The Abia State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, a socio-cultural, non-sectarian global organisation dedicated to the advancement, protection, and defence of Ndigbo (Igbo people), has stated that Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has been deliberate and intentional in improving the standard of living of citizens and residents of the state.

The chapter, through its Publicity Secretary and Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hon. Godwin Adindu and Chief Obinna Ibe, passed a vote of confidence during a chat with journalists at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo State Secretariat in Umuahia, the state capital.

They noted that “Ohanaeze Ndigbo is concerned with good governance, the security of lives and property of Ndigbo, and the provision of an enabling environment for them to thrive and operate their businesses.”

They stated that, having closely followed political developments in Abia over the past three years of Governor Otti’s administration, the organisation observed that the state has witnessed significant transformation in key sectors, including health, education, road infrastructure, civil and public service, urban aesthetics, ease of doing business, and power.

“There have been radical innovations and improvements that have progressively expanded the frontiers of life across critical areas of human existence,” the Abia State Chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said.

Citing Aba, also known as Enyimba City, which it described as central to the life of Ndigbo and a place where many Igbo families have roots or connections, the chapter commended Governor Otti’s massive infrastructural renewal in the city.

It added that “Governor Otti is today the pride of Ndigbo, as he represents the Igbo spirit of innovation, industry, resilience, and entrepreneurship.”

The chapter also acknowledged other achievements of the governor, including the restructuring of the Abia State civil service, regular payment of workers’ salaries, creation of a more conducive business environment, promotion of Igbo culture and tradition, teaching of the Igbo language in schools, and improvements in the health sector, among others.

However, while the chapter did not call for or endorse Governor Otti for a second term in office, it emphasised that, beyond passing votes of commendation and confidence, it would continue to recognise outstanding leaders and illustrious Igbo sons and daughters who are making significant impacts in their fields of endeavour, particularly in promoting and defending the Igbo cause as a major ethnic group in the Nigerian federation.