The Abia State government has announced there will be no elaborate celebration for Governor Alex Otti’s first year in office.
Following a state executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu addressed the media on Tuesday evening. He emphasized that the anniversary will be a time for reflection and refocusing, rather than a “bogus celebration.”
“In our usual style, we’re not going to celebrate one year. If you recall when we turned 100, a lot of people were expecting us to celebrate. We are not going to celebrate as such but we will mark the day.
“It would be a period of retrospect for the government where we will look back and say yes, we’ve come this far after 366 days and now we will refocus for the future, for the greater task ahead, for the government and for the Abia people,” the Commissioner explained.
The Commissioner disclosed that the anniversary will not be entirely without activity. He stated that Governor Otti will officially commission seven newly constructed or reconstructed roads in Aba and Umuahia next week. This includes the 3.5-kilometer, six-lane Ossah Road project, fulfilling a promise made by the Governor during its launch.
Prince Kanu highlighted other roads slated for commissioning such as the University Road, Green Avenue, College Road, Kent by Ehi Road, Old Court Road (Aba), and Dozie Way (dual carriage road rehabilitated through direct labor).
Additionally, the newly completed JAAC building at Ogurube Layout in Umuahia will be inaugurated.
While acknowledging the administration’s achievements, Kanu emphasized Governor Otti’s focus on progress. He claimed that the “old narrative” of Abia State being underdeveloped has shifted dramatically within the past year.
“The old narrative about Abia state about being underdeveloped, lagging behind amongst committee of states and so on has changed dramatically within this period.
“You will agree with me too that the impact is not just being felt in Abia state but all over the country and even beyond the shores of the country,” he asserted.
He further noted Governor Otti’s recent international engagements in the US and UK as contributing to Abia’s global profile.