Abia State Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing community concerns and expanding infrastructure development in Ohafia Local Government Area.

Emetu gave the assurance at his residence in Ohafia during a solidarity visit by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women’s Wing, Ohafia LGA Chapter, led by Mrs. Ngozi Onyema Agbai. The delegation comprised women representing the three clans in the local government area.

Speaking on behalf of their respective clans, Mrs. Patience Kalu of Abiriba, Mrs. Uzunma Kalu Mba of Nkporo and Mrs. Orie Agwu Kalu of Ohafia commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration for its interventions in road infrastructure, the payment of salaries and pensions, and the recruitment of teachers.

The women also appreciated the governor for appointing former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Labour Party State Campaign Council.

They, however, appealed to the government to address the increasing incidence of drug abuse among young people, deploy more teachers to schools in Ohafia, settle outstanding salary arrears owed to some staff of the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB), and accelerate the construction of major roads in the area.

Responding, Emetu thanked the delegation for the visit and assured the women that their concerns would be communicated to the relevant authorities for consideration.

He expressed confidence in Governor Otti’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people, stating that the administration had demonstrated consistency in its approach to governance.

“At a point in a man’s life, the word of his mouth becomes more authentic than his signature. That is the case with our dependable Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR,” the Deputy Governor said.

On the outstanding salary arrears owed to some SEMB staff, Emetu said the situation was inconsistent with the character of the present administration. He assured the delegation that he would present the matter for appropriate attention.

The Deputy Governor also disclosed that the state government had paid more than 80 per cent of the over ₦151 billion in inherited debts.

On retirement benefits, he said gratuities for eligible retirees covering the period from 2001 to 2010 had been paid. He explained that the next phase would prioritise the next of kin of deceased beneficiaries within the same period before the government proceeds to another category.

Addressing infrastructure development, Emetu revealed that several roads in Ohafia LGA had been captured in the 2027 budget.

Among the projects he mentioned were the Nkwebi–Abiriba Road and the Nkporo–Oso Road, an inter-state route linking Abia and Ebonyi states, alongside other roads in the area.

The Deputy Governor also urged the women to mobilise support at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections, calling on them to support Labour Party candidates contesting for seats in the National Assembly, the governorship and the Abia State House of Assembly.

“I need the full support of every mother and every woman in Ohafia LGA in making sure that all Labour Party candidates are voted for massively come 2027,” he said.

Earlier, Mrs. Ngozi Onyema Agbai praised Emetu for his humanitarian disposition and community development efforts, particularly the provision of potable water, construction of modern toilet facilities and other projects benefiting communities.

She pledged the continued support of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women’s Wing, Ohafia LGA Chapter, for the Otti-led administration and promised to mobilise women across the local government area in support of Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections.