Governor Alex Otti has stated that his administration’s grassroots engagement initiative across communities in Abia State is designed to ensure governance reflects the actual needs of the people rather than assumptions.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, at a town hall meeting held in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, the governor stressed that each community faces unique developmental challenges that can only be properly addressed through direct interaction with residents.
Ajagba explained that the administration adopted the engagement strategy to gain firsthand understanding of the pressing needs of communities before embarking on developmental projects.
“We do not want to govern based on assumptions because every community has its peculiar needs,” he said.
“That is why we are engaging the people directly to understand exactly what they need.”
He assured residents that requests and concerns presented during the consultations would be transformed into practical projects and programmes capable of improving living conditions and accelerating development across the state.
Ajagba further stated that the achievements recorded under the Otti administration in less than three years had already distinguished it from previous governments, expressing confidence that the state would witness greater transformation before the governor completes his tenure.
In an apparent criticism of previous administrations, he noted that leaders with the capacity to solve problems should not create challenges for the people they govern.
“Today, Abia is receiving recognition because God prepared a leader with solutions,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process by supporting good governance.
The Chief of Staff assured vulnerable groups, particularly Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs), of the administration’s commitment to inclusive policies and sustainable empowerment initiatives aimed at fostering economic independence rather than temporary assistance.
Earlier during the meeting, stakeholders and community leaders submitted a compendium of priority needs, including road construction, electricity, potable water supply, healthcare facilities, rehabilitation of classrooms, employment opportunities, and improved welfare packages for PWDs.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Temple Nwosu, commended the governor for creating a platform that allows communities to directly communicate their developmental concerns to government officials.
According to him, the demands of the people would be formally submitted to the governor through the Chief of Staff, with key priorities focusing on road infrastructure, water supply, rural electrification, education, and healthcare.
Speaking on behalf of President-Generals within the area, Rev. Sampson Azubuike appealed to the state government to ensure every community benefits from at least one major project.
Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers in the local government area, HRH Onyinye Alozie, also urged the administration to give prompt attention to the requests presented by residents.
Similarly, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Vine Sampson, called for stronger worker participation in governance and appealed for recruitment to fill vacancies resulting from retirements and deaths. She also requested the establishment of an ICT centre at the council headquarters.
Representing Persons Living With Disabilities, Princess Ngozi Nwaguru condemned discrimination against PWDs and demanded increased inclusiveness, including the provision of ramps in public buildings, implementation of a five per cent employment quota, and access to mobility support such as wheelchairs and crutches.
“We also deserve empowerment and opportunities for self-reliance,” she said while acknowledging the administration’s support for PWDs.
Chairman of Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Hon. Chiemela Wagbara, praised the governor’s grassroots engagement initiative and pledged continued support for the administration.
Other stakeholders, including Amarachi Odochi, Dannie Ubani, and Ikpengwa Eberechi, also applauded the developmental efforts of the government and expressed support for the governor’s re-election bid.
In her remarks, the Director-General of the Abia Orientation Agency advised women against vote trading, urged youths to avoid drug abuse and other social vices, and encouraged skills acquisition as well as protection of public infrastructure from vandalism.
The town hall meeting, held at the Ugwunagbo council headquarters, attracted a large gathering of stakeholders, traditional leaders, and residents from across the local government area.
Otti: Grassroots Engagement Will Drive People-Centred Governance in Abia
