Abia State Ministry of Information, New Secretariate Complex Ogurube Layout, Umuahia (2026)

01/09/2026

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES INAUGURATE SUPPORT GROUP FOR GOV. RE-ELECTION BID

Persons with disabilities in Abia State have inaugurated a support group, known as Persons with Disability for Dr. Alex Otti 2027, with a commitment to mobilising their members and families across the state for the re-election of Governor Alex Otti in 2027.

The group, which was inaugurated yesterday ,August, 31, 2026 at their office at No 42 Macaulay Street Umuahia, said its decision to support Governor Otti was based on what it described as his administration’s remarkable interventions and inclusive policies that have positively impacted the lives of persons with disabilities in the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Patron of the group and Board Member of the Abia State Disability Commission, Mr. Stanley Onyebuchi, said the governor had demonstrated genuine commitment to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and commended Governor Otti for establishing the Abia State Disability Commission and appointing five persons with disabilities to serve in the commission, stressing that the decision had given persons with disabilities greater ownership and participation in matters affecting their welfare.

“He decided that it is going to be persons with disabilities that will manage the commission. This demonstrates his commitment to inclusion and the welfare of our people,” Mr. Onyrbuchi said.

He also highlighted the administration’s support for athletes with disabilities, noting that beneficiaries had participated in sporting events in more than nine countries since the inception of the present administration.

According to him, the government also sponsored major sporting championships hosted in the state, including the National Badminton Championship and continental and world-level competitions, while persons with disabilities had benefited from the provision of assistive devices.

Mr. Onyebuchi said these interventions motivated members of the disability community to establish the support group to mobilise their members and families for the governor’s re-election.

“We came together and said we are going to form this group so that we can mobilise our brothers and sisters with disabilities and even our family members to support the re-election of His Excellency,” he stated.

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the group, Elder Eze Orasi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to building a strong grassroots structure across the state, including the 17 local government areas and wards, to effectively mobilise persons with disabilities ahead of the 2027 election.

Elder Orasi, alongside the group’s woman leader and other officials, pledged to mobilise members of the disability community to support and vote for Governor Otti, saying his administration had demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of Abians and persons with disabilities in particular.

The highpoint of the meeting was the inauguration of some of the members to serve in various positions which includes Dickson Paul as State Secretary, Blessing Enwereuzo as State Publicity Secretary, Blessing Nwakanma as State Women Leader, Ugochukwu Dick as State Youth Leader, Chioma Ikoro as Assistant State Youth Leader, Wisdom Okechukwu Kalu as Abia North Coordinator, David Onuoha as Abia Central Coordinator, Daniel Nnaukwu as Abia South Coordinator, Chinedu Enwereji as Contact and Mobilisation Officer and Eberechi Onyegbuna as his assistant.

Other local government coordinators were also identified as part of the group’s grassroots mobilisation structure.

31/08/2026

ABSG ANNOUNCES ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEWLY RECRUITED TEACHERS MOVES TO END NETWORK BLACK SPOTS

Abia State Government (ABSG) has announced that it will conduct a mandatory five-day orientation programme for the newly recruited teachers in the state between from September 7 to 12, 2026.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, August 31, 2026, while briefing newsmen at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

He explained that the training would be held at Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Umuahia respectively with participants expected to select their preferred venue through the Ministry of Basic Education’s portal.

Prince Kanu said the orientation would expose the new teachers to the responsibilities and expectations of public and civil servants, the vision and strategic direction of education under the Governor Otti administration, as well as modern learner-centred teaching methods.

According to him, participants would also receive training in digital literacy, classroom technology, data-driven teaching tools, STEM methodologies and vocational alignment, with experts in the various fields serving as resource persons.

The Commissioner disclosed that considerable progress has been made in its partnership with MTN Nigeria Limited to achieve full voice and data coverage across the state, with 77 per cent of newly deployed network sites currently operational.

According to him, the improved network coverage has extended telecommunications services to previously underserved communities across the state, with residents now enjoying better access to voice and data services.

He, however, expressed concern over the vandalisation of some network sites and fibre infrastructure, particularly in parts of Aba, which he said had affected progress towards achieving almost 100 per cent coverage. “MTN Nigeria Limited is working assiduously to regain the almost 100 per cent coverage that was achieved a few weeks ago before the vandalisation of most of the new sites,” Prince Kanu stated.

The Commissioner listed some of the locations benefiting from the newly deployed infrastructure to include Aba-Umuahia Road in Isiala Ngwa South, Umuako Health Centre in Isiala Ngwa North, St. Theresa’s School axis in Umuahia South, Osundi-Ibunda-Abo Nkporo in Ohafia, Umuozo Community and Ikeduru Street in Aba, as well as Isiaku Primary Health Centre, Alayi.

He appealed to residents and communities to protect the infrastructure, stressing that the facilities were being installed for their benefit.

“These communication and network assets are being installed for the use and convenience of Abians and residents. We therefore urge communities to take ownership and help protect them from vandalism,” Prince Kanu stated.

He expressed optimism that MTN would restore the affected sites in the coming weeks, bringing coverage back to the targeted 100 per cent.

“The belief is that in the coming weeks, we will go back to 100 per cent coverage, so that in every part of Abia State where you are, you will be able to make use of the internet, both voice and data. This is a project that is expected to redefine the business landscape of the state,” the Commissioner said.

On infrastructure development, the commissioner disclosed that direct-labour maintenance works were undertaken at 43 locations across the state during the period under review, with two projects completed and no new project added to the maintenance schedule.

The completed works included the rainy-season maintenance of the 5.2-kilometre Umuehim-Okpuala Ngwa road, which traverses Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas, as well as the 250-metre access road to the Chma Ubani Memorial Hospital at the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.

He added that 26 road projects remained under contract, although work had slowed considerably at most sites due to the heavier rainy season. He noted that survey and inspection activities were nevertheless ongoing at various project locations to ensure that approved alignments, levels and specifications were maintained.

Prince Kanu also disclosed that the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection was coordinating the protection, voluntary repatriation and reintegration of Abians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa.

He said the Ministry was processing an additional batch of returnees while maintaining contact with leaders of the Abia community in South Africa to identify and verify other stranded Abians in need of assistance.

“The state government will not relent in providing assistance to our less fortunate brothers and sisters who are facing difficult circumstances in South Africa.

"Through the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, we will continue to identify such Abians and make efforts to ensure that they return safely to the country and to their home state,” Prince Kanu assured.

Speaking on the recently concluded 2026 Abia Women’s August Meeting, the Commissioner described the programme as a new model for grassroots development and strategic empowerment of women across the 17 local government areas.

He said the initiative had moved beyond the traditional cultural and social focus of August meetings to incorporate economic empowerment, skills development, social protection and support for vulnerable women.

Prince Kanu said the programme was consistent with Governor Otti’s commitment to women’s empowerment and the First Lady’s agenda for women’s mobilisation and development.

“The 2026 version of the August meetings may have come and gone, but it has left a trail of success, particularly in attention to widows and vulnerable women, support for entrepreneurship and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods. These are lessons that need to be properly documented for future reference in the state,” he said.

The Commissioner further disclosed that the state’s Sexual Assault Referral Centres recorded eight cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the period under review, involving survivors between four and 25 years of age.

He said the reported cases involved abuse by neighbours, landlords, family members and, in one instance, an employee, with some young victims allegedly subjected to repeated assaults by the same perpetrator.

According to him, the centres provided medical, psychosocial and legal support to survivors and were collaborating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs Maureen Aghaukwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma and the Chief Information Officer of the State, Mr. Gerald Illukwe were present at the press briefing.

E-signed
OGE CHRISTOPHER & CHINWE
INFORMATION OFFICERS
GOVERNMENT HOUSE UMUAHIA
31 - 08 - 2026.

31/08/2026

GOV. OTTI CALLS FOR INCLUSIVE PARTICIPATION IN PARTY'S BUSINESS, AS NSULU STAKEHOLDERS ELECT, INAUGURATE LEADERS

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has called for inclusive participation in the political party’s businesses and decision-making processes, urging members to respect genuine leaders of the Labour Party.

Governor Otti made the call on Monday, August 31, at Umuomainta Women's Hall, Nbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North, during Nsulu Labour Party Stakeholders Summit with the theme, “Sustaining the Transformation: A United Labour Party in Nsulu for 2027 and Beyond".

The Governor, represented by the National Vice Chairman of the Labour Party, South-East, Hon Ishmael Onuoha called on stakeholders of the Labour Party (LP) in Nsulu to prioritise unity, inclusive leadership and collective action especially, as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The Governor, who noted that peace and unity remain essential for sustainable development, encouraged the party stakeholders to sustain the spirit of unity beyond the summit and work towards the overall success of the party in the 2027 election.

He also assured that issues raised at the summit would be adequately addressed, while enjoining the party stakeholders to remain actively involved in the affairs of the party.
"Prioritise unity and inclusive leadership, we must have one voice, show respect to our genuine leadership, collective action for development, if there is no peace there will be no development.

"Make sure that Nsulu is actively involved in the election. Every issue of concern would be adequately addressed," Gov. Otti stated.

In his speech, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba stressed that every stakeholder had a role to play in the task ahead, adding that the party would assemble its best team to drive the campaign as the 2027 elections approach.

While congratulating the newly elected and inaugurated party stakeholders on their inauguration, Pastor Ajagba urged them to get to all the nooks and crannies of the LGA to gain more members for the party. He added that the work is not just for the elected officials but every member of the party.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, who is the political leader of his people described Nsulu as a community blessed with prominent and influential sons and daughters and expressed optimism that their collective efforts would strengthen the Labour Party in the area, and directed that every ward should nominate 2 ex -officio members to join in the newly inaugurated stakeholders.

Earlier, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Chief Peter Azubuike, had urged Nsulu leaders to collaborate with their counterparts in other political blocs in Isiala Ngwa North to secure a landslide victory for Governor Otti and other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections.

Chief Azubuike called on the people to protect the progress recorded under the Governor Otti administration, particularly projects such as the Smart School in Umuomaiukwu and the Abia International Airport, Nsulu *as* well as remain focused on sustaining the transformation rather than allowing opposition politics to distract them.

In his goodwill message, the State Coordinator of Abia Arise, Mazi Nkem Okoro said that the theme of the summit dwells on unity and stressed the need for Nsulu people to be united and said that, the political power should be shared among the blocs in Isiala Ngwa North LGA.

He charged them to reach out to the people and ensure they would be mobilised to vote for the Governor and other Labour Party candidates.

Presenting a paper titled, “Labour Party in Nsulu: The Challenges and Way Forward", a prominent stakeholder in Nsulu, Dr Chris Ugwumadu urged the stakeholders to work together and remain committed to the common goal of strengthening the Labour Party in Nsulu ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr. Ugwumadu maintained that the commitment of party members should be to deliver Governor Otti and all Labour Party candidates at the polls in 2027

In their various goodwill messages, some stakeholders of the Labour Party in Nsulu including Elder GOC Nnaji, Dr John Enyioko, and Dr. Sylvester Offor called on the people to unite behind the party and ensure an overwhelming victory for Governor Alex Otti and other Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections.

The stakeholders urged the people of Nsulu to ensure that the Labour Party’s votes from the area are fully delivered, stressing that Nsulu should give the Governor 100 percent support at the polls.

Also, the councillor for Isiala Nsulu Ward 3, Mrs Chinyere Obadiah , Women leader of Umuomainta Nbawsi, Dr. Mrs. Esther Mbuko among others said that Governor Otti has touched every aspect of the people's lives positively and should be supported by all and sundry.

They described Dr. Otti as a performing Governor, who has done very well and deserves to be reelected in 2027 elections and assured that both the Governor and all other candidates of the Labour Party would be given 100 percent votes.

The officials that emerged for the Nsulu Stakeholders Forum and their positions are; Dr. Chris Ugwumadu -Chairman, Hon. Gospel Geoffrey -Vice Chairman, Dr Eluwa Chibuzo - Secretary, Mr Samuel Ajagba -Asst. Secretary , Bishop Eugene Nwogwugwu - Treasurer, Mrs. Ozioma John - Financial Secretary, Dr. Mrs Esther Mbuko - Women Coordinator, Dr. Enyichukwu Olumba - P.R.O, Mrs Eziuzor Chinkata - Asst. Women Coordinator, and Hon Chinwendu Amaechi Youth Coordinator.

The summit drew many Labour Party stakeholders from Nsulu political bloc including various women groups.

E-signed
DIVINE NWANKWO
HOD (INFORMATION)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE UMUAHIA
31 - 08 - 2026.

30/08/2026

GOV. OTTI COMMENDS EZE MBAH FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURE

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Chairman of the Abia State and South East Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, for promoting agriculture through the annual IriJi (new yam) festival.

Governor Otti gave the commendation on Saturday, August 29, 2026 during the 2026 IriJi festival of Eze Nto Mbah and the Ataigbo Ukwu Umuzomgbo Ihechiowa Autonomous community in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Governor expressed his delight in identifying with the traditional ruler, his cabinet, subjects, and the entire community.

He stressed the need for citizens to return to agriculture, adding that Eze Mbah is leading by example by promoting agriculture in the state. He noted that time has come when there should be reward for hard work in the farming industry.

The Governor also described agricultural sector as a sector that would continue to receive great support of his administration to ensure food security and economic growth.

The state chief executive officer commended Eze Dr. Linus Mbah for championing agriculture and inspiring communities to revive farming traditions. According to him, Ndi Igbo are known for their farming business and lauded Eze Mbah for upholding this virtue of agriculture.

In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Ataigbo Ukwu Kingdom, Ihechiowa, Arochukwu LGA and Chairman Abia and South East Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah, thanked Governor Otti for identifying with his community.

The monarch, stated the importance of new yam festival said that his people are farmers and reaffirmed his commitment to revitalise agriculture to ensure adequate food production.

"The New Yam Festival is not merely a cultural ceremony; it is a symbol of our identity, unity, gratitude, and respect for the values handed down to us by our ancestors.

"The yam as we all know, occupies a special place in the tradition and economy of our people. It represents dignity, prosperity, hard work, and the blessings that come from diligent labour in farming.

"The celebration of the New Yam Festival provides us, among other things, the opportunity to thank God Almighty for granting us a bumper harvest.

"As we celebrate this year’s New Yam Festival, I urge us continue to promote peace, love, hard work, and cooperation. Let us encourage our youths to value our cultural heritage while actively participating in agriculture, education, and other productive ventures that will secure the future of our community," Eze Mbah stated.

He called on governments at all levels to support youths with incentives to attract them back to farming, describing agriculture as the bedrock of the nation's economy.

The royal father thanked the Governor and all the invited guests for joining him in this year's new yam festival.

"I use this opportunity to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, CHIOMA NDI ABIA for your administration's commitment to improving the lives of our people, especially those in the rural areas.

"We particularly express our profound gratitude for the provision of the access roads that connects our community to the town; where our agricultural produce could be sold," Eze Mbah stated.

In a vote of thanks, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Okorie Ndu, while highlighting the agricultural culture of the community, said the community was happy for a bumper harvest of the 2026.

Chief Okorie Ndu assured Governor Alex Otti and his cabinet of the sustained support of Ihechiowa and emphasised that his reelection in 2027 is not negotiable. He thanked Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah for his commitment in sustaining the culture of their community and all appreciated all the traditional rulers and other dignitaries for coming to identify with the AtaIgbo Ukwu Kingdom.

The colourful event which was chaired by the former Mayor of Arochukwu LGA, Chief Joe Ezearu, attracted the Obi of Onitsh, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe and Chairmen traditional rulers council of the South East tratraditional rulers, community leaders, and residents who celebrated the cultural heritage of the community, while various dancing groups were on ground to entertain the people.

E-signed
DIVINE NWANKWO
HOD (INFORMATION) GOVERNMENT HOUSE UMUAHIA
29 - 08 - 2026.

28/08/2026

GOV. OTTI CONGRATULATES ABIA WOMEN ON AUGUST MEETING, DESCRIBES THEM AS BEDROCK OF FAMILY, COMMENDS WIFE.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has congratulated Abia women on the successful conclusion of the 2026 Abia Women August Delegates Conference (AWADEC).

The Governor spoke on Friday, August 27, 2026, at the grand finale of AWADEC held at the Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.

The Governor described women as the bedrock of the family and critical partners in the development of the State, assuring that his administration would continue to accord women a prominent place in the socio-economic transformation of the New Abia.

“Women are the bedrock of the family. Anywhere the family is not together, look at the women. And we want to say that we cannot take any woman for granted. In the New Abia, we take women very, very seriously,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti urged women to remain resolute and focused in their responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that their families and children do not become involved in crime, cultism, bad gangs, or other acts capable of destroying their future.

The State Chief Executive noted that the proper upbringing of children remains a major responsibility of mothers, adding that women who pay close attention to their families often raise children who turn out well. “You must have your eyes on the ball and stay focused. Anywhere the woman is paying attention, the children turn out well,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor also commended his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for her various interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable women, including the provision of housing for 35 vulnerable women and the Safe Tent Care Initiative, which provides support to women in business.

In her address, Mrs. Otti called on women across the State to embrace opportunities, build sustainable businesses, and become active contributors to the socio-economic development of the State.

She described this year’s August meetings across the 17 Local Government Areas as remarkable, noting that the programmes provided practical support through economic empowerment, skills acquisition, assistance to petty traders and farmers, as well as interventions for widows and vulnerable women.

The Mother of the State said the provision of a decent home for the mother of a survivor of gender-based violence was particularly significant because it demonstrated that empowerment must address the root causes of vulnerability.

“If we truly want our women to thrive, we must go beyond responding to immediate needs. We must address some of the root causes of vulnerability and give women the tools, opportunities, protection, and support they need to build more secure lives,” Mrs. Otti stated.

The First Lady, who highlighted the Thrive Business Challenge, explained that it was designed not merely to reward winners but to encourage women to build structured, viable and sustainable businesses.

She announced that all participants in the competition who did not make the final 10 would receive a token of ₦50,000, while finalists would receive productive assets and business support grants to strengthen their enterprises.

Mrs. Otti commended the Governor for creating an enabling environment for women to thrive and urged women to sustain their support for the State’s development. “Let us continue to build an Abia where women are not merely beneficiaries of development, but active architects of it,” Mrs. Otti added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, called on Abia women to leverage the traditional August Meeting platform to promote economic empowerment, education, healthcare, social protection, community development and leadership. She said the transformation of Abia cannot be complete without the full participation of women.

The Commissioner disclosed that the theme for the 2026 AWADEC is “Abia Women Empowered to Thrive. She described women as critical stakeholders in the development of the State and urged them to move from survival to sustainability.

She commended Governor Alex Otti for his commitment to creating an enabling environment for women and girls to prosper, citing initiatives such as the Nigeria for Women Project.

Delivering the keynote address titled “Abia Women Empowered to Thrive,” the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, *Professor Ursula Ngozi Akanwa*, urged women across Abia State to embrace opportunities, develop new skills, and take deliberate steps towards personal and economic advancement, stressing that “thriving is not a destination, but a process.”

Prof. Akanwa stated that the administration of Governor Otti has shown that it believes in the capacity of Abia women.

She said women who desire to thrive must take ownership of their lives and responsibilities while actively contributing to peace and stability in their homes and communities. She encouraged women to take action rather than wait for opportunities, urging them not to settle for survival when they have the capacity to thrive.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 28, 2026.

28/08/2026

GOV. OTTI ASSURES UKWA PEOPLE OF OBUOKWE–UMUEKECHI–URATTA ROAD IN 2027 BUDGET, COMMENDS TRADITIONAL RULERS FOR RESTORING PEACE IN INNER GALAXY.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the people of Ukwa West Local Government Area that the construction of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi–Uratta Road will be captured in the State’s 2027 budget.

The Governor gave the assurance on Friday, August 28, 2026, at his office, when members of the Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, led by its Chairman, Eze Augustine Chinyere D**e, paid him a courtesy visit.

The Governor directed the Commissioners present at the meeting to ensure the road is included in the 2027 budget estimate, noting that projects can only be executed when they are properly captured in the budget.

Governor Otti thanked the traditional rulers for the visit and commended them for their role in restoring peace in Ukwa West, particularly in the manner they handled the challenges at Inner Galaxy company.

“I want to thank you for the way you have handled the issue of Inner Galaxy. Your cooperation and leadership have helped to restore peace there,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti also expressed appreciation for the delegation’s commendation of the administration’s efforts in restoring electricity to parts of Ukwa West, and assured them that the requests presented would receive appropriate attention.

The State Chief Executive promised to look into the various requests, including: the reported lack of electricity in Owaza and Umuorie communities discovered after the power restoration last year; the resumption of relevant development projects; and the request for utility vehicles.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach communities across Abia State, including the oil-producing areas of Ukwa West.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and Chairman, Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Anthony Chinyere D**e, commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s giant strides in infrastructure and transformational drive in Asa land and across the State.

Eze D**e informed the Governor that peace had been restored in the Inner Galaxy area of Ukwa West, in line with His Excellency’s directive. He commended the traditional rulers and stakeholders who worked and collaborated to achieve the feat.

He also commended Governor Otti for the revocation of the Enyimba Economic City project, the ongoing housing development in Obehie, and the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, describing the projects as significant to the economic growth and wellbeing of the people.

The traditional rulers further expressed appreciation to the Governor for restoring electricity to parts of Ukwa West, while appealing that communities not yet captured be included in subsequent phases of the electricity intervention.

Eze D**e also raised concerns over the suspension of projects by the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), in Ukwa West, and appealed to the Governor to direct the agency to return to the area and resume its development projects.

The delegation thanked the Governor for the Civic Centre project in Ukwa and appealed for the rehabilitation of the Obuokwe–Umuekechi Road. They also requested utility vehicles to facilitate the activities of traditional rulers in the area.

The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; GM ASOPADEC, Ven. Dr. Joshua Onyike; the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Pastor D**e Nwankwo; and other government officials.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 28, 2026.

27/08/2026

GOV. OTTI ANNOUNCES DATE FOR NEW ABSU VC, ASSURES PENSIONERS’ NEXT-OF-KIN OF PAYMENT OF BENEFITS

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has announced that a new substantive Vice Chancellor for Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) will assume office in November 2026.

Governor Otti made the announcement on Thursday, August 27, 2026, during his monthly media chat tagged 'Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,' held on at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

The Governor disclosed that the process for appointing a substantive Vice Chancellor has began as the tenure for the acting Vice Chancellor is elapsing in October, adding that advertisements have been made in that regard.

"In Abia State University, the process for leadership transition has started, given that the acting vice-chancellor, I believe his tenure expires end of October.

"So from first November, a substantive and new vice-chancellor would take over. And because of that, I think the advertisements have gone out, and the recruitment process has started," Gov. Otti stated.

While responding to a question on pension matters, Governor Otti assured that provisions have been made for payment of pensions to the next of kin of deceased pensioners, saying that his administration is committed to doing the needful.

He stated that a few days ago, the state started to defray outstanding gratuity for the senior citizens who have retired between the years of 2001 and 2010 and has been completed and assured that,
"We are getting ready to deal with the remaining years from 2011 all the way to the present, based on available resources. So we are taking them gradually.

"Like I had reported earlier, we found that outstanding gratuities were over 60 billion. And we are undertaking to clear those gratuities gradually,"

He explained that the state government is putting the necessary structures in place to address permanently, pensions issues in the state.

"Just last month, we rolled out a contributory pension scheme for over 36,000 workers in the state.

"So what that means is that the issue of pensions and even gratuity will become seamless, since the contributory pension scheme is such that between the worker and the employer, some funds are set aside on a monthly basis to take care of the pension and gratuity that they forward you," He stated.

Governor Otti announced that the state's Citizens' Engagement Centre will soon be officially opened. He explained that the centre will allow residents to ask questions, make observations, and contribute ideas on government policies.

He said that a dedicated helpline 0800-0000232 and a an email address ,[email protected] have also been provided for direct communication with the centre.

In the area of education, he disclosed that his administration is reconstituting the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) to handle all matters relating to secondary education management across the state.

The Governor also informed that, his government has successfully engaged 4,074 new teachers to fill in the gaps noticed, after the first recruitment of 5,394 teachers. He added that, "we are intentional in this recruitment, that we are targeted at locations and then in the different disciplines where they are required.

"So the deployment is happening as we speak. We have also engaged in massive infrastructure upgrade of the tertiary institutions," Gov. Otti stated .

On healthcare, Governor Otti reaffirmed his government's focus on quality and affordable healthcare services. He noted that Abia was recently rated number one in healthcare affordability and third in healthcare quality in the 2026 Phillips Consulting State Performance Index in Nigeria.

He said the government would continue to drive reforms aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the state. and emphasised that his administration will keep working to deliver people-centred policies and programmes to improve the quality of life of Abians while promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across the state.

The Secretary to the Abia State Government Dr Emmanuel Meribeole Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu and other members of the State Executive Council were present at the monthly media chat.

E-SIGNED
DIVINE NWANKWO
HOD (INFORMATION)
GOVERNMENT HOUSE UMUAHIA
27 - 08 - 2026.

Abia State Ministry of Information

01/09/2026

31/08/2026

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