Abia Turns 35: Otti Celebrates Anniversary, Says State is Just Starting

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, celebrated the state’s 35th anniversary on Thursday. He called the journey one of strength and urged residents to work hard for a better future for the next generations.

Mr Otti spoke during a statewide broadcast to mark the state's creation on 27 August 1991. Abia was formed by former military leader Ibrahim Babangida after years of demands from political, traditional, religious, and intellectual leaders from the area.

The governor paid respect to past leaders, including the late Ogbonnaya Onu, who was the first democratically elected governor, and former governors Orji Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu. He also recognized the military administrators who governed the state in its early days.

“Like all of us, our past leaders may not have been perfect, but we must never lose sight of their efforts at building a political entity that answers to the aspirations of all who share in its heritage,” Mr Otti said.

‘We are only just beginning’

Mr Otti emphasized that the anniversary should not just be a time to celebrate but also a time to realize that there is much more work to do.

“While it is only decent that we congratulate ourselves for the blessings of the last 35 years, it is also prudent that we remind ourselves that we are only just beginning,” he said.

He said his administration has put money into education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, housing, and information and communication technology over the past three years.

Mr Otti mentioned that more than 1,000 kilometres of roads have been repaired in both urban and rural areas. Thousands of teachers and health workers have also been hired and trained.

He stated that the government is working on developing primary healthcare facilities across the state’s 184 wards and investing in smart schools and health insurance.

The governor also said the state is increasing investment in agriculture to create jobs and boost family incomes. They are using technology to manage land and create opportunities for young people.

Gratuity, arrears

Mr Otti announced that his administration has started paying off accumulated gratuity arrears that date back to 2001. He promised to keep making payments as funds allow.

“The old practice of denying retirees what is due them will no longer obtain,” he said.

Mr Otti urged residents to pay their taxes and fees, support security agencies, and avoid actions that could harm the state’s growth.

“Abia is ours to build, and thankfully, we are on the right track,” he said.

Chidoka reflects on Abia’s changing fortunes

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, gave a lecture to mark the anniversary and reflected on what he called critical moments in Abia’s political history.

In a tweet after the lecture, Mr Chidoka noted that former governor Orji Uzor Kalu had put Abia in a good position in national politics at the start of the Fourth Republic. This was when the South-east was looking for a stronger voice.

He said that period faded as infrastructure fell apart and the state lost its national standing, while Aba seemed to do well despite the government.

Mr Chidoka believes the decline created a new chance, which Mr Otti seems to recognize through efforts to restore trust in government and rebuild infrastructure.

He argued that strong leadership and strong institutions should not be seen as opposites. Leaders at critical times should create systems that can work without them.

“The strongman makes himself indispensable. The strong leader builds a system that can eventually work without him,” he wrote.

He asked a key question about Abia’s current situation: “Can the present Abia moment become the permanent Abia standard?”