FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting federal institutions in the state, emphasizing that development and service delivery should transcend institutional ownership for the greater good of the people.
Governor Otti made this known while receiving a delegation from the Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA, led by the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Alhaji Suleiman Oduwale, at Government House, Umuahia.
He began by expressing deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic in Abia State.
The Governor congratulated the Council for its strides so far, particularly in securing accreditation for some courses and commencing development at the permanent site.
“We don’t care whether an institution is Federal, State, or Local Government. What matters is that it serves our people. The majority of students in the Polytechnic are Abians, and that’s what counts,” Otti declared.
“If the Federal Government, in its magnanimity, brings such a facility to our state, it is only natural that we support it wholeheartedly.”
Governor Otti also pledged continued government cooperation, noting that his administration has instituted a 30-day policy to process Certificates of Occupancy (CofO), subject to fulfilling all requirements. This, he said, aligns with his mission to create an enabling environment for institutional growth and infrastructure development.
On the issue of security, the Governor emphasized that his administration had prioritized the Umunneochi and Isuikwuato axis due to past incidents of banditry.
“When we assumed office, parts of Isuikwuato and Umunneochi were left to bandits. We took decisive action to reclaim those areas. Today, we’ve recorded tremendous improvement, and we’re working to sustain it.”
He revealed that the delay in the meeting was due to a security briefing with the State Director of the DSS focused on Uturu, home to the Abia State University, further illustrating the administration’s relentless attention to security matters.
“Security is everything. Without it, development is impossible. We are committed to ensuring every inch of Abia is safe.”
Earlier, Alhaji Suleiman Oduwale, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic Ngodo Isuochi, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for his outstanding support to the institution. He highlighted the donation and energizing of a new transformer, as well as the swift issuance of the CofO, which allowed construction to begin at the permanent site.
Alhaji Oduwale announced that the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had granted accreditation for Electrical Electronics and praised the Governor’s efforts in restoring security in the area, which has given parents the confidence to send their children to the school.
“You are a shining star. Your leadership has given us confidence that Abia is on a path of positive change.”
Also present at the meeting were Professor Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, and Dr. Emeka Enyiazu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Tertiary Education, who both applauded the synergy between the State Government and federal educational institutions.
Governor Otti’s remarks and actions reaffirm his philosophy of inclusive governance, where every institution in Abia—federal or state-owned—receives equal attention and support for the overall progress of Ndi Abia.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
15-07-2025
