By Editor, Umuahia

Abia state governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restated the commitment of his administration to delivering uninterrupted power supply across the state through strategic partnerships and bold reforms in the power sector.

Governor Otti made this known while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Jennifer Adighije, and her delegation during in his office.

At the meeting, Governor Otti described electricity as one of the most critical drivers of economic growth, industrial productivity, healthcare delivery, education, and overall quality of life.

He said that his administration made stable power supply upon assumption of office in 2023 a priorty.

“Power is one of the most important infrastructures for driving growth in any economy. Production depends on power, life itself depends on power.

“Schools, hospitals, everybody requires power,” he said.

The State Chief Executive commended the leadership of NDPHC for successfully restoring the 450MW Alaoji Open Circuit Power Plant after extensive remedial works and settlement of outstanding obligations with gas suppliers.

“We want to congratulate you and thank you again for bringing the Alaoji plant back to life.

Generating close to 400 megawatts is a major achievement,” governor Otti said.

Governor Otti said that the seamless evacuation capacity along the Alaoji corridor presents a significant opportunity for Abia State, particularly the Umuahia ring-fenced power market, which the State government is actively developing.

He disclosed that the state government has already entered into an agreement with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire and take over electricity distribution assets covering Umuahia through Arochukwu and Umunneochi and the rest Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and improve power delivery across the state.

“That agreement has been signed and we are now at the payment stage. Once completed, and with the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, we will have the framework necessary to drive efficient power distribution within the State,” the governor said.

Governor Otti further emphasized the state’s readiness to partner NDPHC to wheel electricity directly from the Alaoji power plant to Umuahia and surrounding communities, describing the arrangement as “a low-hanging fruit” capable of rapidly transforming economic activities in the area.

The Governor also highlighted ongoing investments in renewable energy and mini-grid projects across the State, noting that Abia is strategically positioning itself to achieve sustainable and reliable electricity supply through a diversified energy mix.

Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, informed the Governor that the company had successfully restored three generating units at the Alaoji power plant, making approximately 375MW currently available for dispatch to the national grid.

She explained that the plant had been shut down since 2023 following discrepancies in gas metering and trading points, which led to supply disruptions and accumulated debts. However, under her leadership, the company undertook extensive electromechanical and gas-line remediation works, while also clearing outstanding obligations owed to TotalEnergies.

Adighije praised Governor Otti’s reforms in the electricity sector, especially the Aba ring-fenced power model and the establishment of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency, describing the State as one of the leading sub-national governments driving electricity market reforms in Nigeria.

She expressed NDPHC’s readiness to partner with Abia state under the new Electricity Act framework to ensure reliable electricity supply for households, industries, and commercial clusters across the state.

“As the largest power generation company in Nigeria with over 4,000 megawatts installed capacity, we are aggressively pursuing strategic partnerships with state governments and eligible customers.

We believe Abia state presents a strong and viable partnership opportunity,” she said.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her support to the state government in particular and the state in general.

The governor was appreciative particularly of the donation of an MRI machine to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, describing the gesture as a demonstration of genuine partnership and love for humanity, saying, the intervention would greatly enhance healthcare delivery in the State.

“I want to thank the Church for supporting the State Government. We received an MRI machine for our teaching Hospital in Aba from you. I understand the machine is on its way, but it has been fully paid for by the Church.“One of the reasons I insist on saying thank you, is because when you appreciate people for doing something good, they are encouraged to do more,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti stated this on Sunday, May 10,, during a visit to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Premises of the Temple in Okpulo-Umobo, Aba, on the occasion of the Church’s conference.

The Governor, who worshipped with the congregation for the first time, expressed delight at the orderliness, serenity and spiritual atmosphere of the Church, noting that he was leaving the service uplifted spiritually.

“This is the first time I’m worshipping here, and I can assure you that I’m leaving with loads of blessings. I have enjoyed the service and if you invite me again, I will come again.

“Any time you see this Church, you see something different. The environment is always inviting, the churches are well-built and you see class, if you look very well. “I have always looked at this Church with admiration, not only here in Aba, but also in Lagos and elsewhere.” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti noted that the Church, which has existed for almost two centuries with nearly 18 million members worldwide, has continued to distinguish herself through discipline, organization and impactful contributions to

Speaking on religious harmony and unity in Christendom, Governor Otti stressed that the core teachings of Christianity remain the same across denominations.

“Clearly, there are no major differences between what you believe in and what other Churches believe in. We all believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.“I worship in every Church because I do not discriminate. I have come to understand that the majority of Churches uphold the teachings and values of Jesus Christ,” Gov Otti stated.

He used the opportunity to speak about his administration’s journey since assuming office in 2023, and described the ongoing transformation across Abia State as a divine mission driven by the desire to restore the dignity and pride of the Abia people.

“What is happening in Abia today is just a tip of the iceberg.

In a few days, we will be three years in office and some people forget that we are still under three years.“Some of the things we have achieved within this period, show clearly what Abia will look like after eight years. We are on a divine journey and we cannot stop pushing,” Gov Otti declared.

The Governor assured that his administration would continue to extend development projects to the rural communities and hinterlands across the State.

“There are still many roads and streets that have not been touched, but we are getting into the hinterlands now and it will continue like that,” Gov. Otti assured.Governor Otti further stated that beyond infrastructural development, the greatest achievement of his administration has been restoring the confidence and dignity of the Abia people.

“The most important thing we have done is restoring the dignity of the Abia man and woman.“There was a time when people from other parts of the country sympathised with Abians because of the condition of the State. I said to myself that, we can not continue to be unlucky; we had to come and rescue the situation.

“Today, when you introduce yourself as coming from Abia, people no longer react with pity. The challenge now is that we must sustain the progress and ensure that nobody takes the State backward again,” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti called on the people of the State to continue supporting the present administration while praying for future leaders who would sustain the vision and continue advancing the State.

Earlier in his remarks, the Aba Stake President of the Church, brother Sunny Ibe, emphasised the need for Christians to remain steadfast in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and upholding the teachings of forgiveness, faith and righteousness.

President Ibe stated that true elevation, salvation and fulfillment could only come through Jesus Christ, urging believers to maintain a direct relationship with God through prayers, obedience to His commandments and studying the scriptures.

“It is only through Christ that we can receive elevation from our sins and obtain the blessings we seek in life. God has given us the privilege to speak directly to Him through prayers, and His promises, though they may seem delayed, will surely come to pass,” he said.

Meanwhile, governor Otti later embarked on inspection of some ongoing road projects in Aba which are undergoing reconstructions, including, Umuchichi Road Off Okpulo-Umobo, Afule Road, Nigerian Breweries Road, Obohia Road , Eche Road and Borrow pit by Obohia road.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has inaugurated chairmen and members of various boards of departments and agencies in the state with a charge for the board members to bring their experiences to bear in the development of the State.

The various boards inaugurated included; Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Management Board, the Governing Council of the Public Private Partnership and Investment Promotion Office, Abia State Rural Access Roads Agency, Abia State Roads Funds, Abia State Lottery Board, and the Abia State Library Board.

Inaugurating the boards at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia on Thursday, May 7, Governor Otti said that the inauguration of the leadership and members of the boards was aimed at strengthening institutional leadership in the parastatals.

The Governor described the event as “deepening a culture of accountability and improving the tone and structure of efficiency across several front lines.

“This event is also about strengthening the capacity for the implementation of government policies and programmes with a view to improving the social and economic outlook of the State,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti, who advised the appointees to refrain from rivalry and unhealthy conflicts between the boards and their management, noted that the appointees were selected on their individual merits and described them as professionals.

“They are all excellent professionals who have distinguished themselves in their chosen fields.

“While I am convinced about the mature disposition of persons that will lead and function through the boards and parastatals, it will however be good to advise against any form of needless rivalry with the management of the agencies. “The management of the institutions are encouraged to give every required support to the boards,” Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive said that adequate provisions have been made to cater for their welfare, saying, “You can take it for granted that whatever you need to perform effectively and meet the expectations that have been set for you shall be provided,” he said.

Governor Otti used the opportunity to reiterate that his government has maintained the same commitment it started with, from the day one of the administration.”We have the same commitment, enthusiasm and energy to keep on the pursuit of the same developmental objectives as we did on the very day of our inauguration. “If anything at all has changed, it is the fact that we are hungry and more determined to do even more for our people.

“We have only accomplished a fraction of what we intend to do, but the indisputable truth is that, important irreversible progress has happened.

The old wars of mediocrity, disease of non-performance are permanently broken, never to rise again, Gov. Otti declared.

Responding on behalf of other Chairmen and members of the various boards inaugurated, the Chairman, Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) Management Board and the wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Ezinne Benjamin-Kalu while thanking Governor Otti for the appointment and opportunity to serve, pledged their commitment to supporting the Governor to continue in achieving excellent results in all the ministries and agencies they would be overseeing.

“Today is a day of profound honour, responsibility, and gratitude to me personally and to every member of the newly inaugurated boards. “And, we are especially grateful to the Governor for bestowing us with such amount of trust and responsibility and his continuing desire for the transformation of all parastatals of the State.”I understand clearly that public service at this level is not merely ceremonial. It is call to duty, sacrifice, accountability, and results.

“So, Your Excellency’s decision to entrust us with this oversight of such a monumental degree is not something we take lightly,” Dr. Benjamin-Kalu stated.

She charged her colleagues to live up to expectations as the institutions they now represent through the appointments have vested enormous responsibilities and trust of the State government on them.