ABIA @ 35: EKEOHA SHOPPING CENTRE CHAIRMAN EMEKA OKEKE HAILS OTTI’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

ABIA @ 35: EKEOHA SHOPPING CENTRE CHAIRMAN, EMEKA OKEKE, HAILS OTTI’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP, VOWS TO DELIVER HIM IN 2027 ELECTION

Says Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba is among the major beneficiaries of New Abia

As Abia State marks its 35th anniversary, encomiums have continued to pour in from within and outside the state in celebration of its journey since creation and the remarkable transformation witnessed under the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

Baring his mind on the historic milestone, the Chairman of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, Comrade Emeka Okeke, on behalf of the leadership and entire traders of the popular textile market, joined millions of Abians at home and in the Diaspora in celebrating the anniversary.

He described the occasion as a moment of thanksgiving, sober reflection and renewed commitment to the collective task of building a greater and more prosperous Abia State.

Comrade Okeke expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving the lives of Abians to witness the 35th anniversary, while also commending Governor Otti for what he described as monumental strides in restoring confidence in governance and setting the state on the path of sustainable development.

According to the popular market leader, the emergence of the present administration has ushered in a new era in the state, with deliberate attention being given to infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, economic development and job creation.

Reflecting on the condition of the state before the coming of the Otti administration, Okeke said Abia had suffered years of neglect and deterioration, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, sanitation, workers’ welfare and public services.

He said roads, especially in Aba, had become largely impassable, while heaps of refuse littered major roads and streets in both Aba and Umuahia. He also recalled the challenges of irregular payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, as well as the deterioration of healthcare services.

However, he noted that Governor Otti wasted no time in demonstrating his determination to reverse the ugly trend and restore Abia to its rightful place among the leading states in the country.

According to him, the Governor immediately commenced a comprehensive environmental and infrastructural renewal programme, beginning with the evacuation of refuse that had defaced major parts of Aba and Umuahia.

Okeke said that, on assuming office, Governor Otti left no one in doubt about his determination to transform Abia State. He noted that the Governor particularly demonstrated a strong commitment to restoring Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, the SME capital of the nation and the famous Enyimba City, to its pride of place.

He described the ongoing infrastructural revolution across the state as unprecedented, pointing to the construction and reconstruction of several roads in Aba and Umuahia.

Okeke particularly praised the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba by construction giant, Julius Berger, describing the project as a major symbol of the Governor’s resolve to tackle projects that had defied solutions for decades.

He also cited the transformation of major roads in Umuahia, including Ossah Road, now known as Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, as part of the administration’s efforts to give the state capital a befitting outlook.

Beyond infrastructure, the Ekeoha Shopping Centre Chairman commended the Governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare through the regular and prompt payment of salaries, while also making significant investments in the health sector.

He noted that the recent commissioning of the Obingwa General Hospital, named after the late foremost human rights activist in the nation, Comrade Chidi Ubani, further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to bringing quality healthcare closer to the people.

Other landmark projects, according to him, include the Prof. Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal in Umuahia and the ongoing construction of the Abia Airport at Nsulu, among others.

Okeke further said the education sector has witnessed tremendous improvement, while agriculture, youth empowerment and employment generation are receiving increased attention under the present administration.

He also praised Governor Otti’s determination to confront insecurity, especially kidnapping and other criminal activities, through the joint security initiative known as Operation Crush.

According to him, the improved attention to security has contributed to restoring public confidence and creating a safer environment for residents and investors.

Okeke said Governor Otti had performed remarkably well, adding that Abia State was making progress by leaps and bounds and that the dividends of democracy were reaching the people.

He said he had not witnessed the kind of rapid development taking place in Abia State under the present administration before now, adding that the state was getting better and truly proving to be a state in the hands of God.

The market leader maintained that Governor Otti had surpassed the expectations of the people and, in terms of quality leadership and remarkable achievements, could only be likened to the era of the former Governor of Old Imo State, the late Chief Sam Onunaka Mbakwe.

Okeke said the people and traders of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba were particularly delighted with the administration because the market was among the major beneficiaries of the Governor’s urban renewal programme.

According to him, the remodelling of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, to international standards is a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to improving the business environment and supporting traders.

He said the traders were happy and proud of Governor Otti, stressing that Ekeoha Shopping Centre was among the first major beneficiaries of his administration through the remodelling of the market to international standards.

Okeke said the development gave the traders every reason to appreciate the Governor and support his vision for a New Abia.

He further said the leadership and traders of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba would continue to mobilize support for the Governor and work tirelessly towards his re-election in 2027.

According to him, the traders were leaving no stone unturned to ensure the re-election of Governor Otti in 2027 so that he could consolidate on the remarkable transformation taking place across the state.

Okeke urged Abians to continue to give the Governor their total support and vote for him en masse in the 2027 election, saying this would enable him to continue the good work and take the state to greater heights.

The Ekeoha Shopping Centre Chairman also commended the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her support and contributions to the development of the state.

He noted that the First Lady had demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of women, widows and other vulnerable groups, while supporting initiatives aimed at improving their lives.

Okeke also observed that women were increasingly occupying strategic positions in the administration, including appointments as commissioners, advisers and magistrates, among others.

According to him, the administration’s commitment to women’s inclusion and empowerment had further strengthened the confidence of women in the leadership of the state.

Okeke on behalf of the leadership and entire traders of Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Aba, heartily congratulated Governor Otti, the government and people of Abia State on the auspicious 35th anniversary.

He prayed that the Almighty God would continue to grant the Governor long life, good health, greater wisdom and strength as he pilot the affairs of the state and lead Abia towards greater development in the years ahead.