In a move that has sparked widespread reactions, Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, has politely declined a chieftaincy title offered to him by traditional rulers in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
Rather than accept the honour, the governor asked that the title be postponed until after his tenure ends in 2031.
According to Otti, public officials should avoid receiving such honours while still in office so they can remain fully focused on governance and accountability.
For many Nigerians, the decision reinforced the image of a leader who wants his worknot titles, to speak for him.
But beyond the gesture, Otti’s administration has been making waves in Abia since he assumed office in 2023.
Here are some of the major changes his government claims to have delivered so far.
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Massive Road Construction Across Abia
One of the most visible changes under Otti’s administration has been aggressive road construction and rehabilitation across the state.
So far:
• Over 140 road projects have been completed in cities like Umuahia and Aba, as well as several rural communities.
• More than 200 kilometres of new road projects have been launched.
Some of the most notable projects include:
• Reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba
• Dualisation of Ossah Road in Umuahia
These projects aim to improve connectivity and boost commercial activity across the state.
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Pension Payments and Workers’ Welfare
For years, workers and retirees in Abia struggled with unpaid salaries and pensions.
Governor Otti made a promise on his first day in office to pay workers on or before the 28th of every month.
So far, his administration says it has kept that promise consistently.
His government has also:
• Begun clearing arrears owed to elected councillors between 1999 and 2023
• Implemented the new minimum wage
• Improved overall welfare for civil servants
Reports revealed that more than 80 councillors died while waiting for benefits owed to them, a situation the current administration says it is trying to correct.
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Power Restoration Through the Aba Power Project
Electricity has long been a major problem for businesses in Aba, one of Nigeria’s biggest industrial hubs.
In February 2024, the government launched the 141-megawatt Geometric Power Plant in Aba to improve the electricity supply.
By December 2025, power had been restored to 33 communities in Ukwa West that had experienced blackouts for more than nine years.
During a visit to Ukwa East in early 2026, Otti also announced plans to restore electricity to Ndoki land, which had been without power for over two decades.
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Healthcare Sector Revamp
The Otti administration has also focused heavily on healthcare.
So far:
• Over 200 primary healthcare centres have been renovated.
• Accreditation for the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) has been restored after it was previously lost.
• Salary arrears owed to health workers have been cleared.
In February 2026, the government also commissioned the Nchedo Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) to support victims of gender-based violence.
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Education Reforms and Teacher Recruitment
Education has also received major attention under the current administration.
Some key initiatives include:
• Reconstruction of 170 primary schools and 51 secondary schools
• Construction of over 500 new classrooms
• Rehabilitation of more than 200 schools
The government has also:
• Recruited over 2,000 teachers
• Increased the retirement age for teachers to 65 years
• Declared basic education free and compulsory
New programmes such as the Abia Leadership Academy and TechRise Programme have also been introduced to develop leadership and technology skills among young people.
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Reviving Abia’s Economy
To boost economic development, Otti’s government has begun work on the Aba Industrial Innovation Park, designed to attract manufacturing companies, create jobs, and stimulate investment.
Supporters say these efforts are why many residents now affectionately call the governor:
“Chioma Nde Abia”, meaning “The Goodness of Abia People.”
For them, declining the chieftaincy title only reinforces the message that the governor wants performance to define his legacy.
Receipt
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