Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called on members of his cabinet to develop a holistic framework to evaluate the impact of public investments across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as his administration prepares to commit over ₦1 trillion to critical sectors in the 2026 fiscal year.
Governor Otti made the call on Saturday, while declaring open a two-day First Quarter Retreat for political appointees, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, with the theme, “Accelerating Progress: Unlocking New Opportunities”.
Governor Otti, 2nd left with the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu and other members of the Governor’s cabinet
The Governor said that a comprehensive performance assessment mechanism was essential to ensure that government spending translates into measurable outcomes for citizens.
“It is therefore important that we develop a holistic way of evaluating the reach of the investments happening through our various MDAs to be able to make projections that drive policy responses”, Gov. Otti stated.
He stressed that the value of public office must not be measured by budgetary allocation but by tangible contributions to the administration’s overarching development objectives.
“The value of your office is not determined by a share of the budgetary provision, but by how the outputs add to the attainment of our overarching development.
Gov Alex Otti
“We should therefore be able to see the broader picture at all times, as I have explained this on numerous occasions. It is not for nothing that the infrastructural development projects kicked off from the most economically viable locations.
“We were deliberate in restarting the economy after years of dormancy, as you will agree with me. The impact of these investments are beginning to trickle in, as the average landlord, industrialist, and artisan in Aba, Umuahia, can testify”, Gov. Otti stated.
Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information
The Governor who acknowledged the noticeable improvements in the social and economic experiences of residents, urged members of his cabinet to remain focused despite political distractions.
“My charge to you this morning, keep doing your job with assured diligence and firm commitment to the new Abia agenda.
Mr Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
“We have to stay focused, but again, it would equally amount to self-deceit to be ignorant or inattentive to the political occurrences around us.
“Evidently, this will be a very busy year for all of us. So, it is important that we prepare ourselves for the journey ahead.
Mr Ferdinard Ekeoma, SA to the Governor on Media and Publicity
“There will be, however, a lot of inadvertence, but no amount of noise, whatever the decibel, can be sufficient enough to take our attention away from the developments we want to see in our educational institutions, health ecosystems, and in the other critical sectors where we are planning to commit sums in excess of one trillion naira in the current fiscal year.
“The future of Abia must be prioritised over every other consideration, So, whatever would derail us from the goals that have been collectively agreed must be cast aside”,Gov. Otti stated.
Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, Secretary to the State Government
Earlier in his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribeole, described the retreat as a critical moment for reflection and coordination.
Dr Meribeole further noted that the retreat is also a moment to strengthen teamwork across Ministries, Departments and Agencies adding that “governance succeeds not in silos but through coordination.
He encouraged all participants to engage actively in the discussions and share experiences openly, challenge assumptions constructively, and embrace new ideas that will strengthen service delivery.
Mr Emeka Enyiazu, SA to the Governor on Tertiary Education
The retreat brought together members of the State Executive Council and other senior political appointees of the Governor.
