The Governor of Imo State and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, declaring that governors of the region are committed to developing the South East through collaboration.

Uzodinma made the declaration while speaking to journalists after the visit on Thursday, January 2, 2026, at the Abia State Government House.

“This Is Not a Political Visit” – Uzodinma

The Imo governor stressed that his visit was not politically motivated, but purely a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year.

“I did not come for political reasons, though we are politicians. I came to pay a New Year visit to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well,” Uzodinma said.

He added that the visit was also an opportunity to pray together for wisdom and strength to serve the people better in 2026.

“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here.”

South East Governors Committed to Regional Development

Uzodinma reiterated that governors of the South East are united in their resolve to move the region forward.

“We in the South East are determined to develop the region, and the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said.

According to him, his role as Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum requires constant engagement with fellow governors to share ideas and align strategies for the benefit of the region.

“The five of us, governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria, and that is what we are working on,” Uzodinma assured.

The Imo governor, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East, commended Governor Otti for what he described as quality governance in Abia State.

Otti: Different Parties Don’t Mean Opposition

Responding, Governor Alex Otti thanked Uzodinma for the visit and equally dismissed suggestions that it had political undertones.

“This is not necessarily a political visit. But because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” Otti said.

The Abia governor stressed that belonging to different political parties does not amount to opposition within governance.

“You can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of. When people mistake different political parties as opposition, they miss the mark,” he stated.

Otti explained that government at all levels federal, state and local must work together once decisions are taken in the national interest.

He reaffirmed Abia State’s alignment with the Federal Government and described the visit as a symbol of unity and cooperation.

Dignitaries at the Visit

Governor Uzodinma was accompanied by former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among other aides. Senior officials of the Abia State Government, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and cabinet members, were also present.

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Abia State has launched Nigeria’s first state-owned electric bus fleet, commissioning 20 electric Green Shuttle buses on Monday at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia.

The initiative, which is expected to expand to 100 electric buses by next year, is aimed at reducing urban carbon emissions, improving public transportation, and easing movement for residents, particularly during the festive season.

The zero-emission buses will operate free of charge until January, allowing residents and businesses to benefit from cleaner and more affordable transportation. The move comes amid increased holiday travel, following the provision of free buses from cities such as Abuja and Lagos that enabled many Abia indigenes to return home for Christmas.

Speaking during the launch, state officials described the project as a major step toward sustainable urban mobility and environmental responsibility, positioning Abia as a pioneer in green transportation at the sub-national level in Nigeria.

Former Minister of Finance and Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who is in the state for the Christmas holidays, commended the initiative, describing it as forward-thinking and aligned with global efforts to combat climate change.

Governor Alex Otti’s administration has continued to receive praise for infrastructure development across the state, particularly ongoing road rehabilitation projects and urban renewal efforts. However, reactions to the electric bus rollout have been mixed, with some residents calling for faster expansion and clearer operational guidelines beyond the initial free period.

State authorities have assured residents that the programme will be expanded and improved based on feedback, as Abia positions itself as a leader in sustainable public transport in Nigeria.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved a massive increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state from a long-standing ₦4,000 to as high as ₦50,000.

This landmark decision represents a 1,150% increment, marking the first major review in nearly 27 years and further cementing Governor Otti’s reputation as a leader committed to youth empowerment and human capital development.

According to the new structure, all Corps Members serving in Abia State will now receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000, in addition to the Federal Government’s ₦77,000 monthly stipend. Those serving in State Government establishments and Teaching/Medical roles will earn an additional ₦10,000 and ₦30,000, respectively.

Governor Otti explained that the differential allowances were introduced to attract Corps Members to critical sectors like health and education, addressing the human resource gaps created by years of neglect and attrition.

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Transforming the NYSC Experience in Abia

The “New Abia” is rapidly becoming a model for inclusive governance and practical reforms. Beyond financial incentives, Governor Otti’s administration has continued to upgrade the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende Local Government Area, breathing new life into facilities that had been abandoned for decades.

The improvements include renovation of internal roads, provision of reliable electricity, installation of power equipment, and rehabilitation of dilapidated hostels and administrative buildings. Despite the camp being a Federal Government facility, the Governor maintains that every institution within Abia whether state or federal deserves attention because “it is Abians who benefit the most.”

A New Deal for Health Workers

In a related development, Governor Otti has also approved the full implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across Abia State. The long-awaited wage adjustment aligns the state’s healthcare workforce with national standards, ensuring fair compensation, improved morale, and enhanced service delivery.

This decision underscores the administration’s resolve to rebuild the state’s healthcare sector, retain skilled professionals, and restore public confidence in government institutions.

Building a Future That Works

Governor Otti’s reforms reflect his core philosophy: taxation is the government’s share of the prosperity it has created, and investing in people is the surest path to sustainable development.

For years, Corps Members have played pivotal roles in Abia’s progress from education and healthcare to law, engineering, and public administration. The Governor’s gesture, therefore, is both a reward and an investment in the future.

With his signature blend of vision and action, Governor Otti continues to inspire a new era of hope, opportunity, and excellence for Abia State and its people.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has cautioned individuals plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship election results to first “write their wills” before embarking on such a dangerous mission.

Speaking during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, the governor emphasized that his statement was not a threat but a caution informed by intelligence reports suggesting that some displaced politicians are boasting about plans to “write” election results in 2027.

“This is not a threat but a warning. If you are planning to write election results in Abia, please write your will first,” Otti declared.

He dismissed remarks attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, noting that power ultimately belongs to God.

“I do not have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 in 2025. But I know that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wants. We should not speak when the Lord has not spoken,” he said.

Governor Otti advised Kalu to focus on his duties at the National Assembly, adding that there was no animosity between them despite the Deputy Speaker’s repeated public criticisms.

“My relationship with the Deputy Speaker didn’t start with politics. This is the second time he has publicly attacked my administration. I forgive him, but I think he suffers from what I call ‘Information Deficiency Syndrome.’”

He further clarified that according to the Protocol Act of 2000, the sixth position in Nigeria’s political hierarchy belongs to the Deputy Senate President, not the Deputy Speaker.

On Governance and Infrastructure

Governor Otti commended the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) for its consistent efforts in maintaining a cleaner environment across Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.

“We are now moving to the next phase of waste management — recycling and turning waste into wealth,” he said, disclosing ongoing engagements with investors and institutions to actualize the plan.

The governor also announced progress in reviving key moribund industries, including Star Paper Mill, Aba Textile Mill, and Modern Ceramics, through collaborations with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and other stakeholders.

“Government is an enabler. Our goal is to revive these industries, hand them to professionals to run as private entities, and create jobs for our people,” Otti stated.

Education and Health

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the education sector, revealing that over 5,395 new teachers have been deployed across the state, with plans to recruit an additional 4,000 due to rising enrollment.

He also highlighted improvements in healthcare delivery, including the reconstruction of general hospitals and recruitment of over 774 healthcare professionals, with applicants coming even from other African countries.

“We are building a health system powered by renewable energy to ensure every community has access to quality healthcare,” he said.

Power and Infrastructure Expansion

Governor Otti announced the installation of nearly 8,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state and ongoing projects aimed at achieving steady electricity supply in Aba, Umuahia, Bende, and Ohafia.

“When Aba Power reaches its full capacity of 188 megawatts, excess power will be distributed to Umuahia and other parts of the state. Light brings development, and darkness disappears where there is light,” he said.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu’s representative, Senator Dave Umahi, recently commissioned eight newly completed roads in Abia, with more infrastructure projects including the 25km Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and Ihechiowa Ring Road set to begin soon.

On Defection Rumours

Governor Otti debunked speculations about plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that he remains committed to his principles.

“You don’t take decisions simply because others are taking them. We are not people who follow the crowd,” he affirmed.

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Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to relocate the Ministry of Agriculture from its current offices in Umuahia to Umudike, where the Faculty of Agriculture of Abia State University is located.

Otti disclosed the plan on Sept. 23 during an unscheduled visit to the ministry’s headquarters on Bank Road, Umuahia, shortly after swearing in two new commissioners and a special adviser on agriculture.

The governor, accompanied by the commissioners for lands and agriculture, inspected facilities at the premises and expressed dissatisfaction with the condition of the buildings. He said the move would provide a more conducive environment to enhance productivity.

Otti added that the state government has also concluded plans to relocate the Faculty of Law from Umuahia back to the university’s permanent site in Uturu.

Ministry staff welcomed the announcement, expressing excitement at the governor’s visit.

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