EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
On 30 January 2026, the people of Ukwa La Ngwa, in collaboration with the Aba Union under the leadership of Chief Barrister Theo Nkire, will roll-out the red carpet for their illustrious son and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
The grand reception, scheduled to hold at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, promises to be historic in both symbolism and substance.
This epoch making event is expected to mark a defining moment for Ukwa La Ngwa, reflecting not only celebration but a collective affirmation of purposeful governance, development, and continuity under the transformational leadership of Governor Otti.
Beyond the fanfare, the reception will serve as a bold statement by the people of Ukwa La Ngwa on the direction of governance in Abia State, equally underscoring their endorsement of the sweeping reforms and visible transformation being driven by Governor Otti, anchored on transparency, accountability, and people oriented leadership.
Like other parts of Abia State, Ukwa La Ngwa endured years of excruciating hardship under past administrations. Collapsed road infrastructure, poor governance, destructive politics, and total neglect defined that era. Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the South East and the pride of Ukwa La Ngwa, was left in ruins and infamously earned the label of the dirtiest city in the country. Businesses collapsed, entrepreneurs and industrialists fled, insecurity and kidnapping became rampant, and the people were left helpless and abandoned.
Public schools, hospitals, and government establishments became comatose, while infrastructure across government institutions crumbled due to prolonged neglect. Government presence became elusive, and hope steadily faded. However, that painful narrative changed remarkably since the election and inauguration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti in May 2023.
Today, the people of Ukwa La Ngwa can hardly believe the scale and speed of the transformation taking place. In less than three years, abandoned public schools have been revived, primary health centres resuscitated, and numerous roads reconstructed to quality standards.
Aba has witnessed deliberate and sustained rebuilding efforts under Governor Otti’s leadership. The establishment of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) has further strengthened this drive. Over thirty road projects have been constructed and commissioned, with several others ongoing. These include once completely collapsed roads such as Port Harcourt Road, Omuma Road, Ohanku Road, and Ngwa Road, among others.
Beyond infrastructure, Governor Otti moved decisively upon assumption of office to revive Aba Power, which had been plagued by severe operational challenges. Drawing from his prior involvement with Aba Power during his banking career, the Governor ensured its full activation. Today, Aba enjoys steady and uninterrupted power supply, reviving businesses, boosting productivity, and restoring the city’s economic vibrancy. Prosperity is returning as government continues to provide the necessary enablers for socio-economic growth and improved living standards.
As expected, the people of Ukwa La Ngwa will use this occasion to honour, celebrate, and fortify Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for the journey ahead. They will celebrate his landmark achievements which have propelled Abia State to national and international recognition as one of the best governed states in Nigeria.
With gratitude, they will acknowledge a leader who has wiped away their tears through purposeful, transparent, and accountable leadership.
The reception no doubt will also serve as a declaration of the people’s total and unalloyed support for Governor Otti ahead of 2027. On that day, Ukwa La Ngwa will speak with one voice.
Consequently, the people of Ukwa La Ngwa, comprising nine of the seventeen local government areas in Abia State, will troop out en masse and fill the Enyimba International Stadium to celebrate their servant leader, the chief agent of transformation, the father of modern Abia, a performer, a visionary, and a governor who has restored hope and dignity to Ndi Abia, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on 30 January 2026.
Ukwa La Ngwa is ready. The leadership of the Aba Union is prepared. The stage is set for a truly historic reception for the people’s governor.
– Dr Ebere Uzoukwa is a proud son of Ukwa La Ngwa and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs.