Governor Alex Otti urges Abia appointees to stay committed to the New Abia Agenda at a 2026 retreat focused on accelerating growth and reforms.
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has urged members of his cabinet and political appointees to remain focused and committed to delivering on the “New Abia Agenda,” despite rising political distractions.
Governor Otti gave the charge on February 28 while declaring open a two-day First Quarter Retreat organised for political appointees at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube–Umuahia. The retreat, themed “Accelerating Progress: Unlocking New Opportunities,” was designed to review performance, strengthen teamwork, and align strategies across ministries, departments and agencies.
Addressing participants, the governor acknowledged that his administration has recorded visible improvements in the social and economic lives of residents. However, he warned that the government must not lose focus amid political developments in the state. According to him, 2026 will be a demanding year for his team, with major projects and reforms planned across critical sectors.
He stressed that no level of political noise should derail the administration’s commitment to advancing education, healthcare, infrastructure and other priority areas. The governor revealed that the state plans to commit over one trillion naira in the current fiscal year to transformative investments aimed at strengthening institutions and accelerating economic growth.
Governor Otti further called on appointees to approach their responsibilities with diligence and discipline, emphasizing that their collective success depends on unity and shared vision. He reminded them that the true value of public office lies not in budget allocations but in measurable outcomes that contribute to the broader development goals of the state.
Highlighting the administration’s strategy, he explained that infrastructure projects were deliberately launched in economically strategic locations to stimulate growth and revive business activity after years of stagnation. He noted that the positive effects of these investments are beginning to reflect in commercial hubs such as Aba and Umuahia, where landlords, industrialists and artisans are witnessing renewed economic activity.
The governor also encouraged open dialogue and respectful engagement throughout the retreat, urging participants to focus on issues rather than personalities. He described their roles as stewards entrusted with a limited timeframe to make lasting impact on the future of Abia.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribeole, described the retreat as timely and necessary for consolidating ongoing reforms. He noted that while the administration’s achievements are visible, the state must avoid complacency and continue pushing for sustainable growth.
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Meribeole said the retreat provides an opportunity for introspection, strategic alignment, and performance evaluation. He emphasized that effective governance thrives on coordination rather than isolated efforts, urging participants to actively engage, exchange ideas, and adopt innovative approaches to improve service delivery.
The retreat features presentations, interactive sessions, and policy discussions, with deliberations continuing into March 1, 2026.