Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida. It was carved out of the old Imo State, with its capital at Umuahia.
Since then, the state has been administered by both military administrations and elected civilian governors. Several military officers governed the state prior to the return of democracy, including Frank Ajobena, Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, Moses Fasanya and Anthony Obi.
The civilian governors include Ogbonnaya Onu (1992–1993) during the Third Republic; Orji Uzor Kalu (1999–2007); Theodore Orji (2007–2015); Okezie Ikpeazu (2015–2023); and the incumbent governor, Alex Otti, who assumed office on May 29, 2023.
Indeed, successive administrations have contributed their quota to the growth and development of the state. However, the present administration under Governor Otti has surpassed them all. In other words, Governor Otti’s achievements in transforming the state stand out as remarkable and verifiable.
Apparently, the transformation of the state under Governor Otti can only be likened to that of Nehemiah of Jerusalem. Consider the profile of Nehemiah: he was a high-ranking official in the Persian court in the city of Shushan. Yet, his life of comfort did not diminish his concern for the welfare of his Jewish brothers in faraway Jerusalem. When a delegation from Jerusalem visited and told him that the people were “in a very bad plight” and that the city’s wall was “broken down,” Nehemiah wept.
His concern for Jerusalem and compassion for the Jews living there moved him to act. Within two action-packed months, the entire wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt. Nehemiah later wrote that those who opposed the repair work were forced to acknowledge that “it was from our God that this work has been done.”
Similarly, Dr. Alex Otti came from the banking sector, where he made a name and carved a niche for himself. Like Nehemiah, his life of comfort did not diminish his concern for his people, Ndi Abia, who had been unfairly treated and whose living standards had declined to an all-time low. Determined to change the narrative, he contested and was elected governor of Abia State, with the campaign slogan, “Weep No More.”
Soon after assuming office, Dr. Otti set out to transform the state and raise the living standards of its people.
Realising that a good road network is critical infrastructure for economic growth, safety and social connectivity, he began the construction and reconstruction of strategic and economically viable roads, with emphasis on quality. According to a book on Community Feedback, “Quality infrastructure is linked to reduced transport costs, faster travel time and improved access to essential services and markets.”
The road revolution of Governor Otti began with the expansion of Ossah Road in Umuahia into a six-lane boulevard. The boulevard has since been completed and commissioned, alongside other projects such as the Umuahia–Abiriba Road, Port Harcourt Road in Aba, and the recently reconstructed Omenuko Bridge, among many others.
Beyond road infrastructure, Governor Otti has also recorded milestones in the construction and retrofitting of government offices to enhance the aesthetics of Umuahia and Aba, the economic hub of the South-East. For instance, from Michael Okpara Roundabout through Bank Road stands the newly renovated Michael Okpara Auditorium, the newly built office complex of the Secretary to the State Government, and other impressive structures that make the area attractive and inviting.
Other developments include traffic lights opposite the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, and another at the Aba Road junction. Along the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene highway are ultra-modern bus stops and massive artworks stretching towards Ibeku High School, as well as structures around the Local Government Service Commission, the BCA Administrative Complex and the Abia State Secretariat.
Furthermore, an ultra-modern Central Bus Terminal at Isi Gate is nearing completion. Indeed, the cities of Umuahia and Aba are gradually being rebuilt, beautified and made more orderly.
According to a journal on Environmental Research and Public Health, “City beautification is a key component of urban regeneration. It aims to cultivate a more civilised urban lifestyle and attract both investment and highly skilled workers.” In other words, beautification of a town or state fosters community pride, improves mental well-being and drives economic growth. It is often described as more than cosmetic enhancement but a reflection of the healthy will of its residents.
As Sunday Adelaja once observed, “Without order in your life, you will realise that you will be busy without commensurate results.” Rajendra Muthye also noted that “orderliness is the prerequisite for being on time anywhere and everywhere.”
In all, like Nehemiah of Jerusalem, Governor Alex Otti is gradually rebuilding Abia State. Therefore, it is imperative that Ndi Abia give him the necessary support and cooperation to realise the new Abia of our collective dream.
Charles Ifenkwe; a Guest writer, writes from Umuahia, Abia State.
