Gov. Alex Otti Commissions PHCs, Roads in Abia Central — Urges Citizens to Protect Public Infrastructure
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on citizens of the state to protect and safeguard public infrastructure, warning against vandalism of newly commissioned projects across Abia Central Senatorial Zone.
The Governor made this appeal at a community event held at Ibeku High School field, where he commissioned various infrastructure projects completed by his administration. These projects span across three Local Government Areas and are part of the broader “Project Ekwueme” development agenda aimed at revamping key sectors including health and transportation.
- Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) retrofitted in:
- Owerinta, Isialangwa South LGA
- Amibo, Umuahia South LGA
- Ekeoba, Umuahia North LGA
- Road Projects:
- 8.3 km Isieketa - Obikabia Road (Isialangwa South)
- 1.5 km IBB Way, Umuahia North
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti emphasized the need for citizens to take ownership of public infrastructure and ensure their longevity through community-driven security and vigilance.
“Ensure that everything we are putting in place – the infrastructure, the roads, the equipment in the PHCs – is secured. There’s no better security than the one provided by the people themselves,” the Governor stated.
“Report anyone trying to vandalize public property. We will not hesitate to take strict action against such individuals.”
Governor Otti also announced the immediate commencement of reconstruction of the Ikot-Ekpene Federal Road, which links to the newly completed IBB Way. Despite its federal status, he affirmed his government’s commitment to fixing it for the sake of Abia residents.
“Whether it’s a federal or state road, Abians use it, not the federal government. So, we will fix it,” he declared.
The Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, praised the Governor for raising the bar on infrastructure, especially with the delivery of world-class Primary Healthcare Centres.
Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu, GM of the Abia State Debt Management Office and Coordinator of Project Ekwueme for Abia Central, revealed that 64 PHCs have been approved for retrofitting in Abia Central alone. He stressed that these are not “audio projects” but real, life-changing infrastructure.
“For the first time, every ward in Abia has a functional PHC to serve its people,” he affirmed.
The Traditional Ruler of Ekeoba Kingdom, Eze Ambassador Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, described the retrofitting of the Ekeoba PHC as a “new dawn” and a landmark achievement that gives his people a sense of belonging.
“No government before now has undertaken such a bold and meaningful project in our community,” the royal father stated emotionally.
The commissioning was attended by top dignitaries, including the Chinese Consul-General and his team, alongside cultural displays, traditional performances, and presentations from benefiting communities in appreciation of the Governor’s efforts.
