Taking a cue from the celebration that greeted the palatial edifice of the newly built Anambra State government house in Awka, Abia State Governor Alex Otti appears to have reversed policy and confirmed that the reconstruction and upgrade of the Abia Government House and Governor’s Office in Umuahia are now in full swing.
Governor Otti spoke on Saturday during a Sabbath service at the Unity Chapel, located within the Government House. He explained that his administration delayed the renovation project deliberately to focus on pressing issues that directly affect the people.
Renovation Deferred to Focus on Public Welfare
Dr Otti said his government chose to initially prioritise critical needs of the people, like workers’ salaries, healthcare, and education.
“We didn’t think this place (Government House) was more important than your salaries. We didn’t think this place was more important than primary healthcare centres, our schools, or making education free at the basic level,” he said.
He said that in the first months of his government, attention was given to repairing roads, improving hospitals and schools, and ensuring that workers were paid regularly.
The Governor pointed out that his team applied a clear scale of preference from the start. The focus was to address the most urgent needs of Abians before any administrative luxury.
Government House Facilities Get Major Overhaul
Gov. Otti revealed that reconstruction has already started at the Michael Okpara Auditorium. The work is expected to be completed before the end of June 2025.
He added that furnishing at the office of the Secretary to the State Government is nearly finished. The Government House Clinic is also undergoing renovation.
Plans are in motion to rebuild the Governor’s Lodge and the Unity Chapel within the premises.
After the Sabbath service, the Governor inspected the construction work around the Government House to see the progress for himself.
Two Years of Governance Approaches
He reminded the congregation that his administration is about to complete two years in office, which marks the halfway point of his first term.
The governor assured the people of Abia that work on infrastructure and public welfare would continue at full speed.
“We are just getting started. More work is ahead,” he said, urging the public to remain hopeful and supportive.
The Sabbath service also featured prayers for the Governor, his family, and the people of Abia State.
Faith Message from Unity Chapel
Earlier in the service, Elder Ezekwem Odigbo of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church delivered a sermon titled “Facing the Giant.” He drew from 1 Samuel 17:32–37 and encouraged the worshippers to be strong in faith like David who stood against Goliath.
In attendance were the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Okezie Nmeregini; Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; and several Abia State Commissioners.
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He has done well by priotizing people projects, so he can focus now on the renovation of the government house.