Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration is committed to Security, industrial revival and inclusive development, declaring that the achievements recorded so far are “just the beginning” of his transformation agenda for the State.
Governor Otti said this on Sunday during the 2025 Ngwa Day Celebration, with the theme “Ngwaness: Umunna Ehila”, organized by Ngwa Social Club,a sociocultural group, at the Ngwa High School, Aba.
The Governor noted that Abia is enjoying relative peace and steady socio-economic progress, urging residents to remain patient as more projects come on stream.
“So the first thing we did was to recover Aba because without Aba there is no Ngwaland. I appeal to you to be patient and watch out for more transformations in different sectors of the economy.
“We have a lot of work to do in the State and we are poised to do the work. This is just the beginning. This is just 30 months since I became Governor and we still have a lot of things we are working to execute in Abia to totally transform the State”, he said.
Governor Otti said that the State Government is addressing unemployment by reviving key industries, noting that crime often thrives where people were not gainfully employed.
The Governor listed Star Paper Mill, Afro Beverages, Aba Textile Mill, International Glass Industry and the Metallurgical Plant among companies being acquired or discussed for revival to create jobs.
He said that the State’s founding fathers showed foresight in establishing the industries, adding that his administration would leverage them to generate employment for the people of Abia.
All these moribund companies will all come back to being fully operational. The truth is that our founding fathers had foresight when they set up these companies. We want to ensure that we take advantage of these companies to generate jobs for our people”, the Governor stated.
On Security, Governor Otti called on citizens to take collective responsibility for safeguarding their communities, urging residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agents.
Governor Otti described the choice of the State’s first Attorney-General, Chief Theo Nkire, as leader of the Ngwa people as commendable and expressed full support for the decision.
He congratulated Chief Nkire on his emergence, describing it as a well-deserved honour bestowed by his kinsmen, and said the new leader’s priority would be social and economic progress.
The Governor also commended Ngwa leaders for participating in the cultural day celebration and stressed the need to preserve Ngwa cultural heritage.
He further disclosed that the first leader of the Ngwa people, Chief Jaja Wachukwu, would be honoured by Abia Government with a celebration of his 108th posthumous birthday on Jan.1.
In his speech, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended the Governor for the achievements recorded since he assumed office and urged him to sustain the good works.
Sen. Abaribe said the State has enjoyed improved security and socioeconomic growth under the Governor’s watch, and prayed God to bless the Ngwa people and prosper them in all their endeavours.
In his remark, the lawmaker representing Abia Central, Sen. Austin Akobundu, expressed delight at being part of the event and commended the Governor for the improved security enjoyed in the State.
Sen Akobundu also praised the organisers for hosting the event, noting that it provided a platform for the Ngwa people to showcase their rich cultural heritage.
He said that initiatives that encourage the preservation and protection of culture and tradition should be sustained, describing the event as a worthy example.
In her remarks, a former lawmaker, Sen. Nkechi Nworgu, commended the organisers for institutionalising the event as an annual celebration and urged them to sustain it.
Nworgu also praised the Otti led Government for its efforts in maintaining Security in the State.
She called on the Ngwa people to uphold unity and togetherness, noting that such values were vital for the growth and development of Ngwaland.
Also, a former Chairman of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Chidi Ajaegbu, described the event as an opportunity for the Ngwa people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and commended the organisers for its success.
Chief Ajaegbu described the Governor’s presence as a sign of recognition and identification with the people, as well as a demonstration of his commitment to inclusive governance.
He noted that in less than three years, the State had witnessed significant transformation, citing a cleaner Aba and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
Chief Ajaegbu called on the people of Ngwa to continue to support the Governor in order for him to consolidate on the gains recorded under his watch.
The Chairman of the Occasion and Chairman, Chief Orjinta Alala, said that the event also provided an opportunity for the people of Ngwa land to select a leader who would speak for them and articulate their collective position on issues of concern.
Chief Alala said that the Ngwa people had observed one year of mourning for their former leader, late Dr Emmanuel Adaelu, and had now resolved that the time had come for a new leader to emerge to guide the Ngwa nation.
Also, the President of the Ngwa Social Club, Prof. Paul Ananaba, said the people of Ngwa had unanimously agreed to appoint Chief Theo Nkire as their new leader.
Prof. Ananaba described Nkire as an elder statesman with a proven pedigree, noting that his experience, integrity and long record of service qualify him to provide credible leadership and effectively represent the interests of the Ngwa people.
The event which was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, featured different cultural displays such as Ikoro, Ekpo, Mgbede Umuabogho, among others.
