Gov. Otti Urges Stakeholders to Protect Public Infrastructure and Sustain Aba’s Clean Environment

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has called on stakeholders in Aba and across the state to take responsibility in protecting public infrastructure and sustaining the improved environmental cleanliness championed by his administration.

Governor Otti made the appeal on Tuesday, August 19, when he received the executives of two Aba-based business groups, the Association of International Traders (AIT) and Ultimate Importers Association (UIA), in his office. The groups, led by their Presidents, Prince Edmund Igwe and Chief Iroegbu U. Agu, paid the Governor a thank-you visit to commend him for transforming Aba’s infrastructure and business environment.

In his remarks, Governor Otti highlighted the government’s resolve to recover Aba from decades of neglect. He explained that his administration had prioritized road rehabilitation, drainage clearance, school and hospital renovations, as well as environmental reforms.

“Unfortunately, Aba was abandoned for several decades. So, it became a major item on our agenda to recover it. We have done two years and a few months now, and I am happy that we have been successful in that journey. There is still a lot to do, and we are not resting on our oars,” the Governor said.

He noted that it is the duty of government to provide an enabling environment for hardworking people to thrive, and added that the appreciation shown by traders and business leaders reflects the positive impact of his administration’s policies.

Governor Otti stressed the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding infrastructure investments across the state. He cited the vandalization of a power cable at Omuma Road, Aba, where the culprit was electrocuted, as an example of the destructive consequences of such acts.

“All the infrastructures we are putting in place – roads, drainage, schools, hospitals, and streetlights – are for the people. We request that you protect them and ensure they are not vandalized or stolen,” he stated.

The Governor also urged residents to join in sustaining the cleanliness of Aba, warning that the city must never return to its previous state of refuse heaps and poor sanitation

“Today, if you move around, you won’t see those refuse dumps anymore. If we close our eyes, they will return, but they will not return under our watch. It should be a vigorous campaign in the whole of Aba. Throwing refuse indiscriminately must become forbidden,” Dr. Otti emphasized.

Earlier, the leadership of AIT and UIA praised the Governor for restoring Aba’s infrastructure, reopening long-forgotten roads, improving security, and cleaning the city.

They noted that trucks and containers no longer topple recklessly as before, warehouses are no longer frequently broken into, and businesses are experiencing significant revival under Otti’s leadership.

In his closing remarks, the PRO of AIT, Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo, expressed appreciation for the Governor’s unprecedented infrastructural interventions, urging him to sustain the pace as more businesses return to Abia.

Governor Otti was joined in the meeting by the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Chibueze Nwokocha, Special Adviser on Trade and Commerce, Chief Nwaka Inem, and Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe.