Otti Addresses Security Breaches in Umunneochi, Assures Commitment to Healthcare, Education, Others

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security, improving healthcare, reforming education, and revitalising infrastructure across the state.

During a media chat with journalist captioned “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians” on Thursday, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti addressed recent security concerns, particularly the attack on the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Chaka Chukwumerije, in Umunneochi Local Government Area. He confirmed that the commissioner narrowly escaped harm and emphasised that “security is taken very seriously.” The governor assured residents that efforts have been doubled to secure the troubled LGA and restore public confidence.

On healthcare, the Governor announced that several facilities under Project Ekwueme are now ready for use. One of the newly equipped health centres will be commissioned on Thursday in Uzuakoli, with others in Isiala Ngwa South and Umuahia North at Ekeoba and others. Governor Otti emphasised the state’s drive to provide world-class medical care, saying, “These are not the primary healthcare centres we used to know; they are equipped with the kind of facilities you’d expect in developed countries.”

He also confirmed that phase two of equipping the Abia State Teaching Hospital will soon commence, and plans for a Medical City are already in motion with the site secured.

Turning to education, Governor Otti revealed that 9000 newly recruited teachers are undergoing orientation and will be deployed immediately. A fresh round of recruitment is expected soon to prepare for the next academic session, with plans to convert 20 schools into Smart Schools.

Renovations at Abia State University’s hostels are nearing completion, and power supply has been significantly boosted with an additional 15–20 megawatts to Uturu, to not only supply power to the University but also its host community.

In waste management, the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) continues to receive praise for maintaining cleanliness across Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, and other urban centres. Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the agency’s work and reiterated his administration’s commitment to making the environment “sparkling clean.”

Infrastructure development is also underway, with renewed focus on markets and drainage systems. Governor Otti highlighted ongoing erosion control work at Ovom Street in Aba, stating that the project is nearing completion. He also mentioned that preparations for the redevelopment of the iconic Enyimba Hotel are almost finalised, with construction set to commence shortly under a new partnership initiative.

Governor Otti assured Abians that his administration remains focused on delivering impactful projects and sustainable development across the state.