Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said his administration is focused on delivering projects based on the real needs of the people rather than making assumptions from government offices.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, during a town hall meeting in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, the governor explained that every community in Abia has different challenges that require direct engagement before solutions can be provided.
According to reports, Otti said the ongoing grassroots meetings across the state are designed to allow residents speak directly to government officials about the problems affecting their communities.
“We don’t want to govern based on assumptions because every community has peculiar needs,” Ajagba said while addressing stakeholders at the meeting.
He assured residents that requests and suggestions gathered during the consultations would be turned into practical projects and programmes aimed at improving living conditions across the state.
Ajagba also stated that the achievements recorded by the Otti administration within less than three years had already set it apart from previous governments in Abia State.
In what appeared to be criticism of past administrations, he said leaders with genuine solutions should not create problems for citizens in the first place.
The Chief of Staff further encouraged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process.
He also assured Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups that the government remains committed to inclusive governance and empowerment programmes that promote self-reliance.
During the meeting, community leaders and stakeholders presented a list of pressing needs affecting different communities in the area.
The demands included better roads, stable electricity, potable water, improved healthcare centres, classroom rehabilitation, job opportunities, and support for PWDs.
Speaking on behalf of community leaders, Rev. Sampson Azubuike appealed to the state government to ensure that at least one major project is executed in every community.
Traditional rulers, labour representatives, and youth stakeholders also used the opportunity to request more government attention to local development.
Princess Ngozi Nwaguru, who spoke on behalf of Persons Living With Disabilities, called for stronger inclusion policies, ramps in public buildings, employment opportunities, and mobility support such as wheelchairs and crutches.
She, however, commended the Otti administration for already showing support toward PWDs in the state.
Chairman of Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, Hon. Chiemela Wagbara, praised the governor’s grassroots engagement programme and pledged continued support for the administration.
The event attracted a large number of residents, community leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, labour representatives, and political stakeholders from across the local government area.
Governor Alex Otti’s grassroots consultation initiative continues to generate attention in Abia State as communities push for direct involvement in governance. Residents are hopeful that the engagement will lead to faster development and more people-focused projects across the state.
