Ike monday

Yesterday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, I had the honour of hosting our brilliant students who represented Abia State and Nigeria at the International Schools Debate Championship in Doha, Qatar 2026. To recognize their outstanding achievement, we awarded ₦1 million each to the five debate champions, alongside special rewards to their officials and schools. In addition, the Alex Otti Foundation will sponsor the full education of Miss Esther Christian, the team captain, up to university level. We also celebrated Miss Onyinyechi Okonkwo, winner of the National Essay Competition, with a ₦1 million prize, and extended support to Abia Model Basic Junior Secondary School, which produced the champions. Our students brought home four trophies and twelve medals, defeating six countries and making Abia and Nigeria proud. This victory is proof that with the right investment, our education sector can soar to greater heights. As I said: “This is in the DNA of Abia State. We celebrate people. When you do well, we celebrate you.” Congratulations once again to our champions. You are the future we believe in, and together, we will continue to transform education in Abia State.

My office was delighted to receive the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, and his delegation in Abia State. We are encouraged by his commendation of our efforts to make Abia a safe, peaceful, and welcoming environment for corps members. With over 8,800 corps members currently serving across all 17 LGAs, including a higher number of female participants, the NYSC has affirmed that Abia is a place of peace and opportunity. We are glad about the ongoing renovations at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende LGA, and the improvements in healthcare facilities across the State. With more than 340 NYSC healthcare professionals serving here, our commitment to strengthening primary healthcare remains firm. As I announced earlier, the second phase of renovations at the Orientation Camp will begin immediately. We will continue to invest in the welfare of corps members and ensure Abia remains a model of safety, service, and progress.

At the Convention Centre of the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, I joined His Excellency, the Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shettima GCON, my brother Governors, distinguished guests, and investors from across Nigeria and around the world for the opening ceremony of Invest Lagos 3.0. It was an honour to stand alongside other distinguished leaders and share the unfolding story of Abia State, a story of resilience, transformation, and opportunity. I began by expressing my gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose vision and selflessness created this platform for states to showcase their strengths. Lagos is a megacity, but Nigeria needs more thriving cities to absorb growth. I shared how Aba, following two decades of effort, now enjoys 24-hour electricity through Geometric Power. This achievement is the foundation for industry, manufacturing, and investor confidence. From Aba, we will be transmitting reliable power to Umuahia and other parts of the state, because we understand that energy is the lifeblood of economic growth. In three years, we have completed over 400 roads, introduced electric buses, and built infrastructure that makes movement easier and greener. Healthcare has also been central: Abia is ranked Nigeria’s most health-emergency prepared state (SBM 2025 Report), with hundreds of centres refurbished, over 800 professionals recruited, and 15% of our budget dedicated to the sector. Our most ambitious vision is the Abia Medical City, already prepared with 200 hectares of land and access roads, now awaiting investors to help us build a world-class healthcare destination. I also highlighted the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA, where we have resources in oil and gas, and are laying the foundation for industries that will power the future. In my remarks, I emphasized that Abia is not competing with Lagos but complementing it. Nigeria’s growth requires multiple thriving cities, and Abia is ready to deliver. To our investors, like Lagos, Abia State is open, prepared, and positioned for growth. Together, we will shape a Nigeria where businesses prosper, healthcare flourishes, and innovation leads the way.

DIGNITY, PUBLIC WELFARE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Being the Text of a State Broadcast by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, to Mark the 3rd Anniversary of His Administration 1. Umunnem ndi Abia, friends of our dear State, men and women of goodwill, I bring you joyful greeting as we mark yet another epoch in the continuing evolution of our land as a development frontline. Permit me to begin on a note of profound gratitude to the Almighty God to whom this State and its people are wholly dedicated. This day presents us a special opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, appreciate ourselves for the modest strides, and make a conscious decision to face the future with courage. Indeed, we have come a long way but the road ahead is still far, our journey is only just beginning. For all its shortcomings and imperfections, democracy has provided us a genuine vehicle for accelerated development. Better than all other alternatives, the freedom to choose our leaders, which is democracy’s ultimate advantage, has given us the leverage to take our destiny in our own hands. 2. On this day 3 years ago, a new era opened for us, as a government elected by the popular will of the people took the reins of leadership. From the very minute we took our oath, the task of charting a new course for the State kicked off in earnest. We hit the ground running from the very beginning because the promise of restoration could wait no longer. We were resolute in our resolve to push things into motion because we understood the weight of public expectation on our shoulders. Barely 24 hours after our inauguration, we were in the streets of Aba, leading the refuse disposal effort, not minding the heavy downpour. By refusing to be held back by an inclement weather, we sent out a clear message that the era of making excuses for failure was over. Ours is far from a perfect administration but even the most fervent critic cannot but acknowledge that on the most critical measures of progress, Abia, in the last 3 years, has turned the corner. 3. With the successful execution of more than 400 road infrastructure projects covering over 800 kilometres, it is safe to say that our journey into the transformation of our road networks as a major driver of prosperity across urban and rural communities has started. In the next few months, 82 other roads stretching over 200 kilometres shall be delivered and opened for public use. Our road infrastructure investments are carefully spread in ways that leave no part of the State behind; we are as mindful of the expectations of the Aba industrial and trading community as we are conscious of the wealth of resources that quality roads can open up in our agrarian centres. The timely completion of Port Harcout Road in Aba, Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia and the 67-kilometre Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abriba-Ohafia Road offers a telling example of the balance of our outlay. The quality of work on the new bridge over Igu River, adjacent to the historic Omenuko Bridge, point to the joy of restoration and the place of memory in our evolution. This same testimony is what you get from regular commuters at Ohanku Road in Aba, a road that lay in ruins for decades. The dualization of the 5.95-kilometre road leading to Abia Tower from Onuimo Bridge, now named Uma Ukpai Way, and the completion of the 11.5-kilometre Nunya- Eluama Road, now known as Ndubuisi Kanu Road amongst hundreds of other projects, stand as abiding testament to the measure of progress the State has witnessed in the last 36 months.

Today, I was greatly honoured to receive a free nomination form from the National Working Committee of the Labour Party, presented by our National Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman at the Abia State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja. I sincerely thank the leadership of our great party, including the National Chairman, the National Secretary Hon. Obioma Iheanacho, and all members of the NWC, for this honour. I assure you that I do not take this gesture lightly. I pledge never to disappoint the Labour Party and will continue to support it in every possible way. I commend Senator Usman for her leadership in steering our party out of the protracted crisis that once plagued it. Today, I am confident that the coast is clear for the Labour Party to move forward into the next general elections, as all legal impediments have been effectively resolved, with no subsisting litigation against our party. To the good people of Abia State and our numerous well-wishers, this recognition belongs to you. Your support and faith inspire me daily to deliver quality governance and remain steadfast in service. Our journey continues with renewed energy and firm resolve.

Yesterday at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), I was honoured to be received by a mammoth crowd of vibrant students as we commissioned landmark projects and unveiled bold initiatives that will shape the future of our great institution. * Commissioned a refurbished 5 MVA Power Station (upgraded from 2.5 MVA) to ensure steady electricity supply for ABSU, Uturu, and adjoining communities. * Delivered 3 retrofitted hostels (A, B & C) to improve student living conditions. * Flagged off construction of: - 5,000-bed Female Hostel - 5,000-bed Male Hostel - Faculty of Agriculture & Faculty of Law buildings - 1.8km Internal Road Project At the 30th–32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony, I also announced: - Automatic lecturing jobs for all First-Class graduates as Graduate Assistants (after NYSC). - Postgraduate scholarships up to PhD level for First-Class graduates in public universities nationwide. - A ₦200 million Business Grant to support 100 graduates with innovative enterprise ideas in agriculture, ICT, clean energy, and more. We also celebrated our best graduating student, Mrs. Oluchi Etumsi, with a personal token, and congratulated our distinguished honourees including His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Barr. Dr. Allen Onyema, and Dr. Stella Okoli. Education remains the bedrock of our vision for Abia State. We are committed to building institutions that inspire excellence, innovation, and leadership. Step by step, project by project, ABSU is being transformed into a hub of innovation, excellence, and leadership.

NEW YEAR, NEW OPPORTUNITIES Being the Text of a New Year Broadcast by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, on January 1, 2025 1. Ndi Abia ibe m, I bring you warm and joyful greetings. I have come with a deep sense of our collective gratitude to the Almighty God for the blessing and privilege of waking up to another New Year. Let me join families, friends and well-wishers in welcoming all of us to the great promises of 2025. Happy New Year, umunne m. 2. This is the beginning of another phase of a long journey to find meaning in our individual lives and contribute meaningfully to the long-term growth of our society. Our pursuits may be different but the goals are often not too far apart: we want to live in fulfilment by applying our talents and abilities to useful endeavours, chase our dreams, pursue worthy causes and one day, when our race is done, look back in gratitude for the opportunities we had and the overall impact made within our spheres of influence. 3. Things may not go exactly as we wish but even then, we have a responsibility to step out with hope, doing our best each day to pursue the outcomes we seek for ourselves and our loved ones. Hope must override despair and nothing should distract us from giving our all to achieve the goals that we have carefully laid out in the weeks and days leading to this remarkable day. I do not possess the power to predict the future but I know one thing for sure: victory ultimately goes to the one who never gave up. 4. As a government, our job in the New Year will be to build systems and structures to support your dreams and offer you the institutional leverage to thrive and contribute to our shared aspiration of building a better society. With sincerity and commitment as our guiding principles, we have strived to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our people, honouring the faith they have placed in us. 5. We are practically in a hurry to rebuild our State and realign governance priorities to reflect the true aspirations of the people. We have since evolved a system that prioritises the needs of the downtrodden by paying attention, listening carefully and channelling public resources to where they yield the highest social and economic dividends to the majority. 6. By taking on very difficult but economically and socially significant projects in road infrastructure development, health and education, waste management and environmental recoveries, we have demonstrated that no obstacle can be too difficult to surmount when there is the sincere will to get things done. Many of the impact-making projects in our urban and rural communities are now nearing completion. Others are also being developed at a pace that leaves no doubt about the determination of the government to complete and add them to the stock of public infrastructure in the State. You will find evidence of our commitment to the restoration and upgrade of long-abandoned public infrastructure across the State at the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia, Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Obohia and Ohanku Roads, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road, Omenuko Bridge and several others that only served as tools of electioneering deceit before now. What makes us different as an administration is that we are driven by a genuine sense of service and an obligation to work for the people. Our pursuit is beyond political glory because we appreciate that humanity comes before politics.

Ụmụ nnem Ndị Abia, Today, I had the honour of presenting the 2025 Budget to the Abia State House of Assembly. The budget, titled "Budget of Sustained Momentum," underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing Abia's development. The proposed budget for the 2025 fiscal year amounts to Seven hundred and fifty billion, two hundred and eighty two million, two hundred thousand Naira only (₦750,282,200,000). This figure represents a 30% increase from the 2024 budget, reflecting our ambitious goals. We have carefully considered significant economic challenges such as inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have significantly impacted our fiscal strategies. For the 2025 fiscal year, ₦611.7 billion, or 82% of the total budget, will be allocated to capital projects. The investment aims to drive the long-term socioeconomic transformation of the state, building on the progress made over the past 18 months. Additionally, ₦138.6 billion, or 18% of the budget, will be dedicated to recurrent expenditures, covering personnel costs, social benefits, overheads, and debt servicing. As in the previous year, the health and education sectors will receive approximately 35% of the budget. Specifically, 15% will be allocated to the health sector, 14.63% to basic and secondary education, and 5.42% to tertiary education. The draft budget is based on slightly optimistic projections, using 2024 figures as a baseline. We anticipate a 213% increase in the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) to ₦100.6 billion, a 96% rise in statutory allocations to ₦183.4 billion, a 55% increase in grants to ₦25.5 billion, and a 35% rise in VAT to ₦55.1 billion. The remaining ₦364.1 billion, or 51% of the budget, will be financed through domestic and multilateral channels. Importantly, as with last year, we will not borrow to finance recurrent expenditures. Borrowing will only occur when necessary and will be used for projects that can repay the loans. We are pleased to report that no funds were borrowed in the 2024 fiscal year, and we have taken steps to repay old debts, maintaining zero indebtedness to contractors. At this juncture, I encourage you to read the full text of the budget speech available on our website: alexotti.com/sustaining-the-… and share your feedback and suggestions with us. Thank you.

I will be speaking at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington, D.C., today. Join us LIVE on Google Meet or stream on YouTube. Links are below! 👇 State Governance & Economic Transition Friday, Apr 19 · 16:15–18:30 Google Meet joining info Video call link: meet.google.com/qhw-tbbq-tjm Or dial: +1 209-831-3398 PIN: 633770359 More phone numbers: tel.meet/qhw-tbbq-tjm?pin=78… youtube.com/live/j7f7dSFctU8… #JohnsHopkins #LectureSeries

I am delighted to announce that I have signed the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) Bill into law. This marks the first bill I have signed since assuming office as the Governor of Abia State, underscoring our commitment to transforming Aba into a modern and prosperous city. GADA is a specialized agency tasked with overseeing the development of Aba, not only as the commercial hub of Abia but also of the entire South East Nigeria. Aba is a city with immense potential, boasting a vibrant and diverse economy that encompasses trading, manufacturing, and SMEs. GADA will ensure that Aba receives the necessary infrastructural, environmental, and social support to thrive and attract more businesses and investments. I would like to express my gratitude to the Speaker, Rt. Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Austin Meregini, the leadership, and members of the State House of Assembly for their swift passage of this bill. I also extend my appreciation to the Attorney General, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the SSG, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Director General of GADA, Mr. Uche Ukeje, the Senior Special Assistant on legislative matters, Hon. Lukeman Ukara, and all the Commissioners and senior aides who worked tirelessly to make this bill a reality. May God bless Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Today, I had a fruitful meeting with the leadership of the Northern Consensus Movement (NCM), an amalgamation of community-based socio-cultural and economically inclined northern organisations. The group had earlier issued a quit notice to Igbo residents in the North in reaction to the Umuchieze Cattle Market issue at Lokpanta, Umunneochi L.G.A I am happy to announce that the NCM has withdrawn the ultimatum and expressed their understanding and support for the Abia State government's decision to make the cattle market a daily and non-residential one. This decision is in the best interest of the security and welfare of the traders and residents of the market, as well as the entire state. The President of the group, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, noted that the government's decision was initially misconstrued only to find out later that it was in the overall interest and security of all the stakeholders involved. I want to assure all northerners and other Nigerians of different ethnic groups living in Abia State that they are welcome and safe here. We are one and we will continue to live in peace and harmony with one another. I also want to thank the NCM for their maturity and patriotism in resolving this matter amicably. I appreciate their gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

Yesterday, I flagged off the reconstruction of the 6.7 km Port Harcourt Road that connects No 1 Port Harcourt Road to Alaoji junction, off Enugu Port Harcourt expressway. The road was originally built by Dee Sam Mbakwe, a former Governor of the old Imo State and a visionary leader who foresaw its potential to facilitate the growth of the oil industry in Port Harcourt and its impact on the economy of Aba. His foresight paid off as the road became one of the busiest and most prosperous parts of Aba, attracting engineers, contractors and businesses from Port Harcourt and beyond. However, over the years, it suffered from neglect and decay, forcing many businesses to relocate and causing a huge loss of revenue and opportunities for our people. To restore this road to its former glory and to revive the economic activities along this axis, we have decided to entrust this project to one of the most reputable and experienced civil engineering companies in Nigeria, Julius Berger Plc. The contract will last for a period of eighteen (18) months and we are confident that they will deliver a high-quality and durable road that will serve us for many years to come. I must also acknowledge some young men and women who have kept vigil on the ground since Julius Berger Plc started moving their equipment there. I salute their energy. We expect that on completion, the reconstructed Port Harcourt Road will drive the economic rejuvenation of Aba, and send a clear message to the businesses that had left that the Elephant is back on its feet, never to stumble again.

I am delighted to announce the reopening of the General Hospital Amachara and the renovated and retrofitted Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre. These facilities have been upgraded and will be driven by a round-the-clock power and water supply. We are determined to combat the threat of modern diseases by providing quality health care for our people. Our target is to restore all our primary and secondary health institutions in the state to optimal functionality. We want to ensure that no resident of Abia will need to travel out of the state for medical concerns. Expect to see more of these improved facilities in the state in the coming months. I also want to issue a stern warning to vandals who steal medical equipment: you will be dealt with according to the law. My promise to Ndị Abia, which is at the heart of the Labour Party agenda, is that we shall spend our waking hours working for you, using the instruments of government to solve problems. Special thanks to Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Betty Emeka Obasi, SSA on Special Duties, the executive team of the State's Ministry for Health and the management of the HMB for their tireless contributions in achieving this feat.

I had the honour of joining fellow Governors from Nigeria at an Executive Leadership Retreat in Kigali, Rwanda. The event, themed ''Reimagining leadership in a fast-changing world,'' was organized by the Nigerian Governors' Forum in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). We had the privilege of being hosted to a remarkable dinner by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, where we had the opportunity to engage with him. He graciously shared key leadership insights with us and patiently answered other pressing questions. It was an unforgettable experience that further enriched our understanding of effective leadership.

Today, we formally launched a special security operation codenamed "Operation Crush" in response to our state's security challenges. I had promised zero tolerance for criminality in Abia, and today marks the realization of that commitment. "Operation Crush" is a joint task force composed of various security formations. Our primary objective is to swiftly address threats, specifically targeting areas like Umunneochi, Isuikwuato LGAs, as well as Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia. To criminals and their cohorts, Abia State will no longer be your safe haven. I urge our citizens to support this operation with actionable intelligence. Landlords, market leaders, and community heads must not harbour criminals. To the youths of Abia, our administration is committed to creating legitimate opportunities for you. We are also collaborating with the federal government to ensure that our security personnel's well-being is prioritized. To everyone who seeks progress in Abia, we are here for you. God bless you all.

Congratulations, Papillo @papilokanu! We hope you make us proud as you take over the helm of affairs as chairman of Enyimba International FC, Aba. Driving Youths and Sports Development to enviable heights is one of the core visions of my administration. The task is humongous, and the real challenge before you is to raise the bar. Interestingly, I am aware of your relationship with the gaffer (coach) of the club, our own legendary and iconic ex-Super Eagles winger, Finidi George that dates back to your heydays in Ajax where you both conquered Europe and won domestic titles at the club level. We trust that this synergy and chemistry can be maximised and replicated in Enyimba, too. I also wish to thank the former management of the club ably led by Felix Anyansi Agwu for his outstanding contributions over the years. His time as manager and subsequently chairman witnessed the club winning the CAF Champions League back-to-back and many laurels. Kanu, we want to see Enyimba shine on the continental and global stage again. You have the support of our government and the teeming fans of this great club. Good luck!