Power Restored to Ukwa Communities After Years, Otti Says

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has said that electricity has been restored to 33 communities in Ukwa that had been without power for several years.

Outlining major achievements and ongoing projects of his administration during a media chat with journalists at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia on the 30th of December, Governor Otti said he promised to restore electricity to communities. He said he personally switched on the electricity and

Governor Otti also announced that the Abia State Electricity Authority law has been signed, officially transferring electricity regulatory and operational functions to the state.

According to him, only eight local governments are still under the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), but arrangements are underway for their takeover by Abia Power. He added that the Commissioner for Power has moved into areas such as Bende and Ohafia, assuring residents that electricity will soon be restored. Dr Otti further disclosed that excess power from the Geometric facility in Aba will be channelled to Umuahia and other parts of Abia Central and Abia North to improve supply.

On sanitation, the governor declared a zero-tolerance policy for dirt and indiscriminate waste disposal. He said massive and continuous sanitation work is ongoing across Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia and other parts of the state, with waste being evacuated from streets and highways to maintain a clean environment.

In the health sector, Dr Otti revealed that 200 primary healthcare centres are currently being renovated and made fully functional across the state. He said that after completing this phase, the government will move on to other facilities until all healthcare centres are operational. He described the task as challenging due to the scarcity of professionals, but assured that only qualified personnel will be employed. He also noted that Abia State recently won an award in recognition of improvements in the health sector.

Speaking on education, the governor said renovation and fencing of public schools are ongoing statewide. He disclosed that the next phase of educational interventions will begin in 2026, stressing that his administration is taking a phased approach to addressing long-standing challenges.

On transportation, Dr Otti announced the rollout of 20 electric buses under a pilot programme, currently operating free of charge until sometime in January. He explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing the state’s carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability. The governor said he personally tested the buses by travelling from Umuahia to Ukwa West. He added that 20 more electric buses are on the way, with an additional 60 expected, and expressed optimism that by the end of 2026, the buses will be fully deployed across the state.

In terms of industrial revival, the governor disclosed that Star Paper Mill has been taken over, while Afro Beverages is in the process of being acquired to create employment opportunities for Abians.

On security, Dr Otti commended security agencies for their professionalism, noting that his administration works proactively to prevent disturbances and ensure that residents carry out their businesses in peace.

He also confirmed that leave allowances have been paid and assured that civil servants will receive their allowance shortly.

The governor reaffirmed that the projects and reforms being implemented are people-centred, stressing that they belong to all Abians and are aimed at delivering sustainable development across the state.