Governor Alex Otti on Thursday declared that excuses no longer have a place in governance, as he marked two years in office with a review of sweeping reforms across Abia State, promising to sustain the momentum of his administration’s performance.
Addressing thousands of residents, supporters, and dignitaries at the Umuahia Township Stadium during the grand finale of his two-year anniversary celebrations, Otti said his government had kept faith with the people by tackling long-standing issues head-on from unpaid salaries and pensions to education, health, security, and infrastructure.
“When we came in, salaries were being owed. Pensions were being owed. Accreditation had been lost in some of our institutions, but we rolled up our sleeves and went to work. Today, I’m proud to say we’ve spent over ₦40 billion clearing arrears. And as I speak, we are not owing anyone,” Otti said.
He affirmed that since assuming office, salaries and pensions are now paid in full and on time, on or before the 28th of each month, a commitment he said had restored dignity and trust in public service.
Otti stressed that beyond payments, his administration is focused on building systems for long-term stability. He referenced the renovation of the long-abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which now houses nearly 1,000 civil servants, and said digitalisation is underway to eliminate the “file-carrying culture” in government offices.
On education, the governor spotlighted his free basic education policy, introduced in January, which led to a surge in school enrolment. To support the growth, he said the state recruited 5,300 teachers through a transparent process and is set to hire 4,000 more.
“We are not hiring based on where you come from. If you’re competent, you’re welcome. Abia is a place of merit,” he said, revealing that a non-indigene from Akwa Ibom was among those employed — a gesture that underscores the administration’s inclusivity.
According to him, 20% of the state’s budget is now allocated to education, and 20 smart schools are being constructed across all 17 local government areas.
In the health sector, Otti revealed that over 100 of 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated and are ready for commissioning.
He also listed ongoing upgrades at general and specialist hospitals, adding that a proposed “Medical Village” will help reverse medical tourism by making Abia a hub for quality healthcare services in Nigeria.
Security, he said, was another early priority, especially in areas like Umunneochi and Isuikwuato that had been under siege by criminal gangs. He credited Operation Crush, a joint task force initiated by his government, for reclaiming these communities.
“We made it clear — no inch of Abia will be handed to bandits,” Otti stressed, thanking security agencies for their continued vigilance.
The governor also gave updates on the economy and infrastructure. He said 10,000 nano businesses were empowered with ₦1 billion last year to reduce their dependence on high-interest bank loans.
In the power sector, Otti said his administration is working with Geometric Power to improve electricity supply in Aba and is negotiating to isolate Umuahia as an energy island to ensure steady power.
“Without energy, there can be no real development,” he noted, adding that over 7,000 solar-powered streetlights have already been installed across the state.
Otti also cited efforts in waste management and urban renewal, celebrating the improved cleanliness of Aba and Umuahia, saying, “Today, people now stop their neighbours from littering the streets. That’s progress.”
THE WHISTLER reports that as the event drew to a close, the atmosphere turned celebratory. The occasion, which began with a ceremonial parade by officers of the Nigerian Police Force, later featured electrifying performances by music stars like Flavour, Chinyere Udoma, Exnel, and Rough Coin. The crowd erupted when the famous “Aba Michael Jackson” took the stage, adding a local flavour to the excitement.
Popular comedian Basketmouth was also present. Though he did not perform, he drew quite the attention with his presence among dignitaries and fans.
The two-year anniversary celebration, themed “Two Years of Transformation: Sustaining the Momentum”, brought together top government officials, traditional rulers, party members, and residents.
The event marked a significant milestone for the Otti administration—an occasion for reflection, affirmation, and a renewed commitment to reform-driven leadership in Abia State.
