Otti Highlights Progress in Health, Education, Power and Infrastructure

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Friday outlined key achievements and ongoing initiatives across multiple sectors of the State during a media parley at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reforms, accountability, and improved service delivery.

Governor Otti announced that Abia currently holds a six per cent approval rating in emergency preparedness, an indicator he said validates the government’s investments in the health sector.

He disclosed that the State’s electric buses, some of which have already arrived, will be deployed before the end of the year to further reduce transportation costs for residents. He added that contractors have been directed to complete ongoing projects ahead of the yuletide.

On land administration, the Governor revealed that Abia has issued 352 Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within two and a half years surpassing what some states have achieved in eight years. He attributed the feat to the automation of land processes, which has expedited approvals. Otti also emphasised ongoing recovery of debts owed to the State, saying the enforcement process is legal and without favouritism.

In the education sector, he noted significant progress in school renovations and curriculum modernisation. At Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu (ASCETA), 24 courses recently regained accreditation, marking a major turnaround for the institution. He also confirmed continued work at Abia State University (ABSU) and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, where new buildings are set for commissioning within two weeks. Students of the polytechnic, he added, produced receptacle buckets currently in use by the State.

Governor Otti disclosed that the government is in the process of acquiring the electricity distribution network covering Umuahia and eight local government areas to ensure an uninterrupted power supply across the State.

Addressing teacher recruitment, he acknowledged a temporary glitch in the payment of newly hired teachers but assured that the issue would be resolved by Sunday. He mentioned that the State’s recruitment portal has received about 28,000 applications for 4,000 teaching positions, pledging a transparent selection process. He also stated that the recruitment of medical personnel is ongoing, with the portal left open to meet required staffing levels.

He reaffirmed that Abia is up to date with salary payments and highlighted progress in addressing pension arrears. A committee set up in collaboration with the National Union of Pensioners has submitted its report, indicating outstanding arrears of over ₦60 billion. The Governor assured retirees that gradual payment would commence soon, stressing that the government remains a continuum.

The Governor announced that the increase in NYSC allowance from ₦4,000 to between ₦20,000 and ₦ 50,000, depending on deployment location, was to empower and motivate the youths, considering the economy. He added that renovations are underway at the NYSC camp in Bende to improve conditions for corps members.

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained development across all sectors.