with the funding and then we can now look at the concession agreement".

"That would be my preference. And, once you come up with that kind of proposal, you have put yourselves ahead of others. Even in housing estate, we have something like that.”

The Governor called on FUNGTAI Engineering Company LTD to look beyond sports infrastructure to explore other sectors like Real Estate where the State is planning to develop smart cities and high end estates for Abians in Diaspora, Professionals within and outside the State. Governor Otti said that the State will contribute in the aspect of providing lands which constitute up to twenty to thirty percent (20 – 30 %) gross.

“Our contribution is always land which sometimes comes up to 20 – 30% of gross”, Governor Otti stated.

Earlier in his speech, Dr. Cyril Christopher said they came to present a proposal for the building of a Forty Thousand FIFA standard capacity stadium with foundation expandable to Eighty Thousand capacity. He also said they were interested in the rebuilding of Nsulu Games Village. Dr. Cyril said that their company is seventy percent Nigeria owned with offices across the globe. The company is currently developing the multi-billion dollar new FESTAC city. He thanked the Governor for giving them the opportunity to showcase their company and proposed projects to the State.

Al Jar Makani Bassam (The Project Manager) presented the conceptual designs of the stadium and sports complex they intend to build for the State to the Governor and of his team.

Other of the FUNGTAI Engineering Company delegation that came with Dr. Cyril Christopher include David Guo (Power and Electrical), Al Jar Makani Bassam (Project Manager), Alhajali Wasseem (Project Assistant), and Sandra Okpuno (Legal Services).

Governor Otti was ed in the meeting by the Honourable Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Nwadimma Ananaba, the Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer to the Government, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu, and the Technical Assistant to the Governor Dr. Charles Egonye.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
23-07-2024.

The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR will on Saturday, 27th July 2024 commission various projects executed by the Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Chief Joe Ezearu .

The projects are the outcome of one of the major policy thrusts of the present istration that is anchored on infrastructural development geared to positively affect the lives of the citizenry in Abia communities . The projects include the following ; reconstruction and furnishing of the Local Government Headquarters, a water project, renovation and furnishing of the Council Hall, construction of a new staff canteen, provision of various mechanical equipment and power assets among others.
The venue for the event is the Local Government Headquarters and time is 10:00am prompt .

We wish to use this medium to re- confirm the cancellation of this month's environmental sanitation exercise earlier slated for this Saturday to allow citizens travel freely to Arochukwu for the event.

Consequently, government invites all stakeholders, party faithfuls and the public to Governor Alex Otti at the commissioning ceremony.

Signed

Prince Okey Kanu
Honourable Commissioner for Information and Culture.

Students of the Abia State University Uturu has appealed to the Executive Governor of Abia State Dr Alex Otti to establish a functional Hospital or Health Centre within the University Community in Uturu, Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.

The Students in a Statement tly endorsed by the Vice President of the Student Union Government of the Abia State University Comrade Onyebuchi Purity. C and the Speaker of the Student Representative Council(SRC)Rt Hon Chukwukere Edward said the Students are now helpless and tired over the incessant loss of lives along the Uturu-Ebonyi Road which is majorly used by the Students of the Abia State University(ABSU)

“Yesterday, we lost a 200 level mass communication student of the University Late Miss Chiamaka Alozie on a ghastly accident at uturu road. This is not the first of its kind, and on this note, we beseach Government interventions”

“We do not have adequate health facilities and hospitals to attend instantaneously to accident victims, and we can’t continue loosing students, yesterday was ALOZIE EMMANUELLA CHIAMAKA who will it be the next?. We humbly plead that you use your good office to provide health facilities for the students of Abia state University”

“The Uturu Road needs speed bumps to regulate the over speeding of drivers which will at same time reduce the chances of head on collision and accidents on that road”

“We the students of Abia State University which happens to be the only University of our State ABIA have suffered the consequences of staying in darkness for a couple of years, which results to robbery and so many ugly activities. Your excellency sir. We’ll be rightly honored if you will use your good office to provide Electricity to the University and its environs” the Vice President of the SUG stated in her Plea to the Governor.

The Student Representatives Council pleaded with the Governor to Dualize the Uturu-Ebonyi to avert future accidents that may claim more lives of the Students of the Abia State University.

Governor Alex Otti Approves Disbursement Of Developmental Project Funds To 23 Communities in Abia

A total of 23 communities from 10 LGAs in Abia State have been picked to benefit from the Abia State Agency for Community and Social Development Project, as approved by Governor Alex Otti.

The General Manager of Abia State Agency for Community and Social Development Project, Ekejiuba Ekpo, while speaking on Thursday during a training programme for of the Community Project Monitoring Committee, MC, from the benefitting communities, said that the agency would carry out strict monitoring and evaluation of the construction of projects in the communities to ensure that the funds given to the communities are not embezzled or fraudulently diverted.

According to him, the Abia State Government is contributing 95 per cent of the funds, while the benefitting communities are contributing 5 per cent counterpart funds, even though he said that community development officers from LGAs have been deployed to also monitor the projects.

He noted that Governor Alex Otti is interested in developing every part of the state, especially the rural communities where basic amenities are lacking.

The 23 benefiting communities are Amaeke-Alayi, Uhabiri, Ohokobe, Umuode Nsulu, Ndiaku, Ugwunagbo, Ogbuebele, Oria Na Agu, Abala and Nunya.

Others are Avonkwu, Ndiokereke Abam, Amaeke Isiegbu, Ajata Okwuru, Umuodeche , Ndiudumukwu, Nsukwe, Amato Isingwu and Umuawa Alaocha.

The rest are Umuajiji Isieke, Mbato Ofoeme and Mbom Afarata communities.

The projects to be executed include primary health centres, water boreholes, and the reconstruction of school buildings.

The Executive Governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reiterated that his istration will always encourage hardworking people who are willing to use whatever they have; no matter how little it is to make a living for themselves. The Governor emphasized the need for people to engage themselves in something meaningful by identifying their vision and working hard to realise it.

Governor Otti spoke on Saturday 20th July, at Unity Chapel Government House, Umuahia, while observing the Sabbath Worship. Expounding on the portion of the scripture used for the sermon from 2 Kings 4:1-7, and read to the congregation by him, Governor Otti said, "We should go back to read it again. The essence of that age is that whatever you have in your hands, that's what God will use to bless you".

"If you don't have anything doing, find something. You must find something doing. It is a challenge for you to discover your vision and ensure it is not betrayed".

"Our istration is an istration that encourages people who have things in their hands”.

Governor Otti encouraged the congregation not to allow their faith to be shaken by the present socio-economic challenges in the country. In his words, “I want to encourage you not to let your belief to be shaken, not even all the challenges we are seeing in the country today should shake you".

"It gives me pleasure to be in your midst this morning. I believe this is the first time I am worshiping here. But I am aware that worship takes place here every Saturday. I continue to encourage the service to hold as scheduled whether I am available or not”.

In his sermon, the President of the Abia North Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Kenneth Iheoma, said that God does not forget his faithful servants but will always bless them even when they are no more, their families will not be forgotten. He cited the example of the widow whose husband served him faithfully as recorded in the scriptures 2 Kings 4:1-7, whom God multiplied her jar of oil which she used to pay all their debts and saved their family from being taken into slavery by creditors.

"And to all of us who serve God faithfully, God takes notice of our services to him and in due time God blesses". Pastor Iheoma stated.

Pastor Iheoma however emphasized that for God to bless you, you must have something with which he will bless you. it could be a skill, it could be a talent, etc. The man noted that God does not bless lazy people.

The Governor was ed in the worship by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Commissioner for Education Prof. Eme Uche Eme, Commissioner for Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Affairs, Apostle KC Wiper and others.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
20-07-2024.

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says the proposed New Abia Smart City project aligns with his vision, hence, his istration will partner any serious minded investor to achieve the project.

Governor Otti stated this during a business meeting with a delegation from the African Rebirth Vision, a reputable company building trade, finance and investment bridges across Africa led by the President/Founder, Engr. Chuka Nwokoro.

The Governor while describing the proposed Abia Smart City as a welcome project, noted that his istration is making frantic efforts to launch Abia into a digital economy.

Governor Otti also indicated interest in exploring the building technology of the company and assured the delegation that government will deepen discussions with them as to make the proposal a reality.

"I am quite pleased to learn about this vision - Abia Smart City and it ties very well with our own vision".

"I am also amazed to hear about your building technology where you said you can deliver homes in two to three weeks. That is amazing and it's something we would like to explore".

"Of course, the smart city is something that is on the table at the moment. We have identified a few locations, at least two, one in Umuahia, another around Osisioma Aba".

"I think what we need to do is to sit down and drill down and look at the details"

"A lot of Nigerians In diaspora had reached out to indicate interest in what we had earlier called Diaspora village, but then, in our reflection, we thought it shouldn't be restricted to the diaspora community. So, we changed the concept. What we will now do is to sit down with you to see how we can marry what you have brought with what we have" Gov. Otti stated.

Earlier in his speech, the President and Founder African Rebirth Vision Engr. Chuka Nwokoro noted that Abia is economically one the richest state in Nigeria due to her numerous mineral deposits, adding that they have carried a detailed survey of available resources in the state.

Engr. Nwokoro said that the company has to assemble the very best and leading companies around the world as partners to deliver on the project, adding that their company which built the Sam Mbakwe Airport 34 years ago has all it takes to deliver a brand new Smart City for Abia.

He said that Governor Otti has within one year in office drawn the attention of the international community to the investment opportunities in the state, pointing out that all the company needs is land and security to enable the company execute the project as proposed.

Among the team in the delegation were the President of Smartmatic, Dr. Khodr Akil, A development partner from the US, Terra Dlier among others.

Government House Press,
Umuahia.
19-07-2024

The following Cabinet of Abia State Government have tendered their resignation letters to the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti. They are:

1. Mr. Chima Oriaku - Commissioner for Science and Technology.

2. Prof. Monica Ironkwe - Commissioner for Agriculture

The Executive Governor thanked them for their service and sacrifice to the State and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia.
Government House - Umuahia
17-07-2024.

The Executive governor of Abia State Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Tuesday 16th July, handed over the Certificate of Occupancy of the land donated to the Federal Government for the establishment of a Federal College of Education in Abia State. While handing over the land documents, the Governor also set-up a four-man committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government Prof. Kenneth Kalu to ensure that the proposed September deadline set by the Federal Government for the takeoff of the institution is realized. Other of the Committee include the State Commissioner for Education, Prof Eme Uche Eme, the State Commissioner for Lands and Housing Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu. The Committee is to give the Governor a written progress report fortnightly.

Speaking during the handover of the Documents, Governor Otti said that although the State Government has a College of Education which his istration is working hard to retrieve from the ruins of abandonment, one college of education is not enough to train the kind and number of teachers the State needs. In his words, “We Consider the Federal College of Education as a great asset to the State. When you have twenty percent (20%) of your budget dedicated to education, we believe that we will probably get to twenty-five percent (25%) very soon".

“For us we are very resolute and unrepentant about our commitment to education. Even if you complete your education and you don’t have a job, it is not a problem; that you don’t have a job today doesn’t mean you won’t have a job tomorrow".

“We do have a College of Education here that has been abandoned over the years. We are working very hard to retrieve it – the State College of Education in Arochukwu. But, we strongly believe that one College of Education is not enough to train the kind of teachers and the numbers that we require”.

Governor Otti hinted that having already done what many considered ingenious by increasing the retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years, his istration is considering extending it to 70 years with a discriminatory package to attract people to the teaching profession. He explained that with teaching, one gets better with age. He harped on the need for continuous training for teachers, focusing on where the world is going.

“We need to continuously train our people; we need to put our feet down on what teachers should learn and how they should learn them. The truth is that you cannot give what you don’t have. So, if you teach pinhole cameras in 2024, what you will get are graduates that will retire before they start.

“Everywhere today, we are talking of digital technology. we are talking of broadband. we are talking of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). We are talking of software engineering. We are talking of artificial intelligence. We are talking of robotics and electronic vehicles. I’m bringing that to tell you where the world is going. Those are the kind of things I hope I can work with you particularly the provost, the Chairman of the Governing Council.

“We need to sit down and look at the curricular so that you teach people what will be useful to them. I hope there will be room for us to seat down and agree on what should be taught there? And, if we don’t have the resources, we will you to get the resources from outside”, Governor Otti assured.

Dr. Otti pledged and the commitment of the State Government to help the Federal Government to meet up with the September deadline kickoff of the institution. “So you can take it for granted that this Government will you. If you have set a September deadline, we will you to meet it. A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. We may not be completely ready but let’s start. When we start, we will continue building.

“So distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me thank you once again and it is on this note that I like to handover the Certificate of Occupancy for the Federal College of Education in Ofoeme to the Federal Government".

Earlier in her speech, Dr. Uchenna Ubah who represented Mrs. Didi Wilson-Jack the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health, said that they did so many things to make the College come up but it was really dragging but when Dr. Alex Otti took charge of Abia State, everything changed.
In her words, “Your Excellency, I want to really thank you for taking the bull by the horn to establish this College of Education because when you came in, you took charge and sent some of your Commissioners. That’s where I met Chukwumerije (Commissioner for Lands and Housing), he came to Abuja and made us to start processing the establishment of the college again because at a stage we had to really take it off and take it to another State. He came and showed ion that you sent him and we started again".

“We are here today to take over the documents of the land and also to access the place that you have given us to see if by September the students can come in".

In his Vote of thanks, the Provost of the College, Dr. Titus Ezeme thanked Governor Otti and the of his team that played strategic roles in ensuring that the college is established. He expressed confidence that having known the pedigree of Governor Otti, the promises he made to help the college stand will be fulfilled.

Governor Otti was ed by his Deputy, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechi Emetu, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Kenneth Kalu, some commissioners and other top appointees of the Government in handing over the land's Certificate of Occupancy to the Federal Government.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
17-07-2024

In a bid to alleviate the economic challenges faced by the public servants, Abia state Government has announced a significant wage award totaling N45,000 for its workforce. The decision which will see eligible employees receiving N15,000 monthly is set to take effect from July 2024.

This disclosure came during a press briefing by the commissioner for information and culture, Prince okey Kanu, following the state executive Council(EXCO) Meeting chaired by the Executive governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. Prince Kanu underscored the government commitment to ameliorating the prevailing economic challenges and hardship experienced nationwide.

"The wage award is part of the state government's efforts to cushion the effects of economic challenges on our workforce," Prince Kanu stated. He reiterated Governor Alex Otti's dedication to the welfare of Abia Workers, Highlighting additional measures aimed at improving their conditions.

The 2024 Teqball World Championship Qualifiers has ended in Aba with Reshedat Salihu and Sampson Funsho of Team Abia emerging victorious in the women doubles of the game.

Reshedat Salihu, who is former African Champion and Victor Oyabede, the Nigeria's current number one Teqball player also emerged victorious and got gold medals in Women Singles and Men Singles respectively.

Speaking at the Aba Sports Club venue of the event, the Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti urged all to show interest in Teqball sports as it is one of the ways to keep one's body very fit. He said that though the game is relatively new and a creation of Hungary, it worths playing.

Governor Otti said that Abia state is proud to have been given the hosting right and expressed the interest of the state in hosting the next tournament if given another opportunity.

While congratulating the players from all participating states and officials of the game on their successes, governor Alex Otti appreciated the Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria for coming to witness the game and appreciated the Teqball Federation of Nigeria for granting Abia the hosting right.

"All are winners, the important thing in a sports like this is to participate. This is a game that is less than 8 years and it is a creation of Hungary."

Also speaking, the Hungarian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Lorand Enderffy commended Governor Alex Otti for promoting sports in Abia saying that such events help in youth development.

He said he is pleased to note that Teqball enjoys popularity among the youths of Nigeria and disclosed that the game was developed in Hungary in 2017. He said that his country has selected 6 Nigerian players who would be traveling to Hungary for training.

In his speech , the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba expressed joy that Abia has qualified to participate in the World Teqball competition and maintained that the successes recorded in the competition amplifies the ion of Abia state in the game.

Mr. Ananaba, who said that the results so far gotten in sports development in the state shows the commitment of governor Alex Otti to develop the state and thanked the President of the Teqball Federation of Nigeria for the hosting right granted Abia.

Contributing, the Vice President, Teqball Federation of Nigeria and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Mr. Ndudi Edede said that they would introduce Teqball in schools as a way of developing the sports.

He thanked governor Otti for his disposition which made the Teqball Federation of Nigeria to find the state worthy of hosting the game.

Other teams and individuals that emerged victorious with gold medals in other categories of the qualifiers game include; the Nigeria number one Teqball player, Victor Oyabede of Team Delta - Male Single , Victor Oyabede and Andrew Ikoko - Male Doubles (Team Delta), Reshedat Salihu - Women Singles (Team Abia) among others.

The event which attracted Commissioners, Mayors of LGAs, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports and Youths Development, State Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, sports officials among others featured presentation of awards and trophies to the winners of the various categories of the competition.

Government House Press.
13/07/2024

In a bid to enhance infrastructural development in Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has announced a partnership with the Federal government to reconstruct the Ariam/Usaka Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road. The Governor made this disclosure during a surprise visit to Christ Embassy in Umuahia on Sunday, July 14th.

Governor Otti addressed the congregation, expressing his commitment to improving the state's infrastructure. He assured the church and the public that work on the Ikot Ekpene-Ariam/Usaka road Section, extending into Akwa-Ibom State, will commence soon under the collaborative effort with the Federal Government.

"We are partnering with the Federal Government on the Airport project and now on the Ikwuano Road to Akwaibom state," Governor Otti stated, emphasizing hIs istration's dedication to fulfilling his promises to the people of Abia.

The Executive Governor Of Abia State Dr Alex Otti has formally received two Lawmakers who were elected on the platform of the Young Progressive Party(YPP) in 2023 into the Labour Party (LP) during a defection rally organized to receive the two Abia State House of Assembly Lawmakers to the LP in Osisioma Local Government Area.

The lawmakers, Hon Fyne Ahuama Representing Osisioma South and Hon Iheanacho Nwogu representing Osisioma North State Constituency said the they were ing the Labour Party due to the Developmental strides recorded in Abia by Governor Alex Otti in the last one year.

While welcoming them into the Labour Party, Governor assured them of his istration commitment to better the welfare of Abians.

The Executive Governor of Abia state, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti meets with the leadership of organised Labour in Abia State; Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and t Negotiating Council (JNC), reassures of his commitment to the welfare of workers.

Against the backdrop of misleading information, Governor Otti says his government has not received any dime from the Federal Government to implement 35,000 Naira wage award for workers in the State but promised to look into the wage award demand of Abia Workers.

Governor Otti stated this during a meeting he held with the leadership of the organized labour in the State. He disclosed that his government will create the Ministry of Labour and Productivity as his government is poised to make minimum changes to the structure of government.

According to him, the new Ministry will have its Commissioner from the Labour fold.

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti will on Thursday 11th July 2024 commence the disbursement of Revolving Interest Free Loan to Nine Thousand Two Hundred (9,200) beneficiaries from across the 184 Wards of the State under the umbrella of the Abia State Cooperatives Scheme initiated by the Alex Otti led-government.

This first phase will see Fifty (50) beneficiaries each who have been selected from the 184 Wards of the state receive the Revolving Interest Free Loan to assist them in their different businesses.

As part of the ceremony to commence the disbursement billed to take place at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, on Thursday 11th July, 2024, only 5 beneficiaries per ward will be present to avoid a stampede, given the large number of beneficiaries. All the beneficiaries across the 184 Wards will subsequently receive transfer alerts afterwards.

The Launch of the Cooperatives Scheme followed a promise made by Governor Alex Otti during his campaign as the Governorship Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Governorship election to ensure that Abians, especially rural traders and farmers would be given the necessary finacial to boost their business activities as a way of fighting poverty, insecurity and rural-urban migration.

To ensure that the beneficiaries of the Interest Free Loans shall be those who genuinely need them, the state Chief Executive directed that fair and uncompromised selection proceas be done at the ward levels, a directive that was adhered to the fullest.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
Media and Publicity
July 10, 2024.

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has appointed the following persons into the underlisted positions with effect from the date of this publication.

1. Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, Chief Information Officer

2. Chief Greene Amankwe, Special Adviser, Investment Promotion

3. Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa, SSA, Public Affairs

4. Comrade Onyebuchi Chukwu, Special Assistant, Youth Development

5. Mr. Peter Ekekwe, DGM, ASEPA, Ohafia Zone

6. Dr. (Mrs) Betty Emeka-Obasi, , Eye Health Mgt Bureau

7. Mr. Chinedu Micheal Nwosu, Special Assistant, Students’ Affairs

SIGNED:
Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

Abia state government determined to enforce the Treasury Single policy put in place by Governor Alex Otti in 2023, has directed all Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs) and Institutions in the state to present their Treasury Single clearance papers to qualify for payment of any type of Voucher.

This was made known by the state ant General, Dr.Njum Onyemenam, during a workshop her office organized in collaboration with the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue held at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia over the weekend.

She advised Heads of s of the MDAs and government Institutions to key into the TSA and the consolidated Revenue collection system for their interest, adding that henceforth non-compliance will attract withholding of payment of their vouchers by the state government.

The ant General said that the TSA was designed to bring all government revenues into one for transparency, adding that by keying into the system the MDAs and Institutions will have access to the central system for the funding of their expenditures.

In his remarks during the workshop, the Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, professor Udochukwu Ogbonna, said that every payment into the Abia state must be made through TSA using a bank card, POS, Tellers, and Mobile App.

In his contribution, one of the resource persons during the workshop, Emma Alozie, advised all government employees and other individuals to obtain the Abia state Social Identity Number (ABSSIN) for their transactions and security reasons.

Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia state is set to inaugurate the Abia state cooperatives scheme on Thursday, July 11, 2024. This initiative aims to bolster local micro and small-scale businesses by providing interest -free revolving loans to an estimated 10,000 beneficiaries across various communities. These beneficiaries are of ed community cooperative groups, focusing primarily on women and young entrepreneurs engaged in sectors such as agriculture, food, petty trading, and local crafts.

Managed by Hon. Ishmael Onuoha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on cooperatives, the selection process prioritizes those with established businesses that are integral to community development. The program emphasizes economic revilalization at the grassroot level aiming to reignite dormant businesses affected by economic challenges

In a notable recognition of leadership and achievement, His Eminence, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu,(Eleko of Eko), has voice his iration for Governor Alex Otti's tenure in Abia state. The Oba a long time friend and associate of Governor Otti warmly welcomed him at his private residence in Lagos, where he expressed profound satisfaction with the Governor's stewardship over the past year.

Governor Alex Otti who recently marked his first year in office, has ganered widespread praise for his transformative initiatives across various sectors of the Abia Economy. The Oba of Lagos clearly impressed by the strides made under Otti's leadership, described his performance as both heartwarming and impressive.

During the meeting, Oba Akiolu conveyed his delight and excitement, commending Governor Otti for his commitment to excellence and urging him to sustain his efforts in delivering quality services to the people of Abia State. He further expressed his intention of visiting Abia State soon to witness firsthand development projects and initiative spearheaded by the Otti's istration.

Governor Alex Otti Commissions Federal Government Multipurpose Hospital in Abia, Sets Up Facility Management Team to Ensure Sustainability

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti on Wednesday 3rd July, commissioned a Federal Government built and equipped multipurpose hospital in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia State. The hospital with State of the art equipment was built by the Federal Government in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3)

Speaking during the commissioning, the Governor maintained that quality, accessible and efficient health sector eco-system is a priority in his istration’s strategy to transform Abia State into a choice destination for Health tourism in Nigeria. He thanked the President, His Excellency, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his commitment to complete and deliver the hospital project in Abia. Dr. Otti reminded the gathering that his istration has demonstrated seriousness and commitment to quality healthcare delivery by allocating 15% of her 2024 budget to healthcare in line with the highly ambitious undertaking in 2001 by African Heads of States and Governments codenamed 'The Abuja Declaration' to encourage and challenge African leaders to allocate at least 15% of their annual budget to healthcare delivery.

Governor Otti reiterated that the Federal Government's SDG multipurpose hospital is in sync with the cardinal objectives of his Government to guarantee access to quality healthcare delivery.

In his remarks, “So what the Federal Government has done here is consistent with the objectives of my Government and I want to thank you for also drawing our attention to some of the sustainable development goals particularly the SDG-3 which targets to reduce maternal and infant mortality rate to 70 per 100,000 by the year 2030.

Dr. Otti further stated, thus, “Our Government is deliberate, intentional and focused on healthcare delivery. It is also our intention that by the time this Government would be winding down, we would be handing over to posterity a medical village where everything needed to handle all medical cases is available".

“Your Excellency, let me thank you for delivering this project and assure you that the State Government will take over the management like you have graciously offered us. We will provide additional land for you to build the doctors’ quarters like you have graciously requested. In the next 24 Hours, the Mayor of Ugwunagbo LGA will set-up a Facility Management Team to ensure that everything will remain standard and up and running in the facility. The facility management team will be liaising with him directly for their needs. I have already given approval, even if there are things that have not been done, we will complete them and ensure that this hospital is put to use immediately”, Governor Otti declared.

Governor Otti also ordered his Chief Security Officers to provide 24/7 security for the Hospital. He thanked the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Princess (Dr.) Adegoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, for renaming the hospital from Mother and Child Hospital to Multipurpose Hospital to accommodate the provision of care to men. He also commended her commitment in ensuring that the project was completed as some projects were started but never completed.

Earlier in her Speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goal, Her Excellency, Princess (Dr.) Adegoke Orelope-Adefulire, OFR, said that the Hospital was initially designed as Mother and Child Hospital but that she had to change it to Multipurpose Hospital to accommodate the men who also deserve quality and affordable healthcare.

“I just whispered to the Governor this Morning that I decided to change it to Multipurpose Hospital when I got to Abia State yesterday just because if it is limited to mother and child, then it means that our fathers; the men, will not have business coming to this hospital. So, the only man or men that you would see here will be doctors. Looking at this gathering, I can see many men, our fathers, that would require treatment and which further inspired us to change the name to accommodate the men and I am sure that I have the Governor's approval". Dr. Orelope-Adefulire said.

Dr. Orelope-Adefulire disclosed that the cause of the delay in handing over the project to the State was due to the transition between the present istration and the last istration.

She commended Governor Otti for the great job he is doing in Abia State and urged the people to continue to their Governor so that he will continue to do more. The Occasion was graced by the First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilia Chidinma Otti ably represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Adaeze Chidera Emetu, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba PhD, the Mayors of Ugwunagbo LGA, Chief Nnosike Ihesiaba, Dr. Elelenta Nwabuisi Elelenta (Isialangwa South), Engr. Israel C. Nweke (Osisioma), Uchechukwu Nwogu (Aba South), and Chief Eric Egwuibe (Obingwa). Traditional Rulers, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Chief Executive Officer, Hospital Management Board and a host of other dignitaries came to witness the commissioning.

Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
03-07-2024

Dani Joy International Schools, Umuahia.

Address: Onyerubi Close, off House of Assembly Road, Umuahia, Abia State. For more enquiries 0708 998 0871 or 0703 805 4488.

Honesty in learning is our Legacy

We are committed to Academic Excellence

Hon Ezenwa Igwe, Founder of Ezenwa Igwe (Triple C) Foundation Worldwide Takes Free Medical Outreach to Agoi Ekpo and Nko Communities in Cross River State

...Donates Gift Items to Women and School Children

The founder of Ezenwa Igwe (Triple C) foundation worldwide, Hon Ezenwa Igwe through his noble foundation has continued to show genuine and massive love for the people by embarking on a free medical outreach/empowerment program to the people of Agoi Ekpo and Nko Communities in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.

Rendering his speeches at the events held at Agoi Ekpo Chieftaincy Roundabout and Nko Village Square respectively, Hon Ezenwa Igwe said he is particularly delighted seeing the people troop out en masse to the venues of the free medical outreach/empowerment program.

Hon Igwe reiterated that his sole motive and objective is to lift lives and change the old narrative of unreliable politicians using such free medical outreach and empowerment program as a leverage to deceive the unsuspecting public.

He further enumerated that he will bring massive development to the people especially the youths and women through his foundation which have been recognized globally.

Finally he made a firm promise that many lives in the communities will be positively impacted reassuring the people of his commitment to make life easier for them going forward.

Ezenwa Igwe Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with a mission to enhance dignity of human life by promoting good health and building economic capacities especially for the youths and women in the rural communities of South-East and South-South Nigeria.

The team of Doctors, Nurses and Health workers were stationed at the venues of the free medical outreach/empowerment program as they offered medical consultation and treatment to the people of the communities.

The elderly men and women, as well as children were given free medical tests and treatment, medical consultations and health talks, educational materials and other gift items were distributed to students and women of the community.

Speaking at his palace, the Traditional Ruler of the Agoi Ekpo Community, Atta Mike Oyira commended Hon Ezenwa Igwe for the philanthropic interventions to his people describing him as rare gift to this generation, the reverend traditional ruler reiterated that the Free Medical Outreach/Empowerment Programme brought to them by the Ezenwa Igwe foundation worldwide is the first of its kind in the community.

Finally he prayed that God continue to lift and bless him in all his endeavours.

At Nko community, Chief Okili Manbo, Ntong of Nko, conferred a chieftaincy title on Hon Ezenwa Igwe as a worthy son and brother of the community, special prayers was offered for him by the caucus of the traditional institution in the area.

Recall that the foundation, few weeks ago replicated same gesture to the people of Ariam Usaka in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

Courtsey: Media Unit, Ezenwa Igwe (Triple C) Foundation Worldwide.

At Commissioning of Plater Grillz Lounge, Restaurant, Cinema and Kids Arena, Abia Speaker Calls on Investors to Take Advance of Abia's Friendly Business Environment

The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, and the Peoples Democratic Party flagbearer for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency at the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji MNSE has called on Abians both home and abroad in particular and Nigerians in general to take advantage of the business friendly environment of the state to invest in her.

The Speaker made the call on Friday, 2nd December, 2022, during the commissioning of Plater Grillz lounge, restaurant, cinema and kids arena located at No 92 Azikiwe road, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State.

The Speaker who was welcomed to Plater Grillz arena by the Chief Executive Officer of the facility, Chief Ernest Ugochukwu Edozie, extolled him for thinking it wise to invest in the State thereby creating employees for youths of the locality, he said the exquisite nature of the facility and the international standard of the interiors made it stand out as one of the best in the state.

He urged Abians to emulate the step taken by Chief Ernest Ugochukwu Edozie by taking advantage of the favourable business climate in the state to invest at home. While also imploring the youths to pursue self-reliance driven by the desire to start up small enterprises, saying this would also help to enhance productivity in the state, the Speaker described the performance of MSMEs in the state as evidently impactful. He assured that the Abia State House of Assembly under his leadership is committed to keep making laws that will continue to improve business operations and keep attracting investments into the state.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Plater Grillz lounge, restaurant and cinema thanked the Speaker for his presence at the event, saying his decision to site the facility at home was borne out of the desire to invest in the state, create employment opportunities for the youths and serve as an inspiration to them.

The Chief Executive Officer of Plater Grillz Arena, Chief Ernest Ugochukwu Edozie, conducted the Speaker round the facility.

✍: Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie

Founder of Ezenwa Igwe foundation worldwide (Triple C), Hon Ezenwa Igwe Clears Outstanding Hospital Bill of Mrs Chidinma Christopher.

...The new face of Abia Youths at it again!

The founder of Ezenwa Igwe foundation worldwide, Hon Ezenwa Igwe yesterday cleared the outstanding hospital bills of Mrs Chidinma Christopher, an indigene of Avonkwu Ibeku in Umuahia North LGA, who was diagnosed of inguinal hernia, she had a surgery at Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy Specialist Hospital, Ahiaeke but couldn't be discharged because of financial constraints.

Hon Ezenwa Igwe got to know about the case of Mrs Chidinma Christopher when the patient's mother, Mrs Elizabeth approached and intimated him at Obogwu community hall, venue of the Ezenwa Igwe foundation free medical outreach/empowerment program held in Ariam Usaka few weeks ago.

Hon Ezenwa Igwe promised Mrs Elizabeth that when necessary details about the patient is gathered that he will do the needful.

So, yesterday, on the directives of our President, Hon Ezenwa Igwe, i visited Mrs Chidinma Christopher at the hospital, cleared all the accumulated and outstanding hospital bills which necessitated her discharge from the hospital, the foundation also donated some money to Mrs Christopher to enable her take care of her personal needs.

One of our medics at Ezenwa Igwe foundation worldwide, Nurse Opuruiche accompanied me to the hospital.

EZENWA IGWE FOUNDATION WORLDWIDE; WE ARE RESHAPING AND LIFTING LIVES!

#LikeIkukuLikeEzenwa
#TwoLikeMinds