In the last 13 months, Governor Alex Otti has stamped his signature in Abia State with massive construction works. He has imprinted his footprints with a restructuring and overhauling process. He has flaunted a new brand Abia with new symbols, new trade marks and new processes. He has changed the Abia narrative from a folklore of backwaters to a place of reviving hope. But, he says all these are but a mere dress rehearsal.
What is a dress rehearsal? It is the preparatory performance before the main show. In acting, it is called audition. Choiristers call it choir practice. Soldiers call it show of force. Governor Otti says he is just watering the ground, that what awaits Abia in the days to come will be unprecedented in the history of Abia. I believe him because there is an evidence. There is an exhibit. There is a proof.
If, indeed, the massive construction drive and the repositioning exercise are mere preparatory audition, then we can only imagine the big dream and the big picture that Governor Otti wants to translate into reality in Abia. We can only imagine the transformation that will become our story.
I can see a watershed of new initiatives that will restore Abia to its pride of place. I can see the result of the investment in agrobusiness skill acquizition programme that saw 300 Abia youths mobilized to Nassarawa State for training, with an upscale in agriculture and increase in food supply.
I can see a wave of economic upgrade with more improved livelihood arising from the Nano Business Operation, an interest free revolving loan that is being mobilized to petty traders and business operators.
I can see the construction of more roads and completion of outstanding ones like the Union Bank to Mgboko Road done halfway by the last administration. I can see the final renovation of the General Hospitals across the 17 local govts and the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation of schools.
I believe the Governor will expedite action on the planned seaport at Owaza in Ukwa West with the accompanying industrial park and a modular refinery. The park will serve as an export processing zone and a free trade zone. I can see the largescale economic activities and the employment opportunities arising from this venture. I believe the Governor will influence action for a speedy work on the proposed Abia Airstrip. I believe there will be more drastic actions to expand our frontiers and raise the banner of governance.
From the dress rehearsal, we can discern the dream of the governor and interprete the signs of the times… the destination of the NEW ABIA.
Adindu writes from Umuahia
