Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced a massive rollout of completed infrastructure projects set for commissioning over the next 30 days, as part of activities to mark his administration’s Second Year Anniversary.
Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at Ibeku High School, Umuahia, Governor Otti said the commissioning exercise will include roads, schools, and healthcare facilities spread across the state.
The Governor disclosed that at least half of the 200 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) spread across the 184 political wards in the state are ready for commissioning.
“We have 200 primary care centres spread across the 184 wards. Information available to me is that, at the minimum, half of them are ready for commissioning”, he said.
He added that his administration’s education initiatives are also taking firm root, noting that two of the state’s 20 newly built SMART schools are ready for commissioning, while 18 others are being completion
According to the Governor, 221 schools are currently undergoing reconstruction and retrofitting, with several others nearing various stages of completion.
“We have another 221 schools at different stages of rebuilding and retrofitting. Those will also be ready”, he said.
Governor Otti also disclosed that a number of road projects have been completed and would be inaugurated within the same 30-day window.
“We have a lot of roads that have been completed and will be commissioned within the next 30 days,” he added.
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the transformation of the state capital, saying that Umuahia would continue to wear a new look.
“We will continue to look like a state capital. There were days they used to tell us our capital looked like a glorified village. It will never be again, in Jesus’ name”, the Governor vowed.
While appreciating the developmental strides of his administration, Governor Otti said the occasion was not one for celebration but an act of gratitude to God for His grace and guidance over the past two years in office.
“We are not celebrating. We are just thanking God. This is a Thanksgiving.
“It’s very easy, like I always say, to take the blessing and run away, just like the lepers that were healed. Nine of them disappeared and Only one out of ten persons, came back to say thank you Jesus.
“So it’s good for us to realise that, yes, you have done a lot of work, but if God didn’t give the increase, we wouldn’t be here today”, he said .
Some members of the Moslem Community who attended the interdenominational Thanksgiving service
Amid speculations surrounding the 2027 elections, Governor Otti cautioned against political noise, saying he remains focused on delivering good governance rather than future elections.
“Those who know me know that it’s not in my character to talk about things that are yet to come, but then you hear so much noise. I laugh because I know they are not God”.
Quoting Psalm 62:11, the Governor added, “God has spoken once; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God”.
Governor Otti who reaffirmed his commitment to humility in leadership, reiterated his stand against self-glorification and described the act of naming projects after oneself while still in office as “rude”.
He underscored his belief that true leadership is about service, not personal branding and warned against attempts to name projects after him without approval.
“So anywhere you are going and you see something named after Alex Otti, pull it down. It is not me. I think it’s also rude to be naming things after yourself when you are still serving people”, the Governor said.
Pastor Sam Oye
He also used the opportunity to acknowledge religious leaders like Pastor Sam Oye and Bishop Erumojo, both of whom have played significant spiritual roles in his administration’s journey as well as Abians for their continued support.
The thanksgiving service which featured a sermon by Pastor Sam Oye of the Transforming Church Abuja, song ministrations as well as prayers for the Governor, his cabinet and the State, was attended by religious leaders, Churches of different denominations, Moslem Community, members of the state Executive council, traditional rulers, political stakeholders, and members of the public.
