Governor Otti, Business Community Again Unite For Aba’s Rebirth

EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD

The story of Aba, long regarded as the commercial heartbeat of Eastern Nigeria, is being rewritten under the purposeful leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. Once a city suffocated by neglect, insecurity, collapsed infrastructure and poor planning, Aba is now experiencing an unprecedented revival driven by reforms, strategic partnerships and a renewed commitment to good governance. Central to this rebirth is the synergy between Governor Otti’s administration and the Aba business community, whose collaboration is laying the foundation for Aba’s restoration as the economic nerve centre of the South East and South South.

At the recent Aba Stakeholders Security Trust Fund Raising Luncheon, the governor reassured investors and residents that his administration will never compromise on security, noting that safety remains the bedrock of development. He expressed deep gratitude to Abians, friends of Abia and especially the Aba business community for their continued support of the New Abia project, promising never to take such goodwill for granted. Every donation, he assured, will be properly accounted for, even as he urged citizens to dismiss false propaganda about mismanagement of funds, stressing that Abia’s resources under his watch are safe and prudently managed. The strong presence and active participation of Aba’s business leaders at the event underscored their determination to walk hand in hand with government in building a safer and more prosperous Enyimba City.

The governor also used the occasion to announce milestones that further highlight his reform agenda. Prominent among them was the disclosure that Port Harcourt Road, Aba, abandoned for more than two decades and fully reconstructed by his administration, will be officially commissioned on October 3rd, 2025, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The iconic 6km stretch, once a symbol of decay, has now become a landmark of renewal and dignity for Aba residents. The ceremony, which will also feature the commissioning of six other strategic roads across Abia, promises to be historic, a carnival like celebration of resilience and transformation. It sends a clear message that Aba will no longer be left behind.

Beyond roads, Governor Otti has also provided institutional backing for Aba’s rejuvenation through the establishment of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA). Since its creation, GADA has been spearheading urban renewal, drainage projects, waste management and infrastructural planning aimed at repositioning Aba and its surrounding local government areas. Its interventions are gradually giving Aba a structured and modern outlook befitting a commercial hub of regional importance.

Otti’s determination to tackle challenges that had overwhelmed previous administrations is also evident in the recovery of Ovom Street in Aba North, where devastating erosion had cut off the area for years. Today, that menace has been fully addressed, restoring normal life and economic activity in the area. This feat, which eluded past governments, illustrates Otti’s resolve to translate promises into tangible results.

It is increasingly clear that Governor Otti embodies the true spirit of an “Aba Boy.” Unlike some of his predecessors who merely used the title for political convenience and deceit, Otti has demonstrated his bond with the city through consistent action. His vision for Aba’s industrial revival dates back to his banking days when he championed the idea of steady power supply for the city. Today, through his partnership with Aba Power, uninterrupted electricity has become a reality for Aba and adjoining LGAs, giving artisans, traders and industries a fresh lease of life and enhancing productivity across sectors.

What stands out in all of this is the partnership model that defines Otti’s governance style. By deliberately working with the Aba business community, stakeholders and investors, he has built a coalition of progress in which everyone has a stake in Abia’s future. From road projects to erosion control, from power reforms to security investments, the transformation of Aba is a collective effort anchored on trust, accountability and shared vision.

The ongoing reforms in Aba are not stopgap measures but part of a carefully crafted agenda designed for long term sustainability. Governor Otti’s emphasis on transparency, his reliance on partnerships and his resolve to address long neglected issues provide strong assurance that the transformation of Abia will not only be sustained but will outlive his administration. For the first time in decades, Aba is truly rising again, and with the unity of government and the business community, the dream of restoring Aba as the economic powerhouse of Eastern Nigeria is no longer deferred but unfolding before the eyes of all.

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