Umuahia Will Be Unique -Otti
The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has stated that his administration has a clear vision of what it wants Umuahia to become as the state capital.
Speaking on Friday, the Governor noted that the transformation of Umuahia is still at an early stage, emphasizing that his administration is only just beginning the planned facelift of the city.
Governor Otti made this statement during a grand civic reception organized in his honour by the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, held at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
According to the Governor, his administration has already entered into an agreement with a development partner to construct a 200- to 250-room five-star hotel in Umuahia, as part of its broader transformational agenda.
“Umuahia is at an infant stage—we are just starting. We have clearly set out in our minds what we want Umuahia to look like, and we are not comparing ourselves with anybody.
So, when people say they want this place to look like Dubai—no, we don’t want it to look like Dubai; we want it to look like Umuahia.
“A few days ago, I received a draft agreement, which I will sign this weekend, to bring in a five-star hotel—just as we are doing in Aba. We are planning a 200- to 250-room facility here in Umuahia.
“The site has already been identified behind this stadium. At the appropriate time, in a few weeks, when we carry out the groundbreaking ceremony, we will announce the name of the partner. It is a well-known name—one you will be proud of,” he added.
Governor Otti explained that the development is aimed at boosting the city’s capacity to host major events and attract investment.
“If you are coming to Umuahia to hold a convention or retreat, there must be a place that can conveniently accommodate about 250 people. That is how a city grows. No matter how much development you think you have achieved, without a good five-star hotel, the growth has not truly begun,” he stated.
The Governor further disclosed that the state government has acquired land for the construction of a befitting stadium in Umuahia, adding that discussions are ongoing to ensure the successful execution of the project.
“One thing you can be sure of is that whenever we start a project, it will be completed. If we are not certain it will be finished, we will not begin it.
“We are currently at the stage of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s to ensure the successful completion of the Umuahia stadium project.
“As for the Amachara Specialist Hospital, you can already see the level of work ongoing. I have given a target that, by the end of this year, everything should be ready for commissioning.
“Let me assure you that this government will remain focused. There is no need for fear—this state belongs to all of us. In 2023, we made promises, and you believed in us. Today, we have tangible achievements to point to,” the Governor said.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the occasion, Most Rev. Raphael Opoko, for his support, as well as to the leadership of the Labour Party at all levels for their steadfastness.
He also welcomed new members into the party, particularly Hon. Udo Oluchi Ibeji, whom he described as a friend, and thanked the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency for the honour accorded him.
In his remarks, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, stated that the constituency delivered 40 percent of the votes that brought Governor Otti to power in the 2023 elections, and assured that the figure would increase in 2027.
He commended the Governor for his performance, particularly highlighting his concern for Nnamdi Kanu, noting that he remains the only governor to have visited him.
Speaking on behalf of members of the Abia State House of Assembly from Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South LGAs, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Augustine Meregini, said that the Governor’s performance has made their legislative responsibilities easier.
He assured the Governor of continued support from the people.
The Chairman of the Reception Organising Committee, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, remarked that Umuahia is no longer regarded as a “glorified village,” attributing the change to the Governor’s developmental efforts.
He added that the people are pleased with the restoration of the state’s dignity.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Most Rev. Raphael Opoko, Archbishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia Archdiocese, described the event as a celebration of purposeful leadership and impactful governance.
He highlighted the Governor’s achievements in less than three years in office, stating that the administration has begun redefining governance in Abia State.
He emphasized that the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia are proud to be associated with the government and declared that there would be no vacancy in the Abia Government House in 2027.
Also speaking, the Mayor of Umuahia South LGA, Engr. Chinedum Enwereuzo, on behalf of his counterparts in Ikwuano and Umuahia North, said the constituency had never witnessed such a level of development. He assured the Governor of sustained support.
In their goodwill messages, stakeholders including Chief Uzodinma Okpara, Dr. Monday Ubani (SAN), Ambassador Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, and Chief Victor Ikeji, Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Federal Character Commission, praised the Governor’s performance.
They noted improvements in road infrastructure, public buildings, and healthcare delivery, as well as the introduction of social security support for the elderly. They collectively assured the Governor of overwhelming support in the 2027 elections.
The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, while welcoming former federal lawmaker Hon. Udo Oluchi Ibeji and other new entrants into the party, assured them of fairness and equal opportunity within the party.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Hon. Ibeji pledged their unalloyed support for the Governor, assuring that they would work towards ensuring his re-election in 2027.
The event, which attracted the Governor’s wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, and other dignitaries, witnessed a massive turnout, with thousands of supporters gathering to celebrate Governor Otti. The occasion also featured the formal reception of numerous new members into the Labour Party.
