…Updates Abians on Key Achievements at November Media Chat
The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has reassured pensioners that his administration will begin the gradual payment of the over N60billion verified gratuity arrears owed by past governments in Abia State.
Governor Otti gave the assurance during the November Edition of the Monthly Media Chat held at the Government House, Umuahia.
He expressed gratitude to Abians for their consistent support for his administration.
“I want to thank all of you for the massive support — both from those who like what we are doing and even those who don’t. I encourage the majority who support us not to be discouraged by the infinitesimal few who simply want to constitute nuisance or seek attention,” he said.
The Governor noted that while the administration may not have achieved everything yet, it remains firmly committed to progress.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. This is just two years, and we still have the mandate of our people for the next one year and few months,” he added.
Governor Otti provided a detailed overview of developments across various sectors in the past month.
He highlighted the ongoing infrastructural revolution in the state, pointing out that Abia’s recent positive ratings are a clear testament to the work being done. Abia was recently ranked the most prepared state in Nigeria, based on indicators such as the Human Development Index and average spending per individual. The state was also recognised as the Best State in Intra-City Transportation.
He announced that the state’s newly acquired electric buses would be deployed before the end of the year to further reduce transportation costs.
With the rainfall season ending, contractors have resumed aggressive construction and reconstruction of roads across different parts of the state.
On land administration, the Governor disclosed that 3,562 Certificates of Occupancy have been issued in the last two and half years. He noted that the process has been fully automated, making approvals faster and more transparent. He added that the government is also intensifying efforts to recover all debts owed to the state, stressing that no one is exempt.
Governor Otti also reported key improvements in the education sector. He stated that schools across the state are being renovated, fenced, and upgraded to meet modern standards. He confirmed that the Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu, which lost accreditation years ago, has now regained accreditation for 24 courses. He further noted progress at Abia State University and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, where key buildings at the permanent site are near completion.
On power, the Governor said the state is in the process of acquiring the electricity distribution company that serves the remaining eight Local Governments, to ensure uninterrupted power supply across Abia.
He addressed concerns about a temporary glitch in teachers’ salary payments, assuring that all affected persons would receive their salaries by Sunday. He also disclosed that the portal for the recruitment of 4,000 teachers has received 27,980 applications, while assuring Abians of a transparent process.
Concerning workers’ welfare, the Governor reiterated that salary payments and entitlements remain top priority. He revealed that the verified outstanding pension stands at over N16 billion, following the report submitted by a joint committee of the state and the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.
“We will commence gradual payment. Government is a continuum, and we must address what we met on ground — whether assets or debts,” he said.
He also directed his Chief of Staff to immediately resolve the omission of 64 nurses from the newly approved Abia State Health Workers Salary Structure.
On youth and community development, Governor Otti highlighted the upward review of corps members’ allowances from ₦4,000 to ₦50,000, depending on their posting location.
He added that government is investing in the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende, to provide better living conditions for corps members.
The Governor also disclosed improvements at the Correctional Service facilities, including the ongoing construction of a perimeter fence and a one-storey building aimed at decongesting the facility and supporting inmate reform.
He urged Abians to remain vigilant and security conscious as the Christmas season approaches.
