TheCable

Alex Otti, the governor of Abia, says he needs the collective support of the people to restore the state’s lost glory.

Otti spoke on Tuesday at the event marking the 32nd Abia Day celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the state’s capital.

At the event, the governor launched the Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA), appointing Dike Nwankwo as the pioneer director-general.

“Abia has started moving,” Otti said at the event.

The governor said the “good old days” of the state were “ruined” by past administrations, adding that Abia has now “started moving”.

“Abia is a great state, rich in mineral and human resources. There is hardly any community within the state that does not hold a lot of promise that if fully harnessed will guarantee great economic outcomes for our people,” Otti said.

“From best-in-class agricultural commodities to mineral deposits, cultural artefacts and stories worth listening to, our land became the centre of optimism and offered a glimpse of the future that awaited a renascent Igbo nation.

“Unfortunately, successive governments ruined the good old days and brought despair to the land.

The Abia governor strikes a pose with seasoned entertainer Charly Boy

“Because no one took responsibility, things began to deteriorate. Our schools became breeding grounds for the things we least desire to see in our children.

“Impunity became the order of the day and in no time, role models disappeared and everyone did just what suited them.

“But I tell you today, this is a new Abia of our collective dreams. We are only a few days to our 100 days in office and you can see for yourselves that Abia has started moving. Together, we shall get to our destination. All I need is your individual support.”

In a state-wide broadcast on Monday, Otti said that his administration is focused on improving the health and education sector and will also prudently manage the available resources to the benefit of the people.