OHANAEZE NDIGBO ABIA PRESIDENT HAILS GOV OTTI’S IMPACTFUL THREE YEARS IN OFFICE, BACKS SECOND TERM BID
OHANAEZE NDIGBO ABIA PRESIDENT HAILS GOV. OTTI’S IMPACTFUL THREE YEARS IN OFFICE, BACKS SECOND TERM BID
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abia State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chinyere Okwuonu, has commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) for his remarkable achievements within three years of his administration, portraying him as a transformational leader and a game changer in the governance of Abia State.
Speaking with journalists, Dr. Okwuonu, who is also the Medical Director of Isaac Okwuonu Memorial Hospital, Aba, said Governor Otti had recorded unprecedented successes in infrastructure renewal, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, human capital development, trade, commerce and industry.
According to him, the governor had accomplished within three years what successive administrations were unable to achieve over the previous 24 years.
The Ohanaeze leader described Governor Otti as a God-sent leader whose vision, competence and commitment had brought significant changes to both Aba and Umuahia, as well as other parts of the state.
Dr. Okwuonu, a medical doctor and first Executive Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area between 1996 and 1997, stated that the current administration stood out distinctly from previous governments in the state.
He noted that major roads across Abia had been reconstructed and made motorable, citing Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia Road and the Umuahia–Bende–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba–Ohafia–Arochukwu Road as examples. He observed that commuters now spend considerably less time travelling across the state due to improved road infrastructure, while drainage systems and streetlights had enhanced the urban landscape.
On security, Dr. Okwuonu said Abia had remained largely peaceful under Governor Otti’s administration. He credited the government’s proactive security architecture for effectively identifying and addressing security challenges, thereby creating an enabling environment for businesses and economic activities to thrive.
He further applauded the governor for ensuring prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners’ entitlements, describing it as a major departure from the experience of previous administrations.
The Ohanaeze president expressed confidence that more developmental projects, including improved water supply, would soon be realized across the state.
Dr. Okwuonu particularly praised Governor Otti’s intervention at the Ovom Road gully erosion site in Ogbor Hill, Aba, recalling that the area had suffered severe environmental degradation that destroyed homes and threatened many others.
He explained that several buildings had either collapsed or were on the verge of collapse before the government intervened. According to him, the erosion-prone area has now been successfully reclaimed, adjoining roads reconstructed and affected communities restored.
He added that residents had expressed appreciation to the governor for not only reclaiming the site but also reconstructing connecting roads that now provide easier access to Ngwa Road, Emelogu and Enyimba Hotel.
The Ohanaeze boss noted that the gully erosion had existed for many years without meaningful intervention from previous administrations, making the present government’s response particularly commendable.
Dr. Okwuonu also commended the ongoing reconstruction of the Enyimba International Hotel, Aba, describing it as one of the administration’s landmark projects.
He recalled that the hotel project was initiated over five decades ago when former East Central State Administrator, Ukpabi Asika, laid its foundation, but lamented that successive governments neglected its completion.
According to him, Governor Otti’s decision to revive the facility would transform it into a world-class hospitality and conference centre capable of hosting major international events.
He projected that the hotel would generate significant economic opportunities for the state, attract investors, boost tourism and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs upon completion.
Describing the project as a catalyst for economic growth, Dr. Okwuonu said it would restore Aba’s status as a commercial destination and stimulate wider socio-economic activities.
He therefore urged Igbo investors in Nigeria and the Diaspora to channel their investments back home, noting that Abia now enjoys a peaceful and investor-friendly environment.
The Ohanaeze president said one of the most commendable aspects of Governor Otti’s development agenda was his focus on industrialization.
He pointed to ongoing efforts to revive key industries, including Star Paper Mill and the beverage manufacturing facility in the Owerrinta axis, noting that such initiatives would create employment opportunities for thousands of young people.
According to him, unemployment remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, forcing many educated youths into menial jobs despite their qualifications.
He argued that industrial growth and local production remain the most sustainable pathways to economic prosperity, adding that functional industries would reduce crime by productively engaging young people.
Dr. Okwuonu therefore appealed to Abians to support Governor Otti’s re-election bid in 2027 to enable him complete his industrialization programme and consolidate ongoing development efforts.
He expressed optimism that the governor’s vision, if sustained, would significantly improve the socio-economic fortunes of Abia State over the next four years.
Speaking on the activities of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Okwuonu reiterated the organization’s commitment to preserving and promoting Igbo language and culture.
He stressed that language remains a critical component of identity and urged parents to encourage their children to learn and speak Igbo alongside English.
He noted that concerns had previously been raised by UNESCO regarding the possible extinction of the Igbo language if urgent preservation efforts were not undertaken.
To address the challenge, he disclosed that Ohanaeze Ndigbo at the national level had established endowment funds in seven universities across Igbo-speaking states to support research, documentation and promotion of Igbo language and culture.
He also commended the Abia State Government for making the teaching of Igbo language compulsory in primary and secondary schools, describing the policy as a welcome development.
On the issue of voter registration, Dr. Okwuonu said Ohanaeze Ndigbo was actively sensitizing Igbo people on the need to participate in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
He attributed the political marginalization of the Igbo people partly to voter apathy and urged all eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to him, the Igbo population constitutes a significant voting bloc across Nigeria and can exert substantial political influence if adequately mobilized.
He stated that Ohanaeze was encouraging all Igbo people aged 18 years and above to register and actively participate in elections wherever they reside.
The Ohanaeze president further disclosed that the organization closely monitors the performance of elected and appointed public office holders of Igbo extraction, insisting that political offices are held in trust for the people.
He maintained that leaders who fail to deliver democratic dividends would lose public support, irrespective of political affiliation, while those who perform creditably would receive the backing of their communities.
In that regard, he said Governor Otti had demonstrated effective leadership and delivery of democratic dividends, earning widespread commendation from the Igbo socio-cultural organization.
On security, Dr. Okwuonu urged communities across Igboland to strengthen local vigilance mechanisms and remain alert to security threats.
He advocated the establishment of community vigilante groups and encouraged residents to be conscious of unfamiliar persons entering their communities.
According to him, enhanced community participation in security matters remains essential in addressing the prevailing security challenges across the country.
Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, Dr. Okwuonu reaffirmed the support of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the people of Abia State for Governor Otti.
He stated that the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, economic revitalization, security, human capital development and industrialization among others had earned him broad public acceptance.
He expressed confidence that the people would continue to stand firmly behind the governor and support his bid for a second term to consolidate the gains already recorded by his administration.
