Sir: The Diaspora Alliance and Coalition, comprising Nigeria-Americans and Global Diaspora Communities, stakeholders, professionals, and friends of Abia State celebrate and commend the exemplary and transformational leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, to mark his two remarkable years in office as the Executive Governor of Abia State, Nigeria.
In an era where visionary governance is rare and hope is often deferred, Governor Otti has rekindled faith in leadership by demonstrating that integrity, innovation, and people-centered policies are not only possible but essential for lasting progress. His tenure has marked a radical departure from the failures of the past and ushered in a New Abia, anchored in transparency, sustainability, and inclusive development.
1. Energy Independence: Powering Abia’s Future
Governor Otti’s administration has broken new ground by securing a 60% stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) assets within the state. With the signing of the Abia State Electricity Law, Abia became the first state in Nigeria to take regulatory control of its electricity sector—signaling a decisive move toward energy autonomy.
This bold initiative is further reinforced by:
•The ring-fencing of eight Local Government Areas to ensure consistent power supply,
• The launch of independent power grids, and
• The EU-sponsored “Solar for Health” initiative, bringing clean energy to critical healthcare facilities across the state.
2.Infrastructure Renaissance: Building the New Abia From the rehabilitation of critical roads such as Port Harcourt Road in Aba to the renewal of Enyimba International Stadium, the Otti administration has delivered unprecedented infrastructure projects across all senatorial zones.
These achievements serve as pillars for:
• Economic revitalization,
•Equitable urban-rural development, and
•The successful rollout of the Enyimba Economic City, an industrial hub poised to attract global investors and create massive employment opportunities.
3. Healthcare Reform: Compassion in Action
Under Governor Otti’s compassionate leadership, Abia has redefined public health as both a moral and economic priority. Through strategic partnerships—including one with the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, the state has launched:
•A Formal Sector Health Insurance Scheme,
•Free Medical Outreach Programmes serving thousands, and
•Hearing aid distribution to over 1,000 residents via the Sound Intervention Mission.
Plans for the development of a Medical City are underway, setting the foundation for long-term health security.
4. Digital and Educational Transformation: Preparing Abia for Tomorrow
The launch of Smart Schools blending traditional education with STEM, broadband rollout via MTN Nigeria, and the digitization of state governance and commerce are equipping Abia’s youth and SMEs for the digital economy.
The Otti administration is not only digitizing government but also future-proofing Abia’s human capital.
5. Fiscal Discipline and Economic Reforms
Upon assuming office, Governor Otti inherited a state plagued by debt and unpaid salaries. Within months, his administration:
•Cleared longstanding arrears,
•Eliminated ghost workers, and
•Introduced a sustainable policy of borrowing only for productivity.
Today, Abia’s debt profile is stabilized, capital investment is up, and public confidence has been restored.
6. Diaspora Inclusion: A New Global Partnership
Governor Otti has redefined diaspora relations by ensuring that Abians in the diaspora are not sidelined, but are co-architects in rebuilding the state. Key projects include:
• The planned Abia Diaspora City, with international schools and a digital hub,
• The construction of the Abia Airport in partnership with the Federal Government,
• The formation of a Diaspora Economic Council, giving global Abians a seat at the decision-making table.
7. Leadership with Integrity: From Opposition to Statesmanship
Governor Otti’s rise from a reform advocate and opposition voice to a transformative state leader is a testament to conviction, principle, and resilience. His governance is neither performative nor partisan, but grounded in data, strategy, and the urgent needs of the people.
8. A Call to Replicate the Model: A Blueprint for Nigeria
The Diaspora Alliance and Coalition view Governor Otti’s administration as a model for a New Nigeria. His integrated approach, combining energy reform, infrastructure development, healthcare access, education, digitization, fiscal responsibility, and diaspora engagement—offers a replicable governance playbook for other states and regions across the nation.
• We commend and congratulate Governor Alex Otti on his two-year anniversary in office.
• We affirm our unwavering support for his continued reforms and vision for the New Abia.
• We call on federal authorities, international partners, and global investors to recognize and support Abia’s ongoing transformation.
• We urge other states to study, adapt, and adopt the governance principles emerging from Abia State as a blueprint for national renewal.
•Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, Esq and Dr. Victory Nzechukwu are of the Diaspora Alliance and Coalition
