Restoring Aba’s Lost Pride With Otti’s Vision

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

Aba, the heartbeat of Abia and once the commercial hub of Eastern Nigeria, is steadily reclaiming its lost pride. Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration has ignited an infrastructure revolution that is reshaping the face of the Enyimba City and rekindling its socio-economic vibrancy. The ongoing reconstruction and commissioning of strategic roads, including the iconic Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road, and several others supervised under the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), mark the dawn of a new era. The revival of landmark facilities such as the Enyimba Hotel, the construction of Aba Leisure Park by Landmark, and a bouquet of urban renewal projects across the metropolis collectively symbolize Aba’s renaissance. This rebirth is more than bricks and asphalt, it is the revival of hope, confidence, and prosperity.

Governor Otti, during the September edition of his monthly media chat, “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” underscored this transformation as part of a deliberate effort to restore Aba as the industrial and commercial capital of the region. He noted that decayed infrastructure, which had stifled enterprise and drained the city’s vibrancy for decades, is now being decisively addressed. The completion and imminent commissioning of Port Harcourt Road by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday 3rd October, 2025, after years of abandonment, will not only ease traffic flow but also unleash fresh opportunities for trade, industry, and investment. Roads being handled simultaneously by GADA will deepen this impact, repositioning Aba as a magnet for businesses once more.

The socio economic impact of this Aba renaissance is already evident. Revived infrastructure opens up the city for commerce, reduces the cost of doing business, and strengthens Aba’s legendary small and medium scale enterprises. With the reconstruction of Enyimba Hotel and the development of modern leisure facilities like the Aba Leisure Park, the city is set to experience a revival of its hospitality and tourism industry, providing jobs and stimulating auxiliary businesses. Governor Otti’s vision for Aba is clear, to create a city that is both functional and attractive, where enterprise thrives and dignity is restored.

Beyond infrastructure, the Governor used the media chat to highlight a broad spectrum of reforms and programmes aimed at improving the quality of life across Abia. In health, he announced that all newly commissioned primary healthcare centres are fully operational, offering antenatal and delivery services under 24 hours supervision, with staff accommodation included in many centres. The government is also recruiting 771 medical experts to boost manpower in the sector, attracting applications even from professionals abroad, an indication of growing confidence in Abia’s renewal.

On agriculture, Otti revealed plans to harness the comparative advantage of each local government area to ensure food security and create jobs. This includes a bold scheme to expand rice cultivation at Owerrinta, backed by new technology for data driven farming. The enumeration of 35,000 farmers and over 8,000 acres of arable land provides a robust baseline for interventions and monitoring results. The Governor also emphasized the construction of evening markets at least four per local government supported with solar lighting and security, extending economic activity into the night and enhancing the velocity of money in rural communities.

The government’s focus on youth empowerment is equally striking. The TechRise programme is training 850 youths across the 17 local governments, equipping them with digital skills to compete globally. In sports, a state wide football competition is being organized to nurture talent, preparing young people for opportunities in professional football at home and abroad.

Governor Otti also touched on education, announcing the construction of twenty smart schools, recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers, and accreditation victories for institutions like the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. He stressed that the reforms are designed to ensure Abia’s students can compete with the best anywhere in the world.

Security, peace, and social protection were not left out. The Governor commended security agencies for keeping the state relatively safe and called for vigilance as the ember months approach. He highlighted the launch of the European Union supported social protection scheme (SUSI), aimed at shielding the vulnerable, while also acknowledging international partnerships with the European Union, United States, and Israeli envoys who recently visited the state.

What stands out in Otti’s approach is his consistent emphasis on accountability and transparency. By making the media chat a monthly ritual, he not only updates Abians on government programmes but also subjects himself to public scrutiny. As he put it, “We must explain to the people what we have done so far and also take questions. We must account to the people we should account to.”

In all, the September edition of “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians” reinforced one truth, Aba’s rebirth is not an illusion but a reality already taking shape. The roads, markets, hospitals, schools, and industries springing back to life testify to a government determined to restore Aba’s lost pride and chart a new course for Abia. It is the vision of a Governor who believes that development must be people centered, transparent, and transformative. With the foundations now firmly laid, Aba and indeed Abia are on the path to greatness once more.

– Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.