Abia govt restates commitment to infrastructure, health, education reforms

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on Tuesday restated his administration’s commitment to development across roads, health, education, transport, power and security.

He stated this during a monthly media parley with newsmen at the Government House, Umuahia, where he thanked residents for their cooperation as construction continues across communities.

Otti urged residents to remain patient as road works and asphalt laying continue, and also called for responsibility in waste disposal.

The governor said, “In the area of environmental sanitation, nobody has been allowed to drop the ball, and we appreciate the level of work that you are doing.

“It will continue to be so because we have zero tolerance for rubbish, which is why we go around to pick up rubbish and deal with it the best way we can.

Abia: Otti restores power to 33 communities after nine-year blackout

“Any time you see anything that should not be on the road, if it is someone that dropped it, call his attention and make sure he picks it up and puts it in his pocket.”

On health, Otti said over 200 primary healthcare centres are being renovated and equipped.

He said the government is employing medical professionals for the facilities and noted Abia’s recent national awards for health emergency preparedness, primary healthcare leadership and strategic partnerships.

In education, he highlighted ongoing renovation, fencing, smart school projects and school security, with a new phase to begin in 2026.

“In terms of education, renovation of schools, fencing of schools, the smart school projects and the securing of public schools, which is handled by Homeland Security. These things continue to go on, and we believe that the next phase will kick in in 2026,” he said.

Otti announced the rollout of 20 electric buses under a pilot scheme with free transportation.

He said the move is aimed at environmental sustainability and carbon reduction.

“The whole idea is to key into the environmental sustainability standards and ensure that our carbon footprints are reduced to the bare minimum, while environmental sustainability and net zero emissions are promoted.

“So, we are happy that it started well. I rode in one of the buses myself from Umuahia to Ukwa West,” he said.

He said 20 more buses are expected soon and 60 more later, targeting 100 electric buses by the end of 2026.

“We have 20 more buses on the way, and another 60 will also be on the way. So our target is that by the end of 2026 we will have a hundred electric buses plying everywhere in Abia and probably beyond. The Ministry of Transport is working on the management of the buses,” he said.

On power, he said electricity had been restored to 33 communities in Ukwa West after nine years.

He confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority has now taken charge of the state electricity market.

“Which has taken off, and in the last few days, the Nigeria Electricity Regulation Commission handed over its functions to ASERA with the Electricity Act 2023. Now with the Electricity Act 2023, states have been authorised to manage, regulate, distribute, transmit, and even generate electricity,” he said.

Otti added that the government plans to take control of power distribution in eight more local governments currently under the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.

“Aba has been ceded as an island to Aba Power and Geometric, the remaining eight local governments under the EEDC will soon be taken over by Abia State Government… I assure you that very soon, we will restore permanent power to those areas,” he said.

Otti also said negotiations are ongoing to revive moribund industries, including Star Paper Mill Ltd. and Afro Beverages, with more targeted for recovery to drive employment.

“Discussions are also going on with the people who invested in Modern Ceramics, International Glass Industry and Metallurgical Plant.

“If our discussions go well, we expect that this company will come back to life and begin to support the economy of Abia State… Even if we don’t make money, we want our people to have jobs and we want our economy to grow,” he said.

On security, he commended security agencies for maintaining calm across the state.

“In terms of security, we want to thank God first and foremost and thank our security agencies for working around the clock and for not sleeping so that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said, adding that the government continues to respond quickly to disturbances so residents can work and do business.