Governor Alex Otti says Abia State is ready to host President Tinubu for major project inaugurations.
He highlighted road, health, education and airport upgrades as part of ongoing state development.
Governor Alex Otti has confirmed that Abia State is fully prepared to host President Bola Tinubu on Friday, October 3. Speaking at a media session in Umuahia, Otti said the President will inaugurate the newly completed Port Harcourt Road in Aba along with other major projects executed by his administration.
He noted that the state government has also started renovating and expanding the Aba Correctional Centre to improve conditions for inmates. “We are committed to quality projects and have ensured high standards on all our ongoing works,” Otti said.
The Governor listed poor infrastructure, especially bad roads, as one of the state’s biggest challenges. He disclosed that reconstruction will soon begin on the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene federal road, which has remained in poor condition for decades despite previous federal contracts.
Otti stressed that his government is working for the collective good of the people rather than political or personal interests. He dismissed criticisms from political opponents, saying they will not distract his administration from its goals.
He highlighted gains in the health sector, revealing that over 140 of the state’s 200 primary health centres have been renovated and equipped, with more to follow. Recruitment of 771 new health workers is ongoing, and applications have been received from within and outside Nigeria.
On education, Otti said the free schooling policy from primary to Junior Secondary 3 has boosted enrolment and quality. He reported that 5,000 teachers have been deployed, while recruitment of another 4,000 is in progress. He also praised the leadership of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, for securing accreditation for all 33 programmes, and noted ongoing upgrades at the College of Education Technical Arochukwu.
The Governor further explained that the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs is working with councils to improve agriculture and reduce rural-to-urban migration. He said four evening markets are being established in each local government area, equipped with solar lighting and public conveniences to stimulate local economies.
Otti also gave an update on the Nsulu airport project, confirming that the state has begun construction of the runway, its own part of the joint initiative, while the federal government handles other components. He assured that grievances from some land donors over compensation would be resolved, stressing that no rightful landowner will be left out.
Finally, the Governor said splitting the Ministry of Lands and Housing into two separate ministries became necessary to improve efficiency and address the growing workload.
