Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, once again demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability during his monthly media chat for October 2025. The interactive session, held at the Banquet Hall in Umuahia, gave the governor an opportunity to brief residents on the progress made by his administration between September and October while outlining key developmental plans for the coming months.
- Waste-to-Wealth Initiative: Turning Rubbish into Resources
Governor Otti commended the Abia State Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency for maintaining cleaner streets across the state. He announced that the next phase of the government’s waste management strategy would focus on recycling. According to him, Abia will soon launch the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, which aims to convert waste materials into useful products. The governor revealed that discussions with potential partners are already underway to ensure the project’s success.
- Industrialization Drive: Reviving Moribund Industries
In a major push toward economic revival, Otti disclosed plans to rejuvenate the International Glass Industry, Ceramics Industry, Aba Textile Industry, and the Paper Mill. The governor said the paperwork for acquiring and revamping these industries was near completion. Experts will be engaged to manage the companies efficiently, with the goal of boosting the state’s GDP, creating employment opportunities, and reducing poverty.
- Education Transformation: 4,000 New Teachers and Smart Schools
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to education reform. He announced the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers to meet the rising student enrollment rates. Many schools are currently being renovated into smart schools, equipped with modern facilities and digital learning tools. He also emphasized strict structural integrity checks, stating that unsafe school buildings would be demolished and rebuilt to guarantee the safety of pupils.
- Power and Infrastructure: Lighting Up Abia
The governor reported impressive progress in the state’s electrification efforts under the Operation Light Up Abia project. So far, about 8,000 solar streetlights have been installed across various communities. Otti also revealed that Abia has taken control of electricity supply through the acquisition of EEDC operations, which will serve eight local governments. He said his goal is to ensure stable power supply across Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Bende, with a focus on enabling manufacturing and powering healthcare facilities with renewable energy.
- Health Sector Reforms: Merit-Based Recruitment and Improved Access
The government continues to upgrade primary healthcare centers (PHCs), with 79 centers currently being retrofitted. Over 771 healthcare professionals are being recruited through a transparent, merit-based process. Otti clarified that rumors of malpractice in the recruitment process were false, stressing his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption. He also noted that applicants from several African countries had expressed interest in joining the Abia healthcare workforce.
- Security: Collective Responsibility for a Safe Abia
Governor Otti praised the synergy among security agencies in maintaining peace across Abia State. He called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, emphasizing that everyone has a role to play in ensuring a secure environment.
- Infrastructure Development: New Roads and Airport Project
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Otti announced the completion and commissioning of eight roads in Aba, witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Works, Dr. Dave Umahi. He also revealed upcoming projects, including the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road, the 13.1km Ariam Usaka Road, the 4.9km Isieke–Itungwa Road, and the 3.7km Ogidi Road.
Additionally, the long-awaited Abia Airport Project will be officially flagged off on October 28, 2025, with compensation settlements already underway.
- Tribute to Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai
Governor Otti expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a revered Christian leader from Ohafia, who died on October 6, 2025. A moment of silence was observed in his honor.
- Commitment to Youth Empowerment and Technology
In his closing remarks, Otti encouraged parents and guardians to guide their children toward careers in technology and leadership. His administration, he said, is equipping young Abians with skills that will enable them to work for global tech giants like Google, Amazon, Apple, and IBM.
Governor Otti concluded by thanking the people of Abia for their continued support, assuring them that his government remains steadfast in serving the majority and building a New Abia where opportunities abound for all.