FIC Report (Abia State) – The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic revitalization, sustainable environmental management, and credible governance as he announced the forthcoming Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, while also issuing a stern warning to politicians plotting to manipulate the 2027 elections.
Governor Otti made both declarations during the October edition of his monthly media parley, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia.
In a major stride toward sustainable development, Governor Otti revealed that his administration is set to launch the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, a bold environmental and economic project designed to transform waste into valuable resources such as gas, methane, and power.
He noted that since declaring a state of emergency on waste management at the onset of his administration, Abia has made impressive progress in clearing waste and restoring urban cleanliness. The next phase, he said, is to convert waste into wealth through recycling and energy production.
“We are now moving to the next stage of waste management — proper treatment, recycling, and turning waste into wealth,” Otti stated.
“Extensive studies show that while the process is costly, it has enormous benefits. Like in Austria and other European countries, we can transform waste into gas, methane, and even power.”
The Governor disclosed that discussions have begun with both local and international partners, with several partnership agreements already signed to ensure the success of the initiative. The official flag-off ceremony will take place soon.
“We have started engaging with potential partners and have strong cooperation from institutions and industries that operate in other states. Some partnership agreements have already been signed, and soon, we will officially flag off the Waste-to-Wealth project,” he assured.
Governor Otti also announced a major breakthrough in his government’s industrial revival strategy. Following the state’s successful acquisition of Star Paper Mill, Abia has concluded plans to acquire Afro-Beverages, located along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway.
“Recently, we concluded and our offer was accepted by AMCON for the acquisition of Afro-Beverages,” the Governor confirmed. “We will complete the payment in seven installments starting next month. Once documentation is finalized, the State will take ownership.”
The Governor clarified that these acquisitions are not intended for direct government management but rather to revive the industries through public-private partnerships, positioning them as major employers of labor.
“The government’s role is to enable, not to own,” he said. “We are acquiring these companies to bring in experts who will manage them efficiently, create jobs, and restore their productivity. Our goal is for these industries to become strong contributors to Abia’s economic growth.”
On education, Governor Otti announced plans to recruit an additional 4,000 teachers before the end of the year, bringing the total number of newly engaged educators to over 9,000. The recruitment drive is part of efforts to address the shortfall in the state’s education workforce.
He added that the government would demolish and reconstruct dilapidated school buildings, ensuring that learning environments across Abia meet modern standards.
In the health sector, the Governor revealed that the ongoing recruitment of healthcare professionals has attracted applicants from within and outside Nigeria, assuring that the process remains transparent and merit-driven.
“We are seeing applicants from even outside Nigeria, which shows confidence in our health system reforms. The process is transparent and strictly based on merit,” he emphasized.
The Governor also urged Abians to remain security-conscious and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities, announcing that the November edition of his media chat would be held at the newly remodeled Michael Okpara Auditorium.
In another striking segment of his October media chat, Governor Otti issued a strong caution to politicians allegedly plotting to manipulate the 2027 governorship elections, warning them to “write their wills and hand them to their families” before embarking on such dangerous acts.
“My statement is not a threat but a word of caution,” Otti clarified. “Intelligence reports suggest that some displaced politicians are already boasting about how they will manipulate the 2027 elections. Such reckless declarations will not be tolerated.”
His comments came in response to a recent claim by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who reportedly boasted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would “take over Abia in 2027.”
Governor Otti dismissed the boast, asserting that power belongs to God.
“I do not have the anointing to speak about what will happen in 2027 in 2025,” he said pointedly.
“But I know that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wants. We are advised not to speak when the Lord has not spoken.”
He further advised Kalu to focus on his legislative duties in the National Assembly instead of prematurely launching a political campaign in Abia.
“If you gather people and start declaring that you’ll take over in 2027, you are campaigning. We must respect the law,” the Governor cautioned.
Governor Otti emphasized that he bears no personal grudge against the Deputy Speaker, noting that their relationship predated politics.
“My relationship with Benjamin Kalu didn’t start with politics. This is not the first time he has come out publicly to attack my administration, and I have chosen to forgive him. I’m not threatened — I believe he was terrified by the organic show of love from the people of Aba and Umuahia.”
He humorously described Kalu’s utterances as symptoms of “hubris” and “Information Deficiency Syndrome.”
“Sometimes when he describes himself as number 6 according to protocol, I just smile. Unless it has changed, the Deputy Speaker is number 6 by the 2000 Protocol Act,” Otti added wittily.
Governor Otti’s remarks have since generated widespread reactions across Abia State, with citizens praising his firm stance on electoral integrity, commitment to industrial revival, and innovative approach to waste management.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Governor’s message rings loud and clear:
The era of electoral manipulation, economic stagnation, and environmental neglect in Abia State is over.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
October 17,2025.
