Governor Alex Otti Pushes People-Driven Governance in Abia Through Grassroots Town Hall Meetings
Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering governance based on the actual needs of citizens, rather than assumptions, through direct engagement with communities across the state.
Speaking via his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, at a town hall meeting held at the Ugwunagbo Local Government Area headquarters on Friday, the governor emphasized the importance of understanding the unique developmental challenges facing each community before initiating projects.
“We don’t want to govern based on assumptions because every community has peculiar needs,” Ajagba said. “That is why we are engaging the people directly — to know exactly what they want.”
He assured residents that all requests presented during the ongoing grassroots engagements would be translated into actionable projects and programmes aimed at transforming communities across Abia.
Ajagba highlighted the significant achievements recorded by the Otti administration in less than three years, stating that these accomplishments have set it apart from previous governments. He expressed confidence that greater development would be witnessed before the end of the governor’s tenure.
In an apparent reference to past administrations, Ajagba declared: “Leaders with genuine capacity to solve problems would not create them in the first place.” He added, “Today, Abia is being celebrated because God prepared a leader with solutions.”
The Chief of Staff also urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process to sustain good governance. He further assured vulnerable groups, particularly Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs), of the administration’s commitment to inclusive policies and sustainable empowerment programmes focused on economic self-reliance rather than temporary handouts.
**Community Leaders Present Priority Needs**
Stakeholders and community leaders at the meeting submitted a compendium of priority demands, which included roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare facilities, classroom rehabilitation, employment opportunities, and improved welfare for PWDs.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Temple Nwosu, commended Governor Otti for the initiative, describing it as a platform that allows communities to directly present their needs to the government.
Speaking on behalf of President-Generals in the area, Rev. Sampson Azubuike called for the citing of at least one key project in every community. Similarly, Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Onyinye Alozie, urged the governor to give urgent attention to the people’s requests.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Vine Sampson, advocated for greater involvement of workers in governance, staff recruitment to fill vacancies, and the establishment of an ICT centre at the council headquarters.
Princess Ngozi Nwaguru, speaking for PWDs, decried discrimination against the group and demanded greater inclusivity, including ramps in public buildings, a five percent employment quota, and provision of mobility aids.
“We also deserve empowerment and opportunities for self-reliance,” she said, while commending the Otti administration for its support.
Chairman of Ugwunagbo LGA, Hon. Chiemela Wagbara, praised the governor’s grassroots engagement and pledged continued support for his administration. Other stakeholders, including Amarachi Odochi, Dannie Ubani, and Ikpengwa Eberechi, also lauded Otti’s developmental strides and pledged support for his re-election.
In her remarks, the Director-General of the Abia Orientation Agency advised women against selling their votes, urged youths to shun drug abuse and social vices, and called for skills acquisition and the protection of public infrastructure.
The town hall meeting attracted a large turnout of stakeholders, traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents from across Ugwunagbo LGA.
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