By Julia C. Green-Amakwe
It is widely acknowledged that the past 24 years have been a challenging chapter for the resilient people of Abia State. The state found itself in the clutches of unpatriotic and profligate leaders who, rather than nurture the welfare of the populace, shamelessly plundered and squandered the state’s resources.
During this period, Abians were akin to orphans left at the mercy of prodigal sons, whose primary pursuit was theft and extravagance, leaving their brethren to endure hunger and deprivation.
However, the people of Abia State, having borne the brunt of suffering for far too long, collectively decided that the time for change had come. They recognized that one should not revel in hunger and suffering, and so united to liberate themselves from the shackles of poverty and deprivation.
Following an exhaustive search and meticulous consultations, their gaze fell upon a beacon of hope – their illustrious son, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, a man whose track record speak volumes. United in purpose, they chose Dr. Otti, to lead them out of the abyss and towards the promised land. The rest, as they say, is now etched in history.
Undoubtedly, Abians made a judicious choice. The light at the end of the tunnel is already visible! Since Dr. Otti assumed office as the Governor of Abia State on May 29, 2023, there has been no idle moment. The state has witnessed a wave of project commissioning, signalling a departure from the era of stagnation.
The people of Abia State are now breathing the refreshing air of progress; experiencing growth and development at every turn. Formerly shackled citizens now move freely, unburdened by fear, as life quickly returns to the state. The future, indeed, looks promising.
Upon taking the oath of office, Governor Otti pledged to confront the enduring challenges resulting from years of poor governance, stagnant growth, crumbling infrastructure, hopelessness, poverty, and the pervasive pain of the people.
True to his word, Governor Otti hit the ground running, declaring a “state of emergency” on crucial fronts such as roads, education, waste management, security, and public service reforms. In a span of seven months, six significant road projects, including the Aba-Port Harcourt Express Road and Obehie Ukwa Road, have been commissioned. Notably, Ossa Road and the stretch from Okpara Square to Umuahia Tower are on track for completion.
The once-ubiquitous heaps of waste that marred the aesthetic appeal of Enyimba City in Aba are now consigned to history. Aba has undergone a transformation, emerging as a city with a new and captivating appearance.
In addition to physical infrastructure, Governor Otti, a digital technocrat, has ushered in a new era with the launch of a software application to manage a digital tax system.
This innovation streamlines the tax obligations of traders, shop owners, transporters, and others, enhancing efficiency and boosting the internally generated revenue (IGR) of the state. Moreover, the new tax regime promotes transparency and accountability in revenue collection by eliminating unauthorized channels.
Abia is no longer merely surviving; it is thriving!
Abia State has become an attractive destination for investment.
Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Otti, Abia State proudly reclaims its title as “God’s Own State.” Undoubtedly, divine intervention has graced the people!
Welcome to a new Abia State—a state experiencing a renaissance!
God bless the resilient people of Abia!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Mrs. Julia C. Green-Amakwe writes from Abuja
