Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has revealed that the reconstruction of the Governor’s Office, at Government House Umuahia is now underway, explaining that it was intentionally delayed to focus on people-centered priorities.
Governor Otti who disclosed this during a Sabbath Church service at the Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia, further revealed that his administration opted to focus first on critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and workers’ welfare.
“As a student of economics, we brought with us a scale of preference. We sat down and said, okay, everything is important, some are more important than others.
“We didn’t think this place (Government House) was more important than your salaries. We didn’t think this place was more important than the Primary Healthcare Centers.
“We didn’t think it was more important than our schools. We didn’t think it was more important than making education free at basic level so that our children and those who cannot afford to pay will have the opportunity that you and I had.
“We didn’t think this place was more important than the roads that were dilapidated, the offices that were decrepit.
“So we started with what we listed as the most important things. Having eliminated a lot of them, right now, I’m sure if you look around, you will see work has started around here”, the Governor stated.
He said that the reconstruction of the Michael Okpara Auditorium was already underway and will be completed by the end of June.
Governor Otti also disclosed that office of the Secretary to State Government is currently at the furnishing stage while work is ongoing at the Government House Clinic.
The Governor who described the Governor’s Lodge as “more or less like a makeshift place”, said it would also be reconstructed alongside the Unity Chapel in Government House.
He emphasized that government must reflect the needs of the people, stressing that leadership is only meaningful when it earns the people’s support.
“Because government is about the people. And if the people do not give their support, then leadership will not be able to work”, he added.
Governor Otti reminded the congregation that his administration would mark two years in a few days and assured that the momentum would increase to ensure Abia people reap more dividends of democracy.
The church service also featured a sermon by Elder Ezekwem Odigbo of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, who encouraged worshippers to face challenges with faith, referencing the biblical story of David and Goliath.
