Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mrs. Mercy Anosike might have still been living in her shacks had help not met her a few months ago.

Mrs. Anosike’s living condition was reportedly deplorable until a journalist, Emma Nwazue of Afia TV brought it to the attention of the governor during a media chat in Umuahia where the governor ordered an immediate intervention.

Confronted by challenges of widowhood and childlessness after the loss of all her children, Mrs. Anosike continued to trudge on not knowing what the future held for her.

However, fate smiled at her and her situation changed for good with the construction and furnishing of a bungalow by the Abia state government.

Residents of her village, Ukome in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State could not contain their joy as they showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to the widow.

During the commissioning and handover of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mrs. Anosike’s story as one of remarkable strength and resilience.

According to her, Mama Anosike lost her children and was left alone, yet despite the painful challenges she faced, she has continued to remain a beacon of hope within her community.

.Mrs. Otti was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa,.

According to her the story of the woman’s poor and difficult living conditions elicited compassion from the governor who immediately directed that she be moved out of her dilapidated home and provided with a new, comfortable residence.

She disclosed that through her office, support had continued to reach widows and other vulnerable persons across the state, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and care.

“This house is a testament to our commitment and a tangible expression of our efforts to empower women and support vulnerable groups in Abia State,” she said.

In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the wife of the governor for her compassion and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

She also enjoined the community to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while appealing to the government to consider addressing some of the community’s challenges, particularly in the area of road construction.

For Miss Patricia Ngborogwu of Flo FM radio , she expressed relief and fulfilment that her foundation provided succour at some point for Mrs. Anosike and commended Governor Otti for his swift and compassionate response when the matter was mentioned to him.

Patricia stated that the governor’s action was a demonstration that responsive leadership and empathy can bring real transformation to people’s lives.

“The beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, in her response expressed gratitude, saying the gesture feels like a dream. She praised Governor Otti for promoting inclusive governance and remembering the less privileged in the society.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned the reclaimed and reconstructed Ovom Road, Aba, thereby saving residents from life threatening erosion menace in the area.

Also, the Contractor of the Ovom street road, Chief Ifeanyi Okorie, recalled the deplorable condition of the Ovom street, with its life threatening gully erosion.He narrated how Governor Otti’s intervention saved lives by reclaiming the entire area, and showed great commitment to reconstructing the road, and thanked him for engaging his company to fix the road.In their various speeches, the Board Chairman, Greater Aba Development Authority, Ide John Udeagbala, the Mayor of Aba North, Mr Timothy Iheke and Chief Leo Ike Okoye of the Aba business community among others appreciated governor Otti for his strategic approach in developing Aba through road infrastructural development and investment in the Enyimba Hotel.

They assured the Governor of their continuous support for his reelection in 2027.A minute silence was observed in honour of the pathfinders of the Enyimba Hotel project.

Governor Otti also flagged-off and performed official ground breaking ceremony of the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Enyimba Hotel project to be known as Enyimba-Radisson Hotel, a project being executed in partnership with the global hotel and hospitality brand, Radisson Blu.Speaking at the premises of Enyimba-Radisson Hotel, Aba, on Wednesday, Governor Alex Otti said that in the past , the situation at Ovom was hopeless, but today the story has changed.

.”A few years ago, the situation at Ovom was seemingly hopeless, but in less than two years, we filled a 42-metre gully that spread over 600 metres, enough to contain an eight-story building and swallow it.

“With rigid pavement technology and necessary control measures, we have not only ended what could have been an interminable disaster, we have also fostered a recurrence of an environmental nightmare of such magnitude in the vicinity,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti noted that in the last 33 months, he has made strategic investments to bring the Aba business environment in good alignment with the demands of a 5-star hotel ecosystem and assured that, in the next one year, his team would work together with Radisson Blu to deliver the project as planned.”Over the next 12 months, our teams shall work closely with the civil engineering partners to deliver a 120-room facility, one that would be befitting of Aba’s rising stature as a major commercial and industrial destination in West Africa and beyond.

Also to be delivered within the same period is a best-in-class convention centre to cater to the needs of businesses and public sector organisations seeking to find the perfect blend of novelty and class for their events.

“The outlook is that 18 months after, the business welcomes its first customer, the demand would escalate so rapidly that the only option would be to kick off the construction of another 130-room facility within this same vicinity.

“We are projecting that over the next 4 years, this venture will grow to a 250-room 5-star hotel, catering for local and international guests and events,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor, who appreciated the contributions of the then administrator of the East Central State, Ajie Ukpabi Anthony Asika, and former Governor of old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe towards building the hotel, also thanked the leadership and members of Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) for the efforts made over the decades to keep the dream alive, and recognised the titans like Nze C. O. Maduako, Chief Leo Ike Okoye, Chief Dr. S. C. Okolo, Chief Sam Ejimofor and Lord Chief Dike Udensi, who had partnered with ACCIMA to reclaim and salvage what had become a failed project by the mid-1990s – Enyimba Hotels.

“All these gentlemen who invested money in the Enyimba Hotel project have been recognised, and shares have been allocated to them and their successors.

There are two that are alive, God will continue to keep them.The Director-General, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Architect Uche Ukeje in remarks recalled how Governor Otti visited the Ovom Erosion site in 2024 and made residents a promise that he will recover the area and save their homes and properties. Architect Ukeje assured the Aba people that Aba is poised to become a choice destination for tourists from across the World.

He gave the breakdown of what is expected on completion of the project.The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for what he described as remarkable and transformative leadership across the State.He applauded Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to infrastructural renewal and sustainable development, noting that the construction of Ovom Road stands as a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.

Senator Abaribe reiterated that projects executed by the administration of Governor Alex Otti reflect not only purposeful governance but also a deep understanding of the pressing needs of the people.Speaking on behalf of the Radisson Blu Hospitality brand, the Senior Director, Development – Africa, Mr Erwan Garnier said that the project is a statement that Abia is ready for partnership, assuring that they would deliver a global standard hotel.While appreciating the relationship with the Abia State Government, he said that Radisson Blu values the partnership with Abia State Government.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Former Vice President and 14th Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, has applauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as purposeful, people-centered leadership that is repositioning Abia State for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Speaking during his visit to the governor in his office on Wednesday, February 18th, which coincided with the governor’s birthday, Prof. Osinbajo expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s hospitality and outstanding performance in office.

He noted that the true essence of public service was making meaningful differences on the lives of the people.

“I am extremely proud of the work you have done so far, you have lived up to expectations – not only to the people but also to your friends and associates.

” In the short time I have been here, I have seen tangible evidence of progress,”former Vice President stated.

Prof. Osinbajo particularly commended Governor Otti’s bold social welfare reforms, including assenting into law, the Senior Citizens’ Law.

He described the initiatives as exemplary and deeply rooted in compassion and social responsibility, emphasising that the world’s most successful welfare systems are built on care for the vulnerable.

He also lauded the extensive road infrastructure renewal and improved connectivity across the State, describing the projects as visible symbols of purposeful and results-driven leadership.

While reflecting on the demands of leadership, Prof. Osinbajo noted that while many aspire for public office, true distinction lies in delivery.

“Sometimes you wonder whether, after all the efforts to get into office, leaders are able to fulfill their promises. But in your case, you have done not just what you promised, but even more. You have made public service worthwhile,” Prof. Osinbajo added.

The former Vice President prayed for renewed strength, wisdom, and divine favour for Governor Otti as he continues the work of transformation in Abia State.

In his response, Governor Otti warmly welcomed Prof. Osinbajo, describing him as a brother, friend, and mentor, whose visit was deeply appreciated.

The Governor clarified that the gathering was not a planned birthday celebration but just marking the day, noting that he rarely celebrate such occasions publicly, especially while serving in public office. He expressed gratitude to well-wishers who came voluntarily and emphasised his preference for modesty and focus on service.Governor Otti thanked God for the progress recorded within 32 months in office, describing the administration’s achievements as modest but impactful.He reiterated that governance must remain centered on the welfare and security of the people.

“Governance is about the people their welfare, their safety, and their peace of mind. If you enter office for any other reason, you miss the essence of leadership,” Gov Otti stated.

He recalled decisive actions taken in the administration’s first month, when some local governments were under the control of non-state actors.

The Governor said that firm intervention restored order and ensured that communities once inaccessible are now safe and open to residents.Governor Otti also commended security agencies for their round-the-clock dedication, acknowledging their sacrifices in maintaining peace and stability across the state.“We are grateful to the men and women who stay awake so that our people can sleep in peace,” Gov Otti stated.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, on behalf of the State Executive Council, extended warm birthday wishes to the Governor, praying for continued strength and fruitful years ahead.Representatives of leading financial institutions, including Access Bank, First Bank, and UBA, described Governor Otti as a model of credible and ethical leadership at a time when the nation seeks inspiring examples in public service. They noted that his administration had become a benchmark for excellence, demonstrating that visionary leadership can indeed deliver real change.

The goodwill messages were accompanied by prayers for greater heights, sound health, and divine wisdom for the Governor as he continues the transformational journey of building a new