Governor Otti Shares Progress of Abia in Houston

On Friday, 4 September, I stayed up from 11:30 p.m. to 3:40 a.m. to listen to Governor Alex Otti talking with Ngwans in North America via Zoom. I also saw my big brother, Mr Absolute Obioma Njoku, was awake during the whole event.

I sacrificed my sleep to hear the question-and-answer session with our Governor. Those who know Nigerians abroad will agree they do not hide their feelings. If you catch them unprepared, they will give it to you straight without mercy.

Governor Otti’s talk was impressive. He started by taking everyone back in time, from where he found Abia to where he has led us, and the journey ahead. He was very honest and came fully ready.

He showed videos of the state he inherited and what he has done in three years.

In fact, he told the crowd he did not come to Houston to bore them with a speech. He asked them to walk with him, saying the facts would speak for themselves. The room went silent when he showed videos of Abia as of May 2023 with clear purpose. Each picture and video had a clear explanation.

While this was happening, I noticed our big brothers and sisters were focused. All eyes were on the screen. The hall went quiet after the videos. People saw the old Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Omenuko Bridge, the ongoing 6km Ndiegoro drainage, Omuma Road, and the bad state of Uratta/Old Express.

The documentary was very detailed, created by the Ministry of Information. After that, the governor reminded his audience by showing the second version of the documentary, highlighting the current state of the mentioned infrastructures and his achievements in waste management in Aba.

The hall erupted with endless applause. That was a moment of pride. Even on my mattress, I felt proud to be Abian because for the first time in many years, Nigeria is looking at us differently. Yes! Abia has made progress.

Umunna anyi were amazed by the evidence.

After the detailed presentation, the Governor invited questions from the audience. He also instructed the MC to make sure women had equal chances to ask questions. Anyone who knows Governor Otti knows he values gender equality.

Our people started asking questions. For me, that was the highlight of the night. I trusted how Governor Otti would handle that session. He was ready with a pen and paper to take notes.

Lady Blessing Chioma Ahuama reminded the Governor about Mgboko Road that leads to Obingwa council through Hotel De Laurels. She mentioned it after praising the governor for the recently opened Chima Ubani General Hospital in Mgboko. The Governor thanked her and promised that the road would be finished before she returns to Nigeria for the festive period, as work is already in progress.

I saw passionate Ngwans, especially health workers, wanting to help Abia in the healthcare sector. Governor Otti also promised to connect them with the Commissioner of Health through NNAUSA President/CEO Dr. Ugo Agu, as his government has always been open to internationally trained medical professionals.

A man from Isialangwa North asked Governor Otti to assure them that Nsulu airport would be finished before he ends his eight years in office. I liked the Governor’s reply. He was clear about the project. He said the airport is a partnership between the state and the Federal Government. President Tinubu wanted just an airstrip, but the Governor asked why a runway would stop the airstrip from being an airport. He informed the audience that he has taken on the runway project, which is ongoing, and hopes it will be completed by 2027.

He hopes the federal government will build the terminal and other facilities after he finishes the runway. That was a clear and smart answer. With that, Abians will know who to hold accountable at the end of the day. But we hope both sides can fulfill their promises.

There were also questions about investing in Abia. The governor assured them that the right environment is now in place and that he is committed to doing more. He shared his experiences with the Star Paper Mill acquisition and other projects available for investment. Anyone interested can take them on, creating jobs for our growing youth population.

I also liked how Governor Otti answered questions about security, pensions, and gratuities. He did not disappoint. He said security matters are sensitive, but assured them that his government takes security very seriously.

For gratuities, he updated them on recent payments from 2001 to 2010 and his plans to pay up to 2015 and also to 2026. He was straightforward here. He said he could have ignored the debts, but the truth is, when money circulates, Mr. Cyril who makes bottled water will get business, and market women will too. So, paying gratuities and pensions is important, and his government is committed to clearing all owed amounts as his administration moves forward.

Governor Otti reminded NNAUSA members that his government is focused on fixing key roads in Aba. Port Harcourt and Ohanku roads are done. The Omuma road is ongoing, and he plans to start rebuilding Uratta/Old Express Roads by October 2026.

He also has plans for other roads in Aba and Abia as a whole. Governor Otti’s event last night was excellent and received much applause. Most importantly, it ended with a strong endorsement for the 2027 governorship election, alongside their readiness to support ongoing development in the state.

The governor also shared the email of his Principal Secretary, Mr. Chinenye MbaUzokwu, for them to reach out with more questions and for partnerships, as time did not allow him to take more questions.

From ruins to renewal, Governor Otti is eager to restore and secure the dignity of Ndi Abia. He is very intentional.

Abia is rising.