Otti Begins Govt House Reconstruction, Explains Delay

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has confirmed that reconstruction of the Governor’s Office at Government House, Umuahia, has officially begun under his administration.

Speaking during a Sabbath Church service held at the Unity Chapel, Government House, on Saturday, Governor Otti explained that although the Government House is an important facility, it was not his administration’s initial priority. Instead, more immediate public needs such as salaries, health care, education, and infrastructure took precedence.

“Because the government is about the people, and if the people do not give their support, then leadership will not be able to work.

“So the challenge was, which one do we do first? As a student of economics, we have brought with us a scale of preference. And we sat down and said, okay, everything is important, some are more important than others.

“We didn’t think this place (Government House) was more important than your salaries. We didn’t think this place was more important than the primary health care centres. We didn’t think it was more important than our schools.

“We didn’t think it was more important than making education free at the basic level so that our children and those who cannot afford to pay will have the opportunity that you and I had.

“We didn’t think this place was more important than the roads that were dilapidated and the offices that were decrepit,” Otti said.

He added that reconstruction has now commenced, including work at the Michael Okpara auditorium which is expected to be completed by the end of June.

According to him, the office of the Secretary to the State Government is currently at the furnishing stage, and renovation continues at the Government House Clinic.

Otti also revealed plans to reconstruct the Governor’s Lodge, described as a “makeshift place,” alongside the Unity Chapel within Government House.

Encouraging the congregation, Governor Otti urged believers to maintain their faith in God, prioritise health, family, and children, and expressed gratitude for the church’s ongoing support and prayers for his administration.

He noted that his administration will soon mark two years in office, representing the halfway point of his first term, and pledged to maintain momentum in delivering democratic dividends to the people of Abia State.

THE WHISTLER reports that earlier in the service, Elder Ezekwem Odigbo of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church delivered a sermon titled “Facing The Giant,” drawing from 1 Samuel 17:32-37.

He recounted the biblical story of David’s courage in facing Goliath, urging Christians to trust in God’s deliverance regardless of their challenges.

The service included prayers for Governor Otti, his family, and the people of Abia State with attendees such as Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Deputy Speaker RT. Hon. Okezie Meregini, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, commissioners, and other dignitaries present.

Following the service, Governor Otti inspected the ongoing reconstruction works at Government House.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has confirmed that reconstruction of the Governor’s Office at Government House, Umuahia, has officially begun under his administration.