Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of citizens as the state marks 35 years since its creation.
Governor Otti stated this on Thursday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium during the Monthly Media Chat with Journalists for the August 2026 edition, he said that the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, which commenced with a thanksgiving service, followed by an anniversary lecture and a panel discussion ended with a grand finale at the Ochendo Conference Centre Umuahia.
Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, by the then Military President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The Governor disclosed that he had recently spoken with the former Head of State, who recently celebrated his 85th birthday, and said Babangida conveyed his felicitations and congratulations to the people of Abia.
Governor Otti expressed appreciation to Chief Osita Chidoka, who delivered the anniversary lecture, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the journey of the state and its future.
According to the Governor, his administration remains focused on putting the people at the centre of governance, particularly the elderly, vulnerable and other citizens who require government intervention.
“Our people will continue to remain the centrepiece and focus of this administration, the elderly, the vulnerable and everyone in the state.”
He announced the establishment of a Citizen Engagement Centre, designed as a platform through which residents can communicate directly with government, raise observations and seek clarification on government activities.
He said the centre can be reached through contactcentre@abiastate.gov.ng, stressing that the necessary structures had been put in place to facilitate communication between citizens and government.
Governor Otti disclosed that his administration had recently cleared outstanding gratuities owed senior citizens who retired between 2001 and 2011, with plans underway to clear the remaining arrears from 2011 to date.
He put the total outstanding gratuity liability inherited by the administration at about N60 billion, saying the government would continue to clear the obligation progressively.
The Governor said the beneficiaries had expressed appreciation for the payments, describing the intervention as part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
He further disclosed that the state had commenced the Contributory Pension Scheme for more than 38,000 Abia civil servants, describing it as another significant step towards strengthening workers’ welfare and securing their future.
According to him, the administration has also continued to provide assistance to vulnerable residents, including those suffering from complicated and terminal illnesses.
“This month alone, we have spent over N500 million supporting people who are vulnerable. Some of them are undergoing complicated and terminal diseases. We believe that as a responsible government, we won’t fold our hands.”
The Governor also disclosed that the government had provided support to Abia indigenes who recently returned from South Africa following difficult circumstances, while directing the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation to liaise with relevant authorities to facilitate the return of other Abians reportedly stranded in the country.
On education, Governor Otti said the administration had recruited 4,074 additional teachers to address identified manpower gaps in the state’s public schools.
He explained that the teachers were being deployed to areas of need, alongside the previously recruited 5,300 teachers.
The Governor also highlighted ongoing infrastructural upgrades at Abia State University, Uturu, and the Abia State College of Education, Arochukwu, noting that issues relating to libraries, staff welfare and improved salary structures remained priorities of the administration.
He disclosed that the implementation of the new salary structure across the state had progressed, adding that any delay in the payment of August salaries would only be administrative and that workers would receive their adjusted remuneration.
Speaking on the leadership transition at Abia State University, Governor Otti disclosed that the process for appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor had commenced.
According to him, the tenure of the Acting Vice Chancellor is expected to expire in October, while a new Vice Chancellor is expected to assume office in November 1 2026.
The Governor also highlighted his administration’s investments in the health sector, stating that Abia was recently rated first in healthcare affordability.
He pointed to the recently commissioned Obingwa General Hospital, renamed the Chima Ubani Hospital, as one of the major interventions in the sector.
The hospital is equipped with telehealth technology, allowing medical professionals outside the state to be consulted where necessary.
Governor Otti said renewable energy systems had also been deployed across the state’s hospitals to support round-the-clock operations, including reliable water supply.
He said the administration had commenced the recruitment of 1,000 additional health professionals, in addition to the 881 previously approved.
The Governor further disclosed that out of the 200 primary healthcare centres targeted for intervention, several had been renovated and retrofitted, with plans to functionalise all 277 primary healthcare centres across the state.
He also revealed that about 270,000 Abians had been enrolled in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme.
Governor Otti disclosed that another batch of 1,826 young people would graduate from the state’s skills acquisition programme, adding that about 2,800 young people had graduated within the last 18 months.
He said many of the beneficiaries were already securing employment and becoming self-reliant.
According to him, the latest beneficiaries had developed innovations, including a drone, while government had directed that some of the young people be further engaged.
The Governor also noted that the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps had recently visited Abia and commended the state for its peaceful environment and healthcare initiatives.
On land administration, Governor Otti said 4,965 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) had been issued within the last three years, assuring residents that the government would continue to simplify the process.
He said applicants requiring their C of O should approach the Ministry of Lands, with the government targeting a 30-day processing period.
On infrastructure, the Governor said the administration would continue working to make communities across the state accessible through improved road networks.
He disclosed that work was ongoing at the Aba Bus Terminal, with the project expected to be completed and commissioned before the end of the year.
The Governor also noted the deployment of 20 new electric buses under the state’s transport reform programme.
On electricity supply in Aba, he explained that the state was exploring alternative gas supply arrangements and was also in discussions with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) regarding the acquisition of the Umuahia electricity distribution network.
He further assured residents that work would resume shortly on the Umuopara Ring Road, which he said was nearing completion.
Reacting to concerns over the performance of Enyimba Football Club, Governor Otti acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football but assured supporters that his administration remained committed to restoring the club’s winning culture.
“I am already on it and I can assure you that we do everything to make Enyimba once again a club that will continue to win their matches.”
On the tenure of local government administrations in the state, Governor Otti disclosed that the state had approached the Abia State House of Assembly for an amendment to the Abia State Local Government Law of 2006 before the Local Government election in 2024.
According to him, the law has now been amended to provide for a four-year tenure.
The Governor also directed the Secretary to the State Government to investigate an allegation concerning the removal of the name of a staff member of the Office of the Special Adviser on Due Process from the state payroll.
Speaking during the anniversary programme, Mr. Chigozie Ubani expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for renaming the Obingwa General Hospital after his late brother, Comrade Chima Ubani, a renowned labour and human rights activist who died at the age of 42.
