Picture: Governor Otti acknowledging cheers.
Pix 2: The building in focus
By Foster Obi
Before the entrance of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as the Governor of Abia, the state was almost abandoned and forgotten as those in charge were having a field day sharing the state’s allocation amongst themselves rather than using it for the right purpose.
The roads were totally abandoned, Aba and Umuahia became refuse dumps, Civil servants were not paid, the strategic academic institutions lost accreditation, and the state did not witness any novel achievements signifying the makeup of those in power.
Aesthetically Abia was unsightly. Aba South local government, rightly located in the heart of Aba, was vandalized and became an eyesore. Nothing was done about it. It was obvious that there was no government in place.
During that period, Abia became an object of ridicule. Many Abia sons and daughters refused to identify with the state for obvious reasons.
All that, however, has changed with the coming of Dr Alex Otti, who people refer to as God-sent.
He has since made Abia a project site because of so much work to be done. While the others came to chop, he came to work. This is why Abians can now brag about their state.
The vision of transformation that Otti carries with so much energy rubs off on all his appointees at every stratum. The mayors (a novel tag given by the visionary governor) in charge of local governments were not left out. All of them performed excellently just in one year.
The commissioning of the newly rebuilt Aba South LGA is an eloquent testimony of the stuff the Alex Otti administration is made of. A great departure from a failed past.
While performing the assignment yesterday, Governor Otti said, “Today marked a significant moment as we commissioned the newly rebuilt Aba South LGA Administrative Office. Four years ago, the building was torched by angry protesters during the #ENDSARS protests, serving as a painful reminder of the consequences of injustice and the need for strong leadership in times of crisis.
The restoration of the Aba Town Hall and the Administrative Block signifies the end of an era of neglect and the commencement of a new chapter for Aba.
The event highlighted the importance of leadership that prioritizes community service over personal gain. Despite financial constraints, the commitment to rebuilding these facilities demonstrates a dedication to enhancing staff productivity and delivering effective services.
The project aligns with the state government’s “Rebuild and Restore” agenda, which aims to transform Aba into a premier regional destination for investment, family life, and leisure. Although there is still work to be done, the progress achieved over the past 17 months is a testament to the focused and deliberate efforts of the current administration.
I would like to extend special commendation to the Mayor of Aba South LGA, Chief Uche Wogu, for his unwavering commitment to the successful completion of this project. His exceptional managerial skills have been instrumental to this achievement.
” Anyone who works in or visits the newly rebuilt offices for official transactions will undoubtedly recognize his outstanding contributions. Thank you for playing a pivotal role in the success story of New Abia by restoring these significant landmarks that hold cherished memories for many,” Governor Otti declared.
Picture: Governor Otti about to cut the tape for the commissioning of the newly rebuilt LGA
