Governor Alex Otti’s leadership in Abia State continues to reflect a strong grasp of economic principles, especially the critical role of consistent salary and pension payments in stimulating local commerce and driving economic growth. As a trained economist, Governor Otti is not only meeting current salary and pension obligations promptly, but is also diligently clearing outstanding arrears left by previous administrations.
Key milestones under his administration include:
- Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) workers, previously owed 26 months of salary arrears, have now received 25 of those months, in addition to their current salaries being paid regularly.
- Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic (formerly Abiapoly) staff, who were owed 33 months in arrears, are now receiving three months’ salaries per month, effectively accelerating the clearance of their backlog.
- At Abia State University, a 12-month salary backlog has been addressed and paid off.
- Institutions like Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, and the Secondary Education Management Board, which faced years of unpaid wages, are also now seeing those arrears being defrayed under Otti’s administration.
Beyond payroll reforms, Governor Otti has declared a state of emergency on waste disposal, channeling significant resources into cleaning and improving urban environments. This initiative has made Abia’s cities healthier and more livable, reducing residents’ healthcare expenses and enhancing quality of life.
These impactful interventions may not fall under what some describe as “giving Shishi” (a colloquial term for handouts), but they clearly demonstrate the governor’s commitment to putting real Naira into the pockets of Abians—not through charity, but through sound policies that foster economic empowerment.
Governor Otti’s infrastructure agenda is also yielding tangible financial relief for residents. Extensive road construction and rehabilitation have led to a noticeable drop in transport fares. For example:
- On Ohanku Road, fares have fallen from ₦800 to ₦200.
- Along Port Harcourt Road and Alaoji corridors, fares have dropped from ₦1,200 to ₦300.
These reductions save commuters an average of ₦1,200 daily while significantly cutting down on vehicle maintenance costs for transporters and private vehicle owners. The reconstructed Umuahia–Ohafia Highway, extending to Arochukwu, has also eased travel burdens, slashing fuel expenses, time spent on the road, and vehicle repair costs.
In Governor Otti’s Abia, economic empowerment comes not in the form of token giveaways, but through sustainable policies that put money back into people’s hands.
Governor Otti does not give Shishi — he gives Naira.
To be continued…
August 3rd, 2025
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