Otti To Increase LGA’s In Abia For Efficient Service Delivery, Administrative Convenience
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to increase the number of local government areas in the state, emphasizing the need for administrative convenience and efficient service delivery. Speaking during a civic reception organized by the Awomukwu Think Tank Forum in honor of two prominent sons of Ikwuano Local Government Area—Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN, and Chief Davidson Alaribe—the governor highlighted the importance of restructuring for grassroots development.
Ubani was recently conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), while Alaribe was inaugurated earlier in the year as the 60th (Diamond) President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).
Governor Otti acknowledged the current limitations of Abia’s local government structure, noting that the state’s 17 local government areas are insufficient for effective administration. He described some LGAs as too large to function optimally, hinting that his administration would explore creating Development Centres (DCs) as a viable alternative.
“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that the right thing is done. If you know the geographical structure of this state, you will know that Ikwuano is one of those local government areas that should not be one,” Otti said. He clarified that the initiative was not aimed at dividing the people but rather to enhance administrative efficiency.
Governor Otti assured the people of Ikwuano that key infrastructure projects would be prioritized. He pledged to fix the Ariam-Usaka Road and other critical roads in the area, affirming his readiness to collaborate with all elected officials regardless of political affiliation.
The governor revealed that the Ariam-Usaka Road has been included in the 2025 federal budget, and his administration would work alongside Senator Austin Akobundu to ensure the project is completed. “If the money in the [federal] budget is not enough, we will put more money and get it done this year,” Otti assured.
Otti also disclosed his administration’s plans to provide potable water across Abia communities. The initiative will be executed through the direct labor policy that has been effective in road construction.
“To that extent, we have acquired a massive industrial drilling rig, which has arrived in the state a few days ago and will be deployed to all parts of the state. It can drill like 200 meters in an hour,” he said.
The governor reiterated that Ikwuano communities would greatly benefit from the 2025 water project, which aims to deliver pipe-borne water to various parts of the state.
Senator Austin Akobundu, who chaired the event, commended Governor Otti for his inclusive leadership and willingness to work across party lines. Representing Abia Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akobundu noted that political differences should take a backseat to the collective interest of the state.
In his response, Otti assured the people of his commitment to prioritizing development projects and fostering collaboration among lawmakers and stakeholders to achieve a brighter future for Abia.
Governor Alex Otti’s proactive measures, including the restructuring of local government areas, infrastructure improvements, and the provision of potable water, highlight his administration’s dedication to fostering grassroots development and efficient service delivery.
