Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

eAbia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has said that, his successor in 2031 will be better than himself, adding he was laying a solid foundation for the development of the state.

Governor Otti stated this during the grande reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga – Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North LGA.

The governor said that he was just starting, and the time for the aggressive development of Abia State was then, adding that the curse that had held the State down has been broken.

“We have just started. We are not three years yet. So, you can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031.

“So, you know there is a time and a season for everything. So, what we have started is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.

“The news I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down and whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me.

” So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming, we’ve moved,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti said that, he believed in Psalms chapter 62 verse 11, which declared that, “God has spoken once, twice, have I heard this? That power belongs to God.

“So, you can do everything you want to do but, if it wasn’t God’s time, it will not work and when it’s God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up,” he said.

.On their request for provision of a bus for evangelism and land for prayer camp, governor Otti confirmed to them that they would receive a hummer bus this week, courtesy of Prince, Dr. Arthur Eze, one of their guests.

He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to meet with the Church leadership and work out modalities for securing a land for them as requested.

The State Chief Executive, who appreciated Churches in the State for the support given to his administration, thanked Assemblies of God Church for the reception organised for him.

Earlier in his speech, the District Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr Kenneth Ogbudu described the reception ceremony as a significant moment of history, and appreciation.

He said that Dr Alex Otti is a transformational leader, whose emergence has redefined governance in Abia State. He noted that, many administrations have come and gone but Governor Otti’s tenure represents a clear and commendable departure from the past.

“For the first time in our State’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and more promises and verifiable results.

“Under your (Gov. Otti’s) leadership, Abia State has witnessed a bold and deliberate restoration of public infrastructure – roads abandoned for decades have been reconstructed and reopened, “Connecting communities, easing transportation, stimulating commerce, and restoring the dignity of both urban and rural environments” Rev. Ogbudu said.

Rev. Ogbudu went further to note that the renewal of critical road networks across Aba and beyond by Governor Otti has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia State as a credible destination for investment.

He also said that beyond infrastructure, the administration has introduced “a new culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.

“”Salaries and pensions are now paid with regularity and respect, restoring hope and dignity to the workers and retirees who were once forgotten. “For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence.

“Your excellency has also demonstrated uncommon courage in institutional reforms, cleaning up public systems, strengthening governance structures, and insisting that public office must serve the people rather than personal interests,” Rev. Ogbudu maintained.

The servant of God used the opportunity to request the Governor to provide them with a Hummer bus to support evangelism and the allocation of land for a prayer village for the Church.

The wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly and other members, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba Ph.D, Commissioner for Transport Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu among others were present at the reception service.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Wednesday, January 7th, inspected the ongoing construction of the Umuahia central bus terminal by his administration. It is the first of its kind in the state even as the governor equally said that such terminals were not new as they exist in other parts of the World.

Speaking to newsmen during the inspection, the governor explained the reason behind his decision to embark on the mega project, saying that it was better to centralise transport terminals, instead of having them scattered.

“It is nothing new; it has been done elsewhere. When you go to the UK, Paddington Terminal ensures convergence of the railway and other means of transportation and of course you have shopping plaza, cinema, hotel, everything is there.

“”So, we thought we should concentrate all those transport terminals in this place instead of having different terminals at different places in the town,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti appreciated the quality and level of progress of the work done so far and expressed the hope that, by the end of January, the project, if not completed, would have been close to completion.

“The work is going on very well and the consultants are very, very up to the task. I’m happy with the progress of work. I’m glad with the level of progress and with the quality of work.

“”Hopefully, before the end of this month, they would have gone far. But, what I see here gives me an impression that by the end of the month, if they haven’t completed, they would be very close to completing it.

“But, even if they need more time, I’ll give them more time because it’s better done right the first time, but, so far so good,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu corroborated the governor’s statement saying that the essence of building the bus terminal was to centralize all parks in Umuahia.

“We just wanted to centralise all transport activities, and that was why His Excellency, in his wisdom decided to build a central bus terminal to stand as a one-stop transport hub for all commuters, passengers, and travellers.

“Whatever mode of transport you want to use to travel, once you come into the central bus terminal, you’ll be able to get it.

“We planned siting the railway station there. Then, you have the bus station and all the parks.

“All the parks in Umuahia will be brought in here. We are going to have a centralised park system in Umuahia and Aba.

“You know, we are also building the same in Aba, which will be completed hopefully by May,” Dr Ukaegbu said.

Governor Otti also inspected the ongoing road project works around Cooperatives, Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, among others. At Ahiaeke-Okwuta-Bende road, Craneburg representative, Engineer Yousef Tawk received Governor Otti and explained the details of the work done so far as the Governor engaged him meaningfully, with both of them agreeing on what should be done to ensure long-lasting solution to a part of the road that has a valley by the side. Gov. Otti urged the contractor to target completing the road project before the rainy season sets in.

Governor Otti equally used the opportunity to interact with passengers and members of the crew of the Abia Electric Buses, which have been offering free service to Abians and visitors since it was launched last December, to ensure that things are working well as he directed during the launch.

The Governor was joined on the inspections by the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, among others.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, CFR, is the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of
Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he represents the Bende Federal
Constituency of Abia State.

He is a seasoned legislator, legal practitioner, international
businessman, peace advocate, and global thought leader in governance and development.

Kalu’s career spans over two decades of impactful service across the public and private sectors.
He began as Chairman, Bende Local Government Area of Abia state, and later served as Executive
Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and
International Relations before rising to national prominence in the House of Representatives. First
elected in 2019, he distinguished himself serving as the Chairman, House Committee on Media
and Public Affairs as well as the Spokesperson of the House; role he handled with clarity,
diplomacy and excellence.

As Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee
on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) he leads one of the most consequential
national assignments, shaping constitutional reforms that deepen democracy, promote inclusion, and
national unity.

He also represents Nigeria on the global stage as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament
Committee on Administration, Finance and Budget; Member of the Pan-African
Parliament; Steering Committee Member of the WTO Parliamentary Conference; and Member of
the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Academically, Kalu is deeply grounded. He holds a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Calabar and
a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Strategic Studies from the University of Abuja. He also earned an LL.M
in Terrorism and International Humanitarian Law (with Distinction) from the University of Calabar,
an MBA from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2011.
Kalu has further enriched his expertise through executive programs at prestigious institutions,
including; Leadership for the 21st Century, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, Governance &
Development Program, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, USA,
Environmental Crimes, United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute
(UNICRI), Italy, Migration and Human Rights, John Cabot University, Italy, Illicit
Trade, University of Groningen, Netherlands, International Commercial Arbitration, Chartered
Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), UK.

His scholarly contributions include published works on climate adaptation policy, food security,
and security sector reforms in Africa, underscoring his role as a scholar-practitioner bridging
research and governance.

In the private sector, Kalu has held various leadership positions across Africa, Europe, and
Australia including as Director at Solcarbon SA-NV (Belgium), Ozbok Australia PTY LTD
(Sydney), and Belcarbon SA (Belgium). He also serves as Principal Arbitrator at Silk Partners LLP
(Nigeria), where he advises on commercial law, arbitration, and international business strategy.

Kalu’s passion for peace and development finds expression in the Peace in the South East Project
(PISE-P), an initiative he convened to promote dialogue, inclusivity, and non-kinetic solutions to
security challenges in Nigeria’s South East. His humanitarian footprint also extends through
the Benjamin Kalu Foundation, which for over two decades has provided interventions
in healthcare, education, and empowerment for youth, women, and persons with disabilities.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,
conferred on him the national honor of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu stands as a visionary leader for the 21st century blending law,
policy, diplomacy, and humanitarianism to shape a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous
Nigeria, Africa, and world.