The relentless drive of Governor Alex Otti in transforming Abia State appears to be based on the understanding that first-term governors typically dedicate the initial two years of their four-year tenure to providing quality services and positively impacting the populace. The theory suggests that after the second year, the intensity of work naturally slows as attention shifts to re-election concerns.
However, this theory doesn’t seem to apply to the workaholic Otti, who is intentionally working tirelessly to realise his vision for a new Abia. In other words, the governor has proven the naysayers wrong. With barely a month to go until his third year in office, he is working exceptionally hard. Rather than slowing down, the tempo and pace of work have been intensified and accelerated on all fronts. Like a meteor, his signature projects are illuminating all parts of the state.
And much like Anezi Okoro’s novel, One Week One Trouble, by the first African Professor of Dermatology, the Otti administration has adopted a rhythm of “One Week One New Project”. Consider the evidence.
The ongoing progress in the state’s agricultural sector is reminiscent of the agrarian revolution spearheaded by Dr. Michael Okpara as Premier of the then Eastern Nigeria. The Otti administration has attracted Foreign Direct Investments by securing a $200 million deal with Presco Plc to develop new and revitalise existing palm plantations in the state. This is a significant step forward.
Furthermore, the state is partnering with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to establish a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone in Ukwa West Local Government Area. Strategically, this is located near the Abia Industrial Innovation Park.
Fortunately, the state has been selected for the second phase of Africa’s Continental SAPZ Programme, a $350 million financing package comprising $200 million from the AfDB and $150 million co-financing from the Islamic Development Bank. All of this demonstrates that international partners have confidence in Otti’s execution-focused governance.
Recently, a multi-million dollar beverage production plant, Ultimate Beverages Nigeria Limited, was commissioned at Osisioma Industrial Area, near Aba by the governor. The opening of this facility is a major milestone in industrial development, investment attraction, and a clear indication that Abia State is now a safe haven for foreign investors. These investments will, in turn, generate employment and boost the state’s internally generated revenue. This is encouraging.
The governor’s unwavering commitment and determination to build a New Abia is also evident in the transport sector. Recently, 20 brand new, electrically operated buses – the first of their kind in the country – were launched and put on the road with reduced fares for commuters. Eighty more buses are expected to be added to the fleet before the end of 2026.
To further improve orderliness and address the issue of unregulated motor parks in the state capital, the state government has begun construction of a modern central bus terminal in Umuahia, the state capital, to streamline the system. More than 90% complete, this impressive facility will soon be inaugurated.
Moreover, to maintain a clean environment throughout the state, the government has mandated that all commercial vehicles operating within the state to install waste bins for commuter use, effective from 1 April 2026.
For these achievements, and many other uncommon accomplishments across all sectors of the state’s economy, Abians are united in their belief that their hardworking and performing governor merits a second term in office in 2027.
It therefore falls to all well-meaning citizens of the state to support his re-election bid, allowing him to continue his transformative agenda and the rapid development of God’s Own State.
Isiakpu is a Public Relations consultant
