…as Old Bende celebrates achievements of governors
Governor Alex Oti of Abia State has assured Abians that his administration is focused on bringing about massive infrastructural and institutional reforms across the state.
Governor Oti said this on Friday at the civic felicitation ceremony organized by the Old Bende people in his honor at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba.
He said the event had renewed his resolve to deepen good governance and drive growth in all sectors of the state's economy.
Governor Oti, who declared that “it is still the morning” in reference to the stage of his administration’s developmental journey, commended the Old Bende people for hosting a grand civic reception in his honour.
“I would first like to thank the Old Bende people for coming up with this initiative.
He said, “Some of the modest contributions we have made are in the brochure, but I want to reassure our people that it is still morning. We have gone back 29 months and there is still a lot of work to be done.”
Governor Oti also used the occasion to highlight Abia's superior fiscal performance, revealing that the state is ranked number four nationally in fiscal discipline and number one in capital expenditure ratio.
He said 77% of the state's spending in 2024 went to infrastructure. The governor said, “We believe that number will increase to 85% in 2025. That's good governance. When you put money into things people want, not into people's pockets.”
The governor disclosed that major focus would be on upgrading the health infrastructure, describing the restoration of accreditation at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) as an important milestone.
He said that by June 2026, the facilities at Abia State Specialist Hospital, Aba Road, Umuahia and Amachara Annex will be equipped with world-class equipment.
The Governor cautioned political actors against premature politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that the 2027 election is in the hands of God.
“The only comment I would like to make about 2027 is that it is in God's hands.
“Those who boast, I want to advise them to stop boasting. You may not be here in 2027. If you want to play God or speak like God, I will leave you in God's hands,” he warned.
Governor Oti stressed that the priority of his administration is service delivery and fulfillment of the mandate given to him by the people of Abia State.
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“Let us not divert our attention. We have a lot of work to do. Let us focus on the mandate that has been given to us. At the appropriate time, it is you (the public) who will decide who will lead you,” he said.
On the request made by the Old Bende Progressive Union for the construction and reconstruction of major agricultural and agro-related roads – which include Bende-Igbere-Ozuitem-Akaeze Road, Alayi-Item-Nkpororo Road, Umuhu-Isigbu Road and Umuchize-Uturu Road, Governor Oti said he has directed the Commissioner of Works to immediately assess the roads.
Recall that Dave Umahi, Minister of Works,
Commended Governor Oti for the impressive transformation of road infrastructure in Abia State, especially the rehabilitation of major federal roads.
Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu has approved the handing over of several federal roads to the Abia State Government for reconstruction, in line with Governor Oti's commitment to quality infrastructure and for the benefit of Abians.
The Minister further disclosed that the contractor handling the Aba-Port Harcourt section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway has returned to the site to ensure timely completion of the project adding that Governor Oti has been empowered to monitor the completion of the project.
Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union, Azubuike Udah, described the event as a collective endorsement of the governor’s transformational leadership since he assumed office.
Udah, who lauded Governor Oti's remarkable progress in all sectors of the state's economy, observed that Abia had for long “stood at the crossroads of potential paralysis”, and expressed delight that, under the present administration, the state is now experiencing a new dawn marked by purposeful leadership and visible development.
The retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) said the people of Bende, known for their hard work, hospitality and support for worthy causes, were united in passing a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Oti and his administration.
He, however, appealed for the inclusion of several rural and agricultural roads in Bende and neighboring communities of Ebonyi State to increase agricultural productivity and ease the movement of goods and people, and assured the Governor of the support of the Bende people as he pursues the development of the state.
