Promise Kept, Foundations Laid: A Week of Tangible Progress
In a powerful testament to governance defined by accountability and action, Governor Alex Otti’s administration marked a week of transformative milestones across Abia State. From the triumphant resolution of the decades-long Ovom erosion crisis—delivered precisely on the nine-month timeline he pledged—to the strategic push for a multi-million-dollar dairy farm poised to revolutionize local agriculture, Otti demonstrated that promises are not mere rhetoric but blueprints for progress. This period also saw the signing of 18 landmark laws, including the Senior Citizens Bill and the scrapping of inefficient agencies, cementing institutional reforms that prioritize citizen welfare and bureaucratic efficiency. As Peter Obi hailed, Otti’s achievements require “no radio broadcasts to validate”—they unfold visibly in reclaimed roads, renewed investor confidence, and communities rebuilt on foundations of trust. Each step embodies a philosophy: leadership is measured not in declarations, but in deeds delivered.
2027 REELECTION: I WILL CONSULT WITH MY GOD BEFORE TAKING DECISION – GOV. OTTI.
Amidst growing endorsements and calls for him to seek reelection in 2027, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, declared that he would seek divine guidance before making any decision. Speaking at a grand civic reception organized by the ‘Oha Isiala Ngwa People’ at Sam Ihesiulor Stadium, Okpuala Ngwa, Governor Otti acknowledged the endorsements as recognition of his administration’s achievements, particularly the numerous projects visible across Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas. He expressed gratitude for the predictions of his return but firmly stated that the decision for 2027, much like the 2023 victory, rests ultimately in God’s hands. The Governor promised to consult with God and make his response public in due time, emphasizing his awareness of the people’s anticipation.
Strategic Focus on Aba’s Economic Potential
Governor Otti used the occasion to explain the strategic rationale behind his administration’s significant investments in Aba, the state’s commercial nerve centre. He articulated that developing Aba is a deliberate strategy aimed at unlocking its immense potential to drive the overall economic growth of Abia State. The Governor clarified that revitalizing Aba is not an end in itself but a means to generate substantial internally generated revenue (IGR). This revenue, he stressed, is crucial for funding essential development projects in other parts of the state, positioning Aba as the prime economic engine not only for Abia but for the wider South East and South-South regions. He reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance, assuring that development is ongoing simultaneously across all parts of the state, and set a December deadline for the completion of the Mgboko–Ntigha road project.
Abia Airport: Technical Merit, Full Compensation, and Ambitious Vision
Addressing the location of the planned Abia Airport in Nsulu, Governor Otti provided clear clarification, stating the site selection was based purely on technical merit, dismissing any notions of political considerations. He assured that all landowners affected by the project have received 100% compensation, attributing any potential non-payment to errors like incorrect account details provided by claimants or disputes among multiple claimants over the same land. Otti described the airport project as highly ambitious, transcending a mere aviation facility to become a full-fledged development hub or “Airport city.” He outlined plans for integrated facilities including a three or four-star hotel, a Nigerian Air Force base, markets, and shopping plazas within the complex, all designed to deliver long-term economic benefits to the people of Abia.
Broadening Support and Infrastructure Commitment
The Governor welcomed stakeholders from other political parties, including former members of the PDP and Accord Party, as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who declared for the Labour Party during the Isiala Ngwa event. Demonstrating his commitment to local infrastructure, Otti announced plans to transform the Sam Ihesiulor Stadium Okpuala Ngwa into a standard facility, directing the Commissioners for Works and Youth & Sports to commence the process immediately. He thanked the Isiala Ngwa people for their steadfast support and reiterated his promise to continue running an inclusive, people-focused government dedicated to bringing development to every part of Abia State.
Strong Endorsements from Representatives and Community Leaders
Lawmakers and community leaders at the event delivered resounding endorsements of Governor Otti’s performance. Okenze Chief Ginger Onwusibe (representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency), Senator Darlington Nwokocha, and Hon. Collins Iheonunekwu (representing Isialangwa North State Constituency) unanimously praised the Governor for excelling in office. They commended his focus on long-term development goals prioritizing critical infrastructure and human capital development. Their endorsement culminated in a powerful declaration: there is “no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031.” The Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Obinna Anaba, and another prominent son, Mr. Cyril Ishmael, echoed these sentiments, lauding the administration’s rapid strides in infrastructure, social welfare, and economic reforms. They affirmed that Governor Otti has proven effective leadership is achievable in Abia and reiterated the people’s full support for his continued delivery of democratic dividends.
Diaspora Applause and Alignment
Dr. Ugochukwu Agu, President of the Ngwa National Association in the USA and Canada, added an international voice of approval. He expressed deep satisfaction with Governor Otti’s performance, particularly highlighting achievements in the education sector. Dr. Agu revealed that the Ngwa community abroad has actively launched support programmes designed to align with the administration’s developmental goals. These initiatives include scholarship schemes for students and undergraduates, as well as a skills acquisition programme aimed at up-skilling the Abia populace, demonstrating the diaspora’s commitment to partnering with Otti’s government for the state’s progress.
“You’ve Made Ngwa People Proud!” – Hon. Francis Nwanguma
Hon. Francis Nwanguma, a prominent Labour Party chieftain from Isiala Ngwa South, warmly congratulated Governor Otti on his second year in office, describing his leadership as a blessing to both Abia State and specifically the Ngwa people. Speaking in Isialangwa North, Nwanguma expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s outstanding achievements within just two years, particularly in road construction, healthcare, education, and empowerment across Isiala Ngwa and beyond. He emotionally declared, “You’ve made Ngwa people proud!”, contrasting the current feeling of recognition and development with past neglect where roads were forgotten, voices ignored, and communities left in darkness. Nwanguma specifically praised the Governor’s inclusive style of governance, which gives the Ngwa people a strong sense of belonging and involvement, urging all Abians to continue supporting Otti as he rebuilds the state, confident that even greater progress lies ahead in the next two years. He concluded with prayers for the Governor’s wisdom, strength, and protection.
Traders Respond Positively to Sanitation Enforcement
The Abia State Harmonized Task Force (ASHTF) reported encouraging results following its widespread environmental sanitation enforcement operation in Aba. The task force observed swift positive responses from the trading community, with many traders immediately engaging in thorough cleaning of their shops and the drainages in front of their premises upon being reminded of their civic responsibilities and the health implications of environmental neglect. While a few non-compliant traders had their shops temporarily sealed, most quickly began the required cleanup to have them unsealed. The ASHTF commended the shift towards responsibility and collective action, emphasizing that its purpose is to educate, enforce, and engage the public in sustaining a clean and healthy environment. They expressed appreciation for the cooperating traders and the tireless work of Zone C Coordinator Dozie Enyinnaya and other zonal coordinators, reiterating that environmental cleanliness is a shared duty crucial for preventing flooding, disease, and ensuring a safe, better Abia.
Infrastructure Momentum Continues
The week also saw the continuation of infrastructure momentum. The Abia State Government, through the General Operations, Development and Advisory (GODA) unit, flagged off the construction of the Amabo–Ndi Ofuche Road in Elu Court, Bende Local Government Area, signaling development expansion beyond Aba and Isiala Ngwa. Furthermore, a symbolic moment of renewal occurred in Aba as residents celebrated the test-run of the Osisioma Roundabout Water Fountain. This celebration stemmed not from novelty, but from the joy of witnessing functional urban aesthetics restored after years of neglect by past administrations, underscoring Governor Otti’s success in raising the bar of governance in Abia.
Ovom Erosion: A Promise Fulfilled, A Threat Eliminated
The narrative of the week powerfully culminated in the resolution of the long-standing Ovom erosion crisis, a potent symbol of Otti’s commitment. Previously a looming threat neglected by past leaders despite frequent visits and unfulfilled promises (to the point where residents stopped welcoming former Governor Ikpeazu), the site epitomized neglect. Governor Otti’s visit on August 4, 2024, marked a turning point. Moved by the residents’ desperate pleas after attending a nearby church service, he immediately visited the site, declared “We will fix it!”, and committed to starting work with expert contractors with the goal of completion before the end of 2024. True to his word, by May 4, 2025, exactly nine months later, the Ovom erosion site was successfully addressed and is now “a thing of the past.” This decisive action, fulfilling a specific promise within a clear timeframe, stands as a stark testament to Governor Otti’s people-oriented governance, his aversion to fake promises, and his principle of matching words with tangible action – a record that many believe will resonate strongly with Abia voters come 2027.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke
Department of Economics
Faculty of Social Sciences
University of Abuja Nigeria
