Activities marking the third year anniversary of the Dr Alex Otti-led administration came to a close on Friday amid pomp and pageantry at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Addressing the people, Governor Alex Otti assured that his administration would continue to pursue people-oriented policies and responsible management of public resources to ensure steady growth and long-term prosperity in an effort to consolidate on the gains made in the last 3 years of his administration.
Governor Otti made it clear that his administration remained committed to delivering sustainable development and improving the welfare of the people.
The Governor while noting that his administration has maintained fiscal discipline, said his government has equally reduced the state’s debt profile by over 70 per cent through prudent financial management and accountability.
Governor Otti said the state has completed 414 road projects covering over 800 kilometres within the past three years, while another 82 roads stretching over 200 kilometres would soon be completed and opened for public use.
He named some of the landmark projects completed by his administration to include Port Harcourt Road Aba, the six lane Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard Umuahia, the reconstructed Ohanku Road Aba, the historic Omenuko Bridge and the final section of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road.
He also highlighted achievements in the healthcare sector, revealing that close to 1,000 healthcare professionals have been recruited and deployed to tertiary, secondary and primary health facilities across the state.
The Governor also disclosed that his administration has invested heavily in education and youth empowerment through technology-driven initiatives focused on software engineering, artificial intelligence and cyber security training while over N300 million has been earmarked to support technology-based enterprises and innovation across the state.
On workers’ welfare, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, noting that civil servants and retirees will no longer need to protest before receiving their entitlements.
Governor Otti noted that sustained collaboration with security agencies and community stakeholders has significantly improved the safety of lives and property across the state,assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen governance institutions, improve public services and expand economic opportunities for the benefit of all Abians.
In his goodwill message on behalf of Abia National Assembly members, the member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, said Governor Otti has surpassed expectations in delivering campaign promises through extensive road construction of reconstruction, education, healthcare and other development projects across the state, assuring the Governor of the full support of the lawmakers towards his second term bid.
Contributing, an Elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Chris Uche (SAN) commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, adding that the achievements of his administration across critical sectors within three years has restored dignity and renewed the confidence of Abians at home and in the diaspora.
Speaking on behalf of Abia women, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Ngozi Felix, lauded the governor for promoting merit, inclusiveness and human capital development, noting that women now occupy over 85 per cent of permanent secretary positions while vulnerable groups continue to benefit from his administration’s people-centered policies.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole,in a remark, said the activities marking Governor Otti’s third anniversary in office reflects visible achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and urban renewal, noting that the government has restored confidence, hope and investor interest in the state.
Hanto Daily News recalls that Governor Otti had Commissioned an unprecedented number of infrastructural development projects as well laid foundation stone for others as part of the activities marking the third year anniversary.
