Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing policies that directly benefit the people while ensuring the responsible management of public resources to promote sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.

The governor gave the assurance on Friday during the grand finale of activities commemorating the third anniversary of his administration in Umuahia, stating that his government remains focused on delivering lasting development and improving the quality of life for residents.

Otti said his administration had maintained strict fiscal discipline over the past three years, noting that prudent financial management and accountability measures had helped reduce the state’s debt burden by more than 70 percent.

Highlighting achievements in infrastructure, the governor disclosed that his administration had completed 414 road projects spanning more than 800 kilometres across the state. He added that another 82 road projects covering over 200 kilometres were nearing completion and would soon be commissioned.

Among the major projects completed by his government, he listed the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the six-lane Ossah Road, the Omenuko Bridge, and the final section of the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road.

On healthcare, Otti said ongoing projects at the Abia State Teaching Hospital and Amachara General Hospital would soon be completed to strengthen tertiary healthcare services in the state.

According to him, improving the health sector remains a priority because the wellbeing of citizens is a key indicator of development.

“In the new Abia, the first measure of wealth is the health of the people. It is for this reason that we are pulling out all the stops to set standards that align with our vision for the state,” he said.

The governor also highlighted progress in the healthcare sector, revealing that nearly 1,000 healthcare professionals had been recruited and deployed to various health facilities across the state to improve service delivery.

Speaking on education and youth development, Otti said his administration had made significant investments in technology-driven programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills in software engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

He further disclosed that more than N300 million had been set aside to support innovation, technology-based enterprises, and entrepreneurship across the state.

On workers’ welfare, the governor reiterated his commitment to the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, while also noting that collaboration with security agencies had contributed to improved safety and security throughout the state.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to strengthen public institutions, improve service delivery, and create more economic opportunities for citizens.

In his goodwill message on behalf of members of the Abia caucus in the National Assembly, the representative of Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe, praised Otti for fulfilling key campaign promises through extensive infrastructure development, improvements in education and healthcare, and other projects across the state.

Onwusibe also pledged the lawmakers’ support for the governor’s future political aspirations.

Similarly, elder statesman Sam Ohuabunwa and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chris Uche, commended Otti’s leadership, stating that the achievements recorded by his administration within three years had restored public confidence and renewed pride among Abians both at home and abroad.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Meribole, and the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Ngozi Felix, described the current administration as ushering in a new era of transformation in Abia.

They noted that the people of the state had chosen competence, accountability, and visionary leadership in the 2023 election, adding that the decision was yielding positive results across various sectors.