The first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (rtd), has applauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a strong return of visionary leadership and renewed hope in the state, urging Abians to sustain the momentum by supporting continuity in governance.
Ajobena gave the commendation during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti at his office, describing the current administration as one that has restored Abia’s reputation as a model of purposeful and people-focused leadership in Nigeria. According to him, Abia State has once again become a reference point for good governance under Governor Otti’s leadership.
The former military administrator described the visit as a “remarkable homecoming,” noting that it was his first time in Abia State in more than 14 years. He said the visit allowed him to personally confirm the positive reports he had consistently heard about the transformation taking place across the state.
Drawing inspiration from the biblical account of the Queen of Sheba, Ajobena explained that he felt compelled to see the progress for himself, especially as the founding military administrator of Abia State. He recalled the enthusiasm that greeted the creation of the state in August 1991 and expressed regret that early hopes were later undermined by years of poor leadership.
He singled out the Aba Power Project for special praise, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” due to the creativity and industrious spirit of its people. According to him, Aba only requires the right leadership environment to unlock its full economic potential, a direction he said Governor Otti is already providing.
Commending the governor’s selfless service, Ajobena urged him to remain focused and undeterred by criticism, noting that opposition and cynicism are inevitable in leadership. He added that he was deeply impressed by the visible changes across the state.
“A lot has changed. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see,” he said.
The former military administrator called on stakeholders, critics, and residents of the state to rally behind Governor Otti, stressing that sustained development depends on continuity. He emphasized that Abia should not abandon progress already underway.
“You don’t change a winning team. Governor Otti is doing very well. Everyone should support him to complete what he has started,” Ajobena stated.
In his response, Governor Alex Otti expressed appreciation for the visit, describing Ajobena as a true founding father of Abia State. He acknowledged the challenges faced during the state’s formative years and praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance, noting that development must always be measured by its impact on the welfare and happiness of citizens. He explained that the temporary relocation of the Governor’s Office was due to structural failures discovered at the Government House complex in Umuahia.
According to the governor, integrity tests revealed that both the Governor’s Office and the official residence were unsafe, leading to their complete demolition and reconstruction.
“We are rebuilding them, and the work is progressing very well. Very soon, we will complete the buildings and move in,” Governor Otti said.
He further highlighted major interventions undertaken by his administration, including the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the construction of the Secretary to the State Government’s office, the remodeling of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House.
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Governor Otti emphasized that governance must always build on existing foundations and that any government that fails to improve the well-being of its people has missed its purpose.
The former military administrator was accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (rtd). Other top government officials present included the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Mereibeole, and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD.