Paragraph 1: Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reiterated his commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in the state, fulfilling a key campaign promise. This commitment was underscored during a recent visit to Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area, where he commissioned a newly renovated Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ngwu-Uzuakoli as part of the ambitious “Project Ekwueme” initiative. This project aims to renovate and upgrade 200 PHCs across the 17 LGAs of the state in its first phase, addressing a critical need for improved healthcare access in Abia State. The governor’s presence in Uzuakoli also served as a symbolic commissioning of an additional 15 PHCs undergoing various stages of renovation and modernization across the 13 electoral wards of Bende LGA.
Paragraph 2: Governor Otti’s visit to Bende LGA transcended healthcare infrastructure. It also served as a platform to welcome prominent political figures from other parties into the Labour Party fold. Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, led a group of over 50 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts, alongside Chief Okey Ezeala, a former State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in defecting to the Labour Party. This significant political realignment underscores the growing support for Governor Otti’s administration and its developmental agenda. The event, held at Friday Practising School, Uzuakoli, was charged with political symbolism and demonstrated the governor’s growing influence across party lines.
Paragraph 3: Governor Otti used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to equitable development across all communities in Abia State. He highlighted the recent commissioning of 23 projects, encompassing 18 roads and 5 PHCs, across various LGAs in just ten days, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to translating campaign promises into tangible results. He framed these projects as evidence of a commitment to service and responsible use of public funds, directly addressing the needs of the people. Beyond infrastructure, Governor Otti stressed the importance of public participation in protecting public property from vandalism, urging a collective effort to safeguard investments in community development.
Paragraph 4: The event was further marked by the inauguration of the Abia Arise, Bende LGA Chapter, a significant political mobilization initiative. The governor welcomed Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso, a prominent businessman, into the Abia Arise family, extending an invitation to all those who share his vision for a new Abia to join the movement. Dr. Anyaso, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2023 election, made a substantial contribution to the Abia Arise group in Bende LGA by donating two coaster buses to facilitate their operations, further solidifying his commitment to the governor’s leadership. This gesture demonstrates the growing momentum and support for the Abia Arise initiative within the state.
Paragraph 5: Key members of the governor’s administration and political allies echoed the message of progress and transformation. Hon. Luke Ukara Onyeani, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Legislative Matters and Coordinator of Project Ekwueme in Abia North, provided details on the extensive healthcare improvements underway, highlighting 64 PHC renovations in Abia North. He emphasized the positive impact of these upgrades, equipping facilities with modern equipment and qualified healthcare workers, marking a significant advancement in healthcare delivery in the South East region. Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, along with other senior officials, expressed their unwavering support for Governor Otti’s administration.
Paragraph 6: The reception in Uzuakoli served as a powerful demonstration of Governor Otti’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, driving development across Abia State, and building a broad-based coalition of support. The event underscored the tangible progress made in healthcare infrastructure, highlighted by Project Ekwueme, and showcased the administration’s focus on delivering tangible improvements to the lives of the people. The gathering of political figures from various parties, including the significant defections and the inauguration of the Abia Arise Bende LGA Chapter, symbolized a growing political momentum and widespread endorsement of Governor Otti’s leadership and vision for a transformed Abia State. Dr. Anyaso’s endorsement and generous contribution further solidified the growing support for the governor’s agenda within the state.
