KEY POINTS
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Governor Otti cleared ₦72 billion from inherited debt.
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Abia Medical City aims to curb foreign medical tourism.
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Free education and teacher training boost tech readiness.
According to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, the state inherited a debt of over 138 billion naira, of which 72 billion has been paid back.
Along with other obligations including salary, pensions, and unpaid invoices to contractors in other industries, he pointed out that ₦66 billion is still owed.
Fiscal prudence remains a focus as Otti clears inherited debt
Otti verified that his government had not added any new debt and backed up the figures with data from the Debt Management Office.
He underlined that since taking office, the administration has been frugal and has negotiated advantageous agreements without taking on debt.
The governor discussed new infrastructure and investment initiatives on Wednesday during the April episode of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians.
In order to increase local healthcare capacity, he announced intentions to invest $1.3 billion in the building of the projected Abia Medical City.
Furthermore, Otti stated that President Bola Tinubu would commission the Port Harcourt Road in Aba on May 29, 2025, after it is finished next week.
He affirmed that Tinubu will also launch the medical city project, which is anticipated to drastically lower national costs associated with international medical travel.
Free education and teacher training drive tech-based learning growth
The governor stated that 7,000 students are currently registered in various schools under the free education policy and are taking advantage of state-funded instruction.
He revealed that in order to enhance the quality of instruction in fundamental science, technology, engineering, and math disciplines, 9,000 instructors have enrolled in a phased training program.
Otti mentioned, the state wants its kids to be technologically savvy and have solid mathematical and technical backgrounds so they are prepared for the future.
He restated the administration’s dedication to bolstering educational establishments via enhanced teacher preparation and ongoing curriculum advancement.
Regarding healthcare, Otti pledged that as part of a thorough revival, primary health centers around the state would soon be upgraded.
In an effort to improve service quality and accessibility in rural areas, he declared plans to hire 777 more healthcare professionals.
According to Punch, the governor urged citizens to report threats and work with law enforcement to ensure public safety, calling security crucial.
He warned that recent criminals “didn’t find it easy” when they questioned state power, but he stated security forces are doing well.
He announced collaborations with Israeli companies to increase greenhouse farming for greater yields of maize and vegetables and to increase rice output.
Regarding the enforcement of anti-grazing laws, Otti stated that Abia has gone beyond permitting cows to devastate farmland and that the legislation would be examined.
