The business community in Aba has raised millions of naira in support of the Abia State Security Trust Fund, with Governor Alex Otti assuring stakeholders that every kobo donated will be judiciously utilised and accounted for.
Speaking at the Aba Stakeholders’ Security Trust Fundraising Luncheon held on Thursday, at the Aba Sports Club, Governor Otti emphasised that security remains central to his administration’s vision for development.
“Security is at the heart of everything we are doing. And we don’t talk too much or so much about it. But our attention to security is critical,” the Governor stated.
He assured the donors and the public that neither the funds raised nor any other public resources would be mismanaged under his leadership.
“Every kobo of this money will be judiciously used and accounted for. Not one dime will be missing. Sometimes, I laugh when people are saying, oh!, he is stealing money. I tell them that, yes, sometimes you find people stealing, but some of us can never steal.
“So, anytime you hear that money is missing, go and sleep. Money doesn’t go missing under my watch. And those who work with me will also tell you that. That is an area that I’ve been endowed with by God”, he added.
Governor Otti also dismissed claims of opposition in Abia, describing those involved as individuals seeking relevance or negotiation.
“I can assure you that in Abia, there is nothing like opposition. You may see a few people who want to get recognition. Some of them want to be settled. Some of them want negotiation. Some of them are preparing to run an election. So, they want to be relevant”, he said.
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Aba business community, friends, and supporters of the “new Abia project” for their commitment to the state’s progress, and promised never to take their backing for granted.
On infrastructure, Governor Otti announced that the newly reconstructed Port Harcourt Road, Aba, along with six other roads, would be commissioned on 3 October by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He further disclosed that the State Government had finalised agreements with Radisson Blu for the redevelopment of the Enyimba Hotel, with work at the project site set to commence soon.
The Governor also urged Abians to participate actively in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, encouraged citizens to ensure all eligible members of their households are registered.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Leo Ike-Okoye, commended Governor Otti for his achievements, particularly in road infrastructure, security, street lighting, and water schemes and called for greater support to enable the Governor to fully realise his vision for the state.
Other stakeholders, including Ide John Udeagbala, Mazi Jude Nwosu, and a representative of Owelle Greg Okafor, lauded the Governor for his decisive steps in restoring Aba’s lost glory.
While making their donations, they stressed that security should not be left to the Government alone, hence their resolve to complement official efforts.
