Governor Alex Otti of Abia State had a packed weekend, as he undertook multiple engagements aimed at fostering development and honoring key personalities in the state. From advocating for more local governments to honoring illustrious Abians, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to transformative leadership.
On Saturday, Governor Otti visited the country home of retired Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, a former Vice President of Nigeria, in Abiriba. During his visit, he honored his longtime friend and Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, at his milestone traditional retirement. He also celebrated Chief Barrister Jackson Agbai Abba for his traditional retirement ceremony.
Speaking at Abba’s residence, the governor praised the livestock ranching initiative led by Chief Eleanya Ojuu, Mayor of Ohafia LGA. He assured the people of Ohafia of the state’s support to establish the LGA as the livestock hub of the South-East.
Governor Otti further commended the Abiriba business community for their commitment to investing N1 billion as a startup capital to support state transformation projects. Chief Leslie Ezikpe and other prominent Abiriba leaders pledged their support for the governor’s development initiatives.
During a civic reception at Awomukwu High School in Ikwuano LGA on Friday, Governor Otti called for the creation of more local governments in the state to enhance administrative efficiency.
“Some LGAs are too large and require restructuring for better service delivery,” Otti said, highlighting Ikwuano as an example. He assured residents of his readiness to collaborate with all elected leaders, irrespective of party affiliations, to deliver the dividends of democracy.
The governor also announced plans to prioritize road repairs in Ikwuano, including the Ariam-Usaka Road, which he pledged to fund if insufficient federal allocations arise.
Governor Otti revealed that his administration’s major 2025 projects would include providing potable water to communities through direct labor. The state has acquired industrial drilling rigs capable of rapid deployment to all LGAs, ensuring access to clean water across Abia.
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The governor celebrated two distinguished sons of Ikwuano: Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, and Chief Davidson S.C. Alaribe, the 60th President of ICAN. Both were honored for their remarkable achievements during the civic reception organized by the Awomukwu Think Tank Forum.
Using his personal story and that of Chief Alaribe, Governor Otti inspired Abia’s youth to strive for greatness, emphasizing that perseverance and self-belief are key to success.
Senator Austine Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District, lauded Governor Otti for his non-partisan approach to governance. He pledged collaboration to drive development in the state, aligning with the governor’s vision to prioritize Abians’ welfare over political rhetoric.
