Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to sustaining development across key sectors, including roads, health, education, transport, power and security.
Otti stated this on Tuesday night during a monthly media parley with journalists at the Government House in Umuahia.
He thanked residents for their cooperation during ongoing infrastructure projects across the state and urged them to remain patient as road construction and asphalt laying continue in various communities.
On waste management, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for environmental filth, stressing that cleanliness was essential to public health.
He urged residents to take responsibility for proper waste disposal to keep the state clean.
“In the area of environmental sanitation, nobody has been allowed to drop the ball and we appreciate the level of work being done. It will continue to be so because we have zero tolerance for rubbish.
“Any time you see anything that should not be on the road, call the attention of whoever dropped it and ensure it is properly disposed of,” Otti said.
On healthcare, the governor disclosed that more than 200 primary healthcare centres across the state were being renovated and equipped to meet minimum standards and improve access to quality healthcare services.
He said the government was also prioritizing the employment of qualified medical professionals to strengthen service delivery in the facilities.
Otti revealed that Abia recently won national awards for Health Emergency Preparedness, Primary Healthcare Leadership and Strategic Partnerships, attributing the achievements to the dedication of healthcare workers in the state.
In the education sector, the governor said the administration was carrying out renovations, fencing, smart school projects and improved security in public schools, noting that a new phase of the programme would commence in 2026.
“In education, renovation and fencing of schools, smart school projects and the securing of public schools are ongoing. We believe the next phase will begin in 2026,” he said.
On transportation, Otti announced the rollout of 20 electric buses under a pilot scheme, offering free transportation to residents.
He said the decision to introduce electric buses was informed by the need to promote environmental sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
“The idea is to align with environmental sustainability standards and ensure that our carbon footprint is reduced to the barest minimum while promoting net-zero emissions.
“I personally rode one of the buses from Umuahia to Ukwa West, and the programme has started well,” he said.
The governor added that 20 additional buses were expected soon, while another 60 would arrive later, with a target of deploying 100 electric buses across the state by the end of 2026.
On power supply, Otti said electricity had been restored to 33 communities in Ukwa West after nine years, fulfilling a promise he made earlier in the year.
He confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) had taken over the state’s electricity market following the signing of the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended).
He explained that with the new law, states were now empowered to generate, transmit, distribute and regulate electricity.
Otti disclosed that plans were underway for the state government to assume control of power distribution in the remaining eight local government areas currently under the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
“Aba has been ceded to Aba Power and Geometric, while the remaining eight local governments under EEDC will soon be taken over by the Abia State Government.
“Our offer has been accepted and we are in the process of making payments, which we expect to conclude in the first quarter of next year,” he said.
He assured residents of Bende and Ohafia, who have experienced power challenges, that permanent electricity supply would soon be restored.
The governor also said discussions were ongoing to ensure steady gas supply to Geometric Power, adding that excess electricity generated in Aba would be distributed across the state.
On industrial revival, Otti disclosed that negotiations were ongoing to reactivate moribund industries to boost employment and economic growth.
He said the state government had taken over Star Paper Mill Ltd. and was finalizing the takeover of Afro Beverages, expected to be completed in January.
According to him, discussions were also ongoing with investors in Modern Ceramics, International Glass Industry and the Metallurgical Plant.
“If these discussions are successful, these industries will come back to life and support the Abia economy, not only through GDP growth but also through job creation.
“Even if government does not make immediate profits, our priority is for our people to have jobs and for the economy to grow,” Otti said.
On security, the governor assured residents that safety remained a top priority under his administration.
He commended security agencies for maintaining relative peace and ensuring public safety across the state.
“We thank God and our security agencies for working tirelessly so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed.
“The state has remained relatively calm, and we will continue to nip any form of disturbance in the bud so that our people can go about their businesses peacefully,” Otti said.
