Alex Otti

Happy Birthday to my Deputy, a young, vibrant, and dedicated leader whose energy and commitment have been invaluable to the progress of our dear Abia State. Your support and partnership continue to strengthen our collective vision for development and good governance. On this special day, I join your family, friends, and the entire Abia community in celebrating you. May your new year be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments. Congratulations once again, and many happy returns!

Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a powerful reminder that light triumphs over darkness, hope conquers despair, and life prevails over death. Through His victory over the grave, humanity has received the gift of salvation, the assurance of eternal life, and the promise of renewed hope. Easter calls us to embrace love, forgiveness, and compassion, values that strengthen our communities and uplift our nation. As we rejoice in this season of renewal, may the blessings of Easter bring peace to our hearts, unity to our families, and prosperity to our land. Happy Easter to all!

On this Good Friday, I join Christian faithful across Nigeria and beyond in solemn reflection on the ultimate sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. His selfless love, humility, and unwavering obedience to the will of God remain timeless virtues that inspire us all. As we commemorate His passion and death, let us be reminded of the boundless grace that flows from His sacrifice, a grace that calls us to live with compassion, forgiveness, and unity. May this sacred day renew our faith, strengthen our bonds as one people, and guide us towards a future built on love and peace. I wish all Christians a blessed Good Friday.

Yesterday at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), I was honoured to be received by a mammoth crowd of vibrant students as we commissioned landmark projects and unveiled bold initiatives that will shape the future of our great institution. * Commissioned a refurbished 5 MVA Power Station (upgraded from 2.5 MVA) to ensure steady electricity supply for ABSU, Uturu, and adjoining communities. * Delivered 3 retrofitted hostels (A, B & C) to improve student living conditions. * Flagged off construction of: - 5,000-bed Female Hostel - 5,000-bed Male Hostel - Faculty of Agriculture & Faculty of Law buildings - 1.8km Internal Road Project At the 30th–32nd Combined Convocation Ceremony, I also announced: - Automatic lecturing jobs for all First-Class graduates as Graduate Assistants (after NYSC). - Postgraduate scholarships up to PhD level for First-Class graduates in public universities nationwide. - A ₦200 million Business Grant to support 100 graduates with innovative enterprise ideas in agriculture, ICT, clean energy, and more. We also celebrated our best graduating student, Mrs. Oluchi Etumsi, with a personal token, and congratulated our distinguished honourees including His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Barr. Dr. Allen Onyema, and Dr. Stella Okoli. Education remains the bedrock of our vision for Abia State. We are committed to building institutions that inspire excellence, innovation, and leadership. Step by step, project by project, ABSU is being transformed into a hub of innovation, excellence, and leadership.

Yesterday, Abia State stood still to honour one of our greatest sons, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, a global evangelist, God’s General, and a man whose life touched millions. At the State burial service in Umuahia, I reminded everyone that Papa Uma Ukpai did not die, he only transited. His works, his children, his legacy, they all speak louder than words. The real challenge is for us. What will people say when it’s our turn? Papa lived a life of impact, of faith, of service. That’s why we celebrate him. We thank God for the gift of Rev. Uma Ukpai to Abia, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, Africa, and the world. Truly, honour belongs to whom honour is due. To his dear wife, Pastor Mrs. Philomena Ukpai, and the entire family, we say thank you for allowing us to honour him. We grieve, but not like those without hope. We know Papa rests in glory, awaiting that resurrection morning. Good night, Daddy Uma Ukpai. Your legacy lives on.

Yesterday, we commissioned Ultimum Beverages’ multimillion-dollar production facility in Aba, a landmark investment that reaffirms Abia State as a thriving hub for industry and innovation. This state-of-the-art plant, built by the Kadji Group, represents a bold commitment of over $35 million, with plans to scale up to $100 million. Beyond the impressive figures, this project is proof that Abia is back as an investment haven, a place where ideas flourish, businesses thrive, and opportunities abound. Since May 2023, our administration has worked tirelessly to reset the business ecosystem: strengthening infrastructure, restoring security, and creating a clean, supportive environment for investors. The confidence shown by Ultimum Beverages is a validation of these efforts, and a reminder that serious-minded investors always recognize where growth is assured. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Kadji Group for believing in Aba’s entrepreneurial spirit and for choosing Abia as their home for this transformative project. Together, we will protect and nurture every investment that brings prosperity to our people. Abia is rising. Abia is ready. Abia is open for business.

Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim brothers and sisters! As we mark the end of Ramadan, I join millions of faithful across Nigeria in celebrating Eid al-Fitr. This season is not only a time of joy and thanksgiving; it is also a moment of reflection on the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion. I encourage everyone to embrace the true essence of this celebration: renewing our relationship with God, and promoting virtues that foster peace, unity, and security in our nation. In Abia State, we remain committed to religious freedom, fairness, and respect for all faiths. These values are the foundation of peaceful coexistence and progress. On behalf of my wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, the government, and the good people of Abia State, I wish the Muslim community a joyous Eid al-Fitr. May this season bring brighter days ahead for Nigeria. Dr. Alex Otti, OFR Governor, Abia State

Yesterday, we received a delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) led by Mr. Bernard Onzima. The visit was part of their pre‑appraisal mission for Tranche 2 of the Special Agro‑Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme. Tranche 2 of the SAPZ will target eight states with a $200 million AfDB facility, alongside an expected $150 million co‑financing package from the Islamic Development Bank. I assured the AfDB team of Abia’s readiness to co‑finance critical infrastructure and provide the enabling environment, roads, electricity, and counterpart funding to guarantee the success of this transformative project. The initiative will reposition agriculture in Abia from subsistence to industrial‑scale agribusiness, creating jobs, boosting food security, and driving economic diversification. We are grateful to AfDB for considering Abia in this second tranche after we missed out on the first tranche. With our vast arable land across Ukwa, Ikwuano, Umuahia, Bende, and Arochukwu, Abia is well prepared to host thriving agro‑industrial hubs. Together with AfDB and partners like the Islamic Development Bank, we are committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Abia through agriculture and industrial growth.

7. We are not discountenancing the likely impact of some of the recent major geopolitical developments on project financing and delivery but again, our eyes must consistently stay on the ball. We should be able to control the things that we can and then pray that everything else turns out good. What we must, however, not do is to leave ourselves unprepared and this brings me to the subject of revenue mobilisation and process optimisation. We cannot say with certainty what will happen over the next few months with our external revenue projections but we can do more to improve our internal earnings. To that effect, I invite anyone with practical ideas that can support our internal revenue drive to quickly forward them to my office for evaluation and consideration. It is imperative that we become active in the revenue mobilisation drive because it is from that basket that we are going to fund the recurrent elements of our 2026 budget proposal. The primary interest would be to identify channels of leakages, poor performance or malpractices. Subsequently, we shall begin to look at unexplored revenue pathways and how we can step into those areas, firstly to create value, and then ultimately earn from our investments. Real estate, solid minerals, hospitality and ICT sectors appear to hold great prospects with respect to general development and then, public revenue optimisation. We may therefore need to think broadly and deeply on what we need to do in these, and other areas. 8. The summary of my presentation is that there is a lot of work ahead and this retreat has opened our eyes to the goldmines we may be missing. I am glad that we have had the opportunity to talk and learn from each other. I would like to specially thank the retreat organising committee and our partners from the PwC for all the hard work they put in. I would also like to appreciate colleagues who made insightful presentations to deepen our awareness and policy outlook. Commendations are equally due to our external resource persons, Dr Tony Muhumuza of the United Nations Development Programme, and Alero Ayida-Otobo, the CEO of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance, for their generosity in teaching and mentorship. I hope they will continue to avail us of the opportunity to tap from their foundation of wisdom because I am convinced that they still have more to offer us. Lastly, I would like to thank all of us for the enthusiasm to learning and service. I pray the Almighty God to continue to watch over us, and bless our dear State, Abia. 9. Thank you for listening.

4. This administration appreciates that we may not be able to change the past but Providence has offered us the platform to play a role in shaping the future of our land. It is for this reason that the government prioritised education and healthcare from the beginning as they are directly tied to everything we seek to achieve. There can be no doubt that good progress has been made in those 2 sectors but our expectations are much higher. I am, however, confident that with what had been learned from this retreat, things would accelerate faster as there can be no further excuses for hitting less than the perfect score. The same applies to every other sector. We are therefore required to gird our loins and give everything we can to guarantee the successful execution of the administration’s broad development agenda through our respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). Yesterday, I reminded us that there are no insignificant offices or officials as everything is interconnected. Our economic and social development framework will crash in an instant without a robust legal and legislative architecture to underpin them; just as inefficiency in the administrative sector would drain resources unnecessarily and sabotage our capacity to execute. 5. I believe that the challenge of working in silos, building walls where bridges would have been built or perhaps viewing colleagues as adversaries has been sufficiently dealt with. I was in fact shocked to learn that we still have officials who are yet to learn that you cannot go wrong by working collaboratively. On the sidelines of the session yesterday, I told a small team that when you work alone, you restrict yourself to just what you know and ultimately, the system suffers from the limitations of your finite knowledge. However, by bringing all the stakeholders to the table, you not only deepen your knowledge, you actually create the environment for superior output. It is therefore strange that anyone in this room would actually not see the value of mining from the knowledge, reach and experience that we have at our disposal. To that effect, I am immediately directing all MDA heads to institute monthly sessions where every appointee connected to the office, including relevant directors, meet to share progress reports on ongoing projects and programmes, identify challenges and make projections for the next month. This should happen in the first week of every month, after the General ExCo, so as to bring everyone on the same page. Minutes and resolutions from such meetings should be sent to my office as soon as they are concluded; there will definitely be sanctions for non-compliance. 6. For current fiscal year, we had already outlined specific projects that must be delivered and I had directed that everything be committed to achieve the result that we seek. These include about 5 smart schools, strategic secondary and tertiary health facilities and other projects in transport, works, power, public water supply and of course, agriculture. I have also drafted a few persons to work with the primary teams to guarantee that there are no delays or arbitrary design or cost variations. These projects are tied to the holistic governance outcomes we seek to achieve for the year with respect to improving our human development index as a State. On account of the importance of these projects, I will not hesitate to step in and take direct control if it is established that the frontline MDA is not alive to the full spectrum of its responsibilities.

A DESTINY ASSIGNMENT Being the Text of an Address Presented by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at the Conclusion of the 2026 First Quarter Executive Council Retreat on Sunday, March 1, at the international Conference Centre, Umuahia Protocol 1. Several persons, including many in this room, have confronted me to ask why we put so much effort to this job that there is hardly time to rest, even on weekends. A few of you have had to remind me that this is not how to “do government work,” wondering why we work even harder than those in the private sector. My response every time has stayed the same: we are on a destiny assignment, not a casual stroll through public office. It is only when we interpret our roles from the lens of mission and destiny that the daily sacrifices will begin to have a more profound meaning. I agree entirely with those who insist that we put in so much to everything as can be seen from the experience of the last 2 days but as I have also said on a few occasions, every sacrifice made for the good of our people, the future of our state and the glory of our land, is well worth it. In my opening address yesterday, I announced that we are privileged to have been called to serve at this point in our political and social evolution where mediocrity and empty gestures can no longer answer the tough development questions of the day. 2. It has been 2 days of gruelling but rewarding intellectual engagements and I thank everyone for the active participation over the entire stretch. It also has to be admitted that it has been tough for many of us but again, that is the price we have to pay for the responsibility that has been entrusted to us. The world is evolving at a pace that is difficult to comprehend so the least we can do is to constantly challenge ourselves to raise the bar for what was deemed satisfactory only yesterday may come off as subpar today. It is, therefore, expected that whoever wishes to reach and remain at the top must at the minimum keep wake at the place of learning and active at the field of execution for in the end, learning without execution offers no real advantage. The bottom-line is that excellence in preparation is only the entry price to the place of impact, building an enduring legacy requires consistent process evaluation, environmental awareness and the capacity to evolve in response to emerging dynamics within the relevant ecosystems. 3 We have raised the bar on governance for the simple reason that we did not approach our job with the I have arrived mentality that is common in this part of the world. Our role as public office holders in Abia State is no less important than that of those driving the innovations at the heart of the changing global economic order. Our results speak for themselves but if we get complacent and stop asking tough questions of ourselves, everything would slide back to where they were before we came in. We are, therefore, encouraged to resist the temptation to rest on our oars; if anything, the public appreciation should spur us to reach for more, do more and continually point our people to what is possible with dedication and unyielding commitment to service. Our legacy, beyond the physical infrastructure, will rest on how we prepare our children for the opportunities of tomorrow — the hope we stir in the hearts of parents that their children would inherit a better future.

Yesterday marked another epoch‑making moment in our journey of transformation as we commissioned the reclaimed and reconstructed Ovom Road, Aba. The project has saved our people from the life‑threatening menace of gully erosion. What was once a hopeless situation has now become a story of renewal, resilience, and progress. I recalled how, just a few years ago, Ovom was seemingly beyond redemption. In less than two years, however, we filled a 42‑metre gully stretching over 600 metres, a chasm large enough to swallow an eight‑storey building. With rigid pavement technology and proper control measures, we have permanently contained the menace, sparing our community from what could have been an interminable disaster. On the same day, we also flagged off the reconstruction of the long‑abandoned Enyimba Hotel project, now reborn as the Enyimba‑Radisson Hotel, in partnership with the global hospitality brand, Radisson Blu. This 5‑star facility will deliver: - A 120‑room hotel within 12 months - A world‑class convention centre for businesses and public sector organisations - Expansion to a 250‑room complex within 4 years, positioning Aba as a premier commercial and industrial hub in West Africa. I sincerely acknowledge the vision and contributions of Ajie Ukpabi Asika, then Administrator of East Central State, and Chief Sam Mbakwe, former Governor of old Imo State, who laid the foundation for this dream. I also salute the leadership and membership of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), alongside stalwarts of the Aba business community, for their resilience in keeping the Enyimba Hotel vision alive across decades. These projects represent hope, innovation, and the enduring future of Abia State. Together, we are transforming Aba into a destination that welcomes investors, tourists, and global partnerships.

It was indeed a great pleasure and honour to receive the former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, GCON, in my residence yesterday. His kind words of encouragement and commendation for our modest efforts in Abia mean a lot, especially as his visit coincided with my birthday. His reflections on purposeful, people-centred leadership remind us of the true essence of public service. I truly appreciate Prof. Osinbajo’s prayers, friendship, and mentorship. His recognition of our reforms in welfare, infrastructure, and security strengthens our resolve to keep governance focused on the welfare and peace of our people. I also appreciate other guests, friends and partners who joined in extending warm wishes. With God’s grace and the support of Abians, we will keep working to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Abia for everyone.

I am sincerely humbled by the outpouring of love, kind wishes, and prayers on the occasion of my birthday. Your thoughtfulness means more to me than words can express, and I do not take it for granted. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. May God bless you all abundantly.

Today, history was made in Abam Onyerubi as we commissioned two landmark projects: the New Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River and the 30-kilometre Ndi Okereke Abam, Okobo, Amuvi Arochukwu Road. The commissioning was performed by the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd.), who turned 70 years old today. We wish him a memorable birthday in good health and God’s continued blessings. These projects stand as a testament to our collective resilience and the determination of our administration to end decades of neglect and usher in a new era of prosperity. For years, the old Omenuko Bridge symbolised pain and loss, with families mourning loved ones who perished due to its structural failures. Today, we honour their memory and declare that deceit and failed promises shall never again define leadership in Abia. The commissioning is not just about infrastructure. It is about restoring dignity, hope, and safety to our people. And with the completion of the road, too, the age-old cliché that “there is no easy road to Arochukwu” has been abolished forever. The nightmare of collapsed roads and broken bridges is over. Farmers can now move their produce to markets, students can travel safely to schools, and communities once cut off by fear and frustration are reconnected. The siege has collapsed, the jinx is broken, and Abam and Arochukwu stand tall as beacons of what is possible when leadership aligns with the aspirations of the people. This is the dawn of a new Abia, one built on truth, progress, and shared destiny. Together, we have proven that our future is not bound by neglect but is shaped by our collective will. Abia has seen the light, and never again shall darkness cover our path.

Yesterday, we welcomed participants of the Federal and States Security Administrators (FASA) to Abia State as we formally declared open the 2-day national security summit at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. This gathering provides a vital platform for stakeholders to share experiences, examine pressing security challenges, and develop actionable strategies to strengthen our collective response to national security. I emphasized that safeguarding our nation is a shared responsibility. Meaningful development, whether in infrastructure, industry, investment, or job creation, rests on a secure and predictable environment. I therefore called for synergy among security agencies, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political actors, and relevant institutions to ensure credible elections, curb the menace of thuggery, and guarantee peace and stability across our nation. I also wish to specially acknowledge the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was ably represented at the summit by the Chairman of FASA and Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Office of the Presidency. I equally recognize the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, represented by his Special Adviser on Governance and Sub-national Matters, Mr. A.B. Okuro. In addition, I extend my appreciation to the distinguished guests and senior government officials from across the country whose presence and contributions enriched the deliberations. As a government, our reform agenda in Abia is anchored on rebuilding public confidence, restoring critical infrastructure, revitalising the economy, and strengthening institutions. None of these can be achieved without a stable security architecture. Together, through collaboration and trust, we can build a secure environment that enables prosperity for our people and progress for our nation.

Earlier today, I participated in the swearing-in ceremony of the NYSC 2026 Batch A Stream 1 corps members at the Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende LGA. In my remarks, I reminded them that service is a seed, one that, when nurtured with discipline, empathy, and commitment, can grow into a life of purpose and leadership. I encouraged them to embrace the journey ahead not just as a national duty, but as a rare opportunity to shape their future. I told them that wherever they were posted, school, hospital, court, or office, their task is the same: serve with excellence, and the rewards will follow. I shared with them that Abia is a state that rewards excellence. We have built systems that value merit over state of origin, and we are intentional about attracting and retaining the best talent. I cited the example of our current Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, who hails from Edo State but served in Abia. He distinguished himself during his service year, emerged as the best corps member of his batch, and today, he leads the State’s civil service. That is the kind of story we are proud to tell, and one we hope many of them will replicate. I also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the NYSC leadership in Abia, led by Mrs. Gladys Adama. Their commitment to the welfare and integration of corps members has been exceptional. As a government, we will continue to support their work, because we understand that investing in young people is investing in the future of our State. As I concluded, I reflected on my own journey. I began my post-university life and did my NYSC at Efon Alaaye, now in Ekiti State. That experience shaped my worldview, kick-started my career, and laid the foundation for the path that eventually led me here. If that journey brought me to the office I now occupy, I believe these young Nigerians can go even further. I urged them to serve with heart, dream boldly, and make the most of this defining chapter.

Yesterday, we had the honour of welcoming Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd), CON, the pioneer Military Administrator of Abia State. He was accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (Rtd), on what he described as a “wonderful homecoming” after 14 years away from the State he helped to establish. Air Vice Marshal Ajobena, who served Abia between August 1991 and January 1992, came to see for himself how far we have come in our modest efforts to improve the State. I was genuinely touched by his gracious words and his recognition of our collective efforts to restore purposeful governance and steer Abia toward a path of responsible leadership. He observed the changes taking place in Umuahia and Aba, and kindly acknowledged some of the infrastructural improvements, such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the remodelled and retrofitted Okpara Auditorium, and the ongoing work at the Government House. As one of the founding fathers of our dear State, his visit was both symbolic and timely. It served as a reminder of the enduring value of legacy, continuity, and service. I remain grateful for his encouragement and his call for unity among leaders, past and present, as we continue the work of rebuilding Abia. To AVM Ajobena and his son, thank you for your visit and for your steadfast commitment towards the progress of our State. Your words are a source of encouragement as we press on with humility and resolve.