Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has explained why his administration could not meet the four-month deadline for rehabilitating 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Umuahia, Otti said the delay was due to the introduction of additional facilities, including staff accommodation, to ensure the centres operate round-the-clock. He noted that 120 PHCs have so far been fully rehabilitated across five local government areas, while work is ongoing in others.
Beyond PHCs, Otti highlighted ongoing upgrades in general hospitals. He disclosed that Obingwa General Hospital is nearing completion, Abayi Aba Cottage Hospital is ready for inauguration, while Umunnato General Hospital is being transformed into a specialist facility. Rehabilitation is also ongoing at Amachara, Okpu-ala Ngwa, Ukwa, Ohafia and Arochukwu General Hospitals.
On education, the governor said free education has increased enrollment pressure on public schools, prompting the rehabilitation of 221 schools, including 51 secondary and 170 primary schools. He announced the recruitment of 5,394 teachers and reassignment of some staff to balance manpower needs. He also revealed that a “smart school” has been completed in Umuahia, with 61 others at various stages of construction.
At the tertiary level, Otti noted that Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, secured a N2 million TETFUND High Impact fund—the only institution in the South-East to do so. He added that the polytechnic’s permanent site will host its next academic session, alongside new AI, Robotics, Science and Technology programmes aimed at doubling enrollment within two years.
Abia State University, Uturu, is also receiving a facelift with reconstruction of hostels and faculty buildings, while preparations are underway to install a 15MW turbine for independent power supply. The College of Education is equally undergoing road, electricity, and facility upgrades to boost competitiveness.
In the health sector, Otti said he approved the employment of 771 health workers, with 1,200 applicants shortlisted from over 2,000 who applied. Plans are also in motion to hire consultants to strengthen hospital services.
On infrastructure, the governor disclosed that 50 roads are being handled through direct labour while 30 are under contract, although the rainy season has slowed work. He added that N150 billion in supplementary budget funding has accelerated projects in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia.
Otti also said the state was negotiating to buy off Umuahia and surrounding LGAs from Enugu Disco to take charge of power supply, while investing in solar-powered street lighting to boost security and nightlife.
Highlighting youth empowerment, he said the state is prioritising programmes like Youth Talent Hunt, Youth Leadership Academy, TechRise, Ethnocentrique Fashion initiatives and cooperative funding over cash handouts, to build sustainable opportunities for young people.
