The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has assured residents that his administration would remain committed to delivering sustainable development and improving the welfare of the people as it consolidates on the gains recorded in the last three years.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, during the grand finale of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, where he presented a comprehensive scorecard of his government’s achievements across critical sectors of the economy.
The governor said his administration would continue to pursue people-oriented policies and responsible management of public resources to ensure steady growth and long-term prosperity for the state.
He noted that his administration has maintained fiscal discipline while also embarking on massive infrastructural renewal projects across the state.
Governor Otti also said his government has reduced the state’s debt profile by over 70 per cent through prudent financial management and accountability.
“Part of the reasons we have made remarkable progress in the last 36 months is a firm commitment to fiscal responsibility. Our record of expenditure on capital investment is about the highest in the country.
“And still, we have managed to liquidate the stock of public debts by over 70% as of March 2026. We are run by independent observers as one of the leading states on fiscal sustainability, accountability and transparency.
“We shall continue to strengthen the fiscal responsibility outline and commit more resources to assess the long-term social and economic benefits.
“As I have consistently maintained, there is so much to do with the funds that we cannot spare a dime for frivolity”, Governor Otti stated.
According to him, Abia has completed 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres within the past three years, while another 82 roads stretching over 200 kilometres would soon be completed and opened for public use.
The governor listed some of the landmark projects completed by his administration to include Port Harcourt Road Aba, the six lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard Umuahia, the reconstructed Ohanku Road Aba, the historic Omenuko Bridge and the final section of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road.
He also highlighted achievements in the healthcare sector, revealing that close to 1,000 healthcare professionals had been recruited and deployed to tertiary, secondary and primary health facilities across the state.
Governor Otti disclosed that the administration had consistently allocated 15 per cent of the annual budget to healthcare, leading to the retrofitting and revitalisation of hundreds of health centres and general hospitals.
On education, the governor said his administration has sustained a policy of earmarking not less than 20 per cent of the annual budget for the sector.
He explained that 5,394 teachers were recruited last year, while arrangements were being concluded to employ an additional 4,000 teachers following the sharp increase in school enrolment recorded in the state.
The governor further disclosed that his administration had invested heavily in youth empowerment through technology-driven initiatives focused on software engineering, artificial intelligence and cyber security training.
He added that over N300 million had been earmarked to support technology-based enterprises and innovation across the state.
On workers’ welfare, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, noting that civil servants and retirees will no longer need to protest before receiving their entitlements.
On security, Governor Otti noted that sustained collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders has significantly improved the safety of lives and property across the state.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen governance institutions, improve public services and expand economic opportunities for the benefit of all Abians.
In his goodwill message on behalf of Abia National Assembly members, the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, said Governor Otti has surpassed expectations in delivering campaign promises through extensive road, healthcare and development projects across the state, adding that lawmakers were fully committed to supporting his second term bid in 2027.
Also, elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, noting that his administration’s achievements across critical sectors within three years has restored dignity to governance and renewed the confidence of Abians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking on behalf of Abia women, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, lauded the governor for promoting merit, inclusiveness and human capital development, noting that women now occupy over 85 per cent of permanent secretary positions while vulnerable groups continue to benefit from his administration’s people-centered policies.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, said the activities marking Governor Otti’s third anniversary in office reflects visible achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and urban renewal.
He stressed that the present administration has restored confidence, hope and investor interest in Abia through accountable and compassionate governance.
The grand finale of the Otti-led administration’s third anniversary featured a colourful parade by a guard of honour and ceremonial salute.
