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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on residents to take ownership of public infrastructure and ensure government facilities are protected from vandalism. The governor made this appeal on Wednesday during a community engagement event at Ibeku High School Field, Umuahia, following the commissioning of multiple projects across three local government areas in the Abia Central Senatorial Zone.
The commissioned projects include retrofitted Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) at Owerinta in Isialangwa South, Amibo in Umuahia South, and Ekeoba in Umuahia North, all under the state’s Project Ekwueme initiative. Additionally, he commissioned the newly constructed 8.3-kilometre Isieketa–Obikabia Road in Isialangwa South and a 1.5-kilometre section of IBB Way in Umuahia North.
Governor Otti urged the public to be vigilant and report any attempts to damage public facilities, noting that maintaining these infrastructures is a collective responsibility. “There is no better security than the one you provide yourselves. If you see anyone attempting to vandalise public property, report them immediately—we will take action,” he stated.
Otti also directed the Commissioner for Works to begin reconstruction of the deteriorated Ikot-Ekpene Federal Road, which connects to the newly inaugurated IBB Way. “Although it’s a federal road, we have always said that the federal government does not use these roads—it is Abia people who do. So, we will fix it,” he declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing the commissioning of roads and the completion of 200 PHCs either already retrofitted or nearing completion.
Commending the governor’s vision, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti, praised Otti’s infrastructural development agenda. They highlighted the significance of the PHCs and roads in improving access to healthcare and connectivity across the state.
Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu, General Manager of the Abia State Debt Management Office and Coordinator of Project Ekwueme in Abia Central, disclosed that 64 PHCs had been approved for retrofitting in the zone alone. He assured residents that the projects are tangible and already impacting local communities, providing every ward with at least one functional healthcare facility.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary communities, Eze Ambassador Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna of Ekeoba Kingdom described the healthcare projects as a “new dawn” for Abia State, lauding Governor Otti for prioritising inclusive development and restoring hope to previously neglected areas.
The event, which featured cultural performances and presentations from local communities, was also attended by the Chinese Consul-General and other dignitaries, underscoring the significance of the initiatives to the state’s development.
ADEOLA KUNLE
