Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has explained the reasons behind his administration’s decision to introduce electric buses for urban mass transit in Abia State, saying the move is aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
The Governor made this known during a media parley in Umuahia, where he also assured that Abia would continue to witness massive development under his administration.
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the rollout of 20 electric buses under a pilot scheme, which he said are offering free transportation throughout the Yuletide season and January 2026.
He disclosed that the initiative has been well received by Abians and revealed that an additional 20 buses are expected soon, while 60 more will arrive later, bringing the total target to 100 electric buses by the end of 2026.
“So, we are happy that it started well. I rode in one of the buses myself from Umuahia to Ukwa West.
“The whole idea is to key into environmental sustainability standards and ensure that our carbon footprint is reduced to the bare minimum, while net-zero emissions are promoted.
“We have 20 more buses on the way, and another 60 will also arrive soon. Our target is that by the end of 2026, we will have 100 electric buses plying roads across Abia and probably beyond,” Otti said, adding that the Ministry of Transport is working out a management framework for the buses.
The Governor reiterated his commitment to sustained development across critical sectors such as roads, sanitation, health, education, transport, power, and security, and thanked residents for their cooperation amid ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.
He urged residents to remain patient as road construction and asphalt laying continue in various communities.
On waste management, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for environmental filth, stressing that proper waste disposal is a collective responsibility.
“In the area of environmental sanitation, nobody has been allowed to drop the ball, and we appreciate the level of work being done.
“It will continue because we have zero tolerance for rubbish. We go around to pick up waste and deal with it in the best way possible,” he said.
On healthcare, the Governor disclosed that over 200 primary healthcare centres are currently being renovated and equipped to meet minimum operational standards, in a bid to improve access to quality healthcare services.
He added that the state consistently allocates 15 percent of its annual budget to healthcare and has employed additional healthcare professionals to staff the facilities being retrofitted and reactivated.
Governor Otti also revealed that Abia State recently won national awards for Health Emergency Preparedness, Primary Healthcare Leadership, and Strategic Partnerships, crediting healthcare workers for the achievements.
In the education sector, the Governor highlighted ongoing renovation, fencing, smart school projects, and enhanced security in public schools, noting that the next phase of interventions would commence in 2026.
On power, he announced the restoration of electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West after nine years of blackout, fulfilling a promise made earlier in the year.
He further confirmed that the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority has taken over the state electricity market following the signing of the Electricity Act 2023 (as amended), and disclosed plans to assume control of power distribution in the remaining eight local governments currently under the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
“Aba has been ceded as an island to Aba Power and Geometric. The remaining eight local governments under EEDC will soon be taken over by the Abia State Government.
“Our offer has already been accepted by EEDC, and we are in the process of making payments, which should be concluded in the first quarter of next year,” he stated.
Governor Otti assured residents of Bende and Ohafia that efforts were underway to restore stable electricity supply to their areas.
On industrial rejuvenation, the Governor said negotiations are ongoing to revive moribund industries to boost employment and economic growth.
He confirmed that the state government has taken over Star Paper Mill Limited and concluded discussions on the takeover of Afro Beverages, expected to be finalized in January. He also revealed ongoing talks to revive Modern Ceramics, International Glass Industry, and the Metallurgical Plant.
“If our discussions go well, these companies will return to life and support the Abia economy, not just in GDP growth but also in employment generation,” he said.
On security, Governor Otti assured residents that safety remains a top priority, commending security agencies for maintaining relative calm across the state.
“We thank God and our security agencies for working round the clock so our people can sleep with their two eyes closed,” he said.
Addressing workers’ welfare, the Governor noted that salaries are paid on or before the 28th of every month and announced that arrears of leave allowances have been approved for payment.
Responding to concerns over delayed implementation of recent promotions, he assured that the issue would be investigated, stressing that promotion benefits normally follow immediately after announcements.
“If anyone has not received payment, there must be something I am not aware of, and we will find out,” he said.
The media parley was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and other members of the State Executive Council.
