Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on residents to unite in building a stronger and more prosperous state, as Abia marks its 35th anniversary.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, August 27, 2026, titled “Abia and the Miracle of Resilience,” Governor Otti said the present generation must prepare the state for a future driven by innovation, skills and value creation rather than dependence on natural resources.
The governor said Abians must ensure that they do not hand over what he described as a “broken society” to future generations, stressing the need to build institutions and an economy capable of creating sustainable opportunities.
Otti also announced the commencement of payment of accumulated gratuity arrears owed to retirees dating back to 2001.
He directed that, going forward, workers leaving the state public service should receive their gratuities immediately after completing the necessary documentation.
“You can take it for granted that henceforth, no senior citizen shall be denied what is due them,” the governor said, while acknowledging the contributions of retirees to the development of the state since its creation in 1991.
Reviewing the achievements of his administration over the past three years, Otti said more than 1,000 kilometres of roads had been rehabilitated across urban and rural communities to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and attract investment.
In the education and health sectors, the governor said his administration had recruited and trained thousands of teachers and healthcare workers, alongside improved remuneration and investments in schools and healthcare facilities.
He disclosed that the state’s health insurance programme had been revitalised, while primary healthcare facilities were being developed across all 184 wards to improve access to medical services and reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to free and compulsory basic education, saying the policy was aimed at ensuring that no child is denied access to education because of their background.
On the economy, the governor said his administration was expanding investment in agriculture to strengthen food security, create jobs and attract investment.
He added that efforts were underway to accelerate housing development through technology-driven and transparent land administration.
According to him, thousands of youths have also benefited from structured information and communication technology, ICT, training programmes, while investments in ICT infrastructure are being made to extend digital access to rural communities.
The governor paid tribute to the individuals who contributed to the creation of Abia State, including Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, Chief Benjamin Nwachukwu, Dr. Moses Agbara and Rufus Obi.
He also acknowledged former leaders of the state, including Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, as well as former military administrators, for their contributions to the state’s development.
Otti urged Abians to continue supporting government efforts by paying their taxes, cooperating with security agencies and resisting attempts by individuals to exploit social challenges for personal interests.
He said the achievements recorded since the creation of Abia were the collective result of citizens who remained committed to the state despite its challenges.
The governor expressed optimism about the future of Abia, declaring that the state was on the right path toward sustainable development.
