Otti targets job creation, security, backs Nkire as Ngwa leader

Alex Otti of Abia says his administration is prioritising job creation and security through the revival of moribund industries to sustain the state’s ongoing transformation.

Otti said this at the 2025 Ngwa Day Celebration, with the theme, “Ngwaness: Umunna Ehila”.

The event, organised by Ngwa Social Club, a socio-cultural group, held at the Ngwa High School, Aba on Sunday.

The governor said that the government was addressing unemployment by reviving key industries, adding that crime often thrived, where people were not gainfully employed.

He listed Star Paper Mill, Afro Beverages, Aba Textile Mill, International Glass Industry and the Metallurgical Plant among companies being acquired or discussed for revival to create jobs.

The governor said that the state’s founding fathers showed foresight in establishing the industries, adding that his administration would leverage them to generate employment for the people of Abia.

He also spoke on security, saying that every citizen is a stakeholder.

He, therefore, urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies and assured them that no one should live in fear in the state.

He said that only 30 months had passed since he assumed office, adding that the recovery of Aba was the first major step because “without Aba, there is no Ngwaland”.

Otti urged the people to remain patient, assuring them of more transformations across different sectors as the government works to reposition the state.

He described the choice of the state’s first Attorney-General, Chief Theo Nkire, as leader of the Ngwa people as “commendable” and expressed full support for the decision.

He congratulated Nkire on his emergence, describing it as a well-deserved honour bestowed by his kinsmen.

The governor said the new leader’s priority should be social and economic progress of the Ngwaland.

He also commended Ngwa leaders for participating in the cultural day celebration and emphasised the need to preserve Ngwa cultural heritage.

He further disclosed that the first leader of the Ngwa people, Chief Jaja Wachukwu, would be honoured by Abia Government with a celebration of his 108th posthumous birthday on Jan. 1, 2026.

In a speech, the lawmaker representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended the governor for the achievements recorded since he assumed office and urged him to sustain the good work.

Abaribe said the state had enjoyed improved security and socioeconomic growth under the governor’s watch.

Also, the lawmaker representing Abia Central, Sen. Austin Akobundu, expressed delight being part of the event and commended the governor for the improved security enjoyed in the state.

Akobundu also praised the organisers for hosting the event, saying that it provided a platform for the Ngwa people to showcase their rich cultural heritage.

He called for the sustenance of initiatives that encourage the preservation and protection of culture and tradition, describing the event as a worthy example.

In a remark, a former lawmaker, Sen. Nkechi Nworgu, commended the organisers for institutionalising the event as an annual celebration and urged them to sustain it.

Nworgu also praised the government for its efforts in maintaining security in the state.

She called on the Ngwa people to uphold unity and togetherness, saying that such values were vital for the growth and development of Ngwaland.

Also, a former Chairman, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Chief Chidi Ajaegbu, described the event as an opportunity for the Ngwa people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and commended the organisers for its success.

Ajaegbu described the governor’s presence as a sign of recognition and identification with the people as well as a demonstration of his commitment to inclusive governance.

He said that in less than three years, the state had witnessed significant transformation, citing a cleaner Aba and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.

He called on the people of Ngwa to continue to support the governor in order for him to consolidate on the gains recorded under his watch.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Orjinta Alala, said that the event provided an opportunity for the people of Ngwa to select a leader, who would speak for them and articulate their collective position on issues of concern.

Alala said that the Ngwa people observed one year of mourning for their former leader, late Dr Emmanuel Adaelu, and resolved that the time had come for a new leader to emerge to guide the Ngwa land.

Also, the President of the Ngwa Social Club, Prof. Paul Ananaba, said the people of Ngwa had unanimously agreed to appoint Nkire as their new leader.

Ananaba described Nkire as an elder statesman with a proven pedigree.

He said that his experience, integrity and long record of service qualified him to provide credible leadership and effectively represent the interest of the Ngwa people.

Our correspondent reports that highlights of the event included displays by different cultural groups, such as Ikoro, Ekpo, Mgbede Umuabogho, among others.

The colourfully ceremony was fully attended by prominent sons and daughters of Ngwa from various spheres of life.