…As Otti moves to convert new govt house into hotel
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigerian Air Force has acquired 200 hectares of land for the establishment of a training base in Abia State.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed this during a media parley in Umuahia, stating that the facility will be located near the proposed Abia airport site.
He said a temporary site has already been provided in Umuahia to commence operations next month, pending the completion of the airport project.
According to the governor, the Air Force requested the land after inspecting the airport project—a request he approved promptly.
Otti expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the airport runway, which the state government is handling as part of a joint arrangement, while the Federal Government is expected to deliver the main airport infrastructure.
The governor ruled out any plan to relocate the Government House from its current location. He, however, disclosed ongoing discussions with investors to convert the new Government House built at Ogurube Layout by his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, into a five-star hotel.
“The Government House is more ideal where it is. It is not moving,” Otti said, noting that renovation works at the old Government House are aimed at upgrading it to befitting standards.
He revealed that his administration currently has over 30 ongoing projects across the state, reaffirming his commitment to sustained infrastructural development.
The governor also announced the completion of the remaining stretch of the 67.44km Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abriba–Ohafia road, a key arterial route in the state.
Otti clarified that, contrary to claims by the opposition, the state does not receive reimbursement from the Federal Government for reconstructing federal roads, explaining that such interventions are driven by the need to improve road conditions for residents.
“The only way a state can recoup investment on federal roads is through tolling. But we are not considering that. There is no reimbursement at all,” he said.
On housing, the governor said the government has no immediate plans to regulate rising rents, attributing the surge to increased demand and expressing optimism that prices will stabilise as more investors enter the housing sector.
He also ruled out electricity subsidies, stressing that reliable power supply is more beneficial than subsidised inefficiency.
“It is cheaper to pay for 24-hour electricity than to pay for darkness,” he added.
Otti further announced plans to expand digital connectivity, with a target of achieving statewide 3G network coverage before the end of 2026 to enhance internet access.
