Otti Pledges Power Restoration, Erosion Intervention, Hospital Upgrade as Abiriba Union Visits Government House

By Iyojo Ameh

The Abia State Government has committed to resolving the lingering electricity crisis in Abiriba, commencing intervention on major erosion sites, and beginning the remodeling of the Akahaba General Hospital, following a high-level engagement with the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide.

The assurances were given on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, when the ACIU leadership, led by its President General, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah (Ike Abiriba), paid a strategic courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti (OFR) at the Government House, Umuahia.

During the meeting, Chief Uwah presented a detailed account of the challenges confronting the Abiriba community, describing them as critical threats to lives, property, and economic activity. He drew the Governor’s attention to severe erosion ravaging parts of the ancient kingdom, supported with architectural and visual evidence from flashpoints at Ogbu Agbokere Umueso, Uzo Nde Okoronta, and Agboji.

On electricity, the ACIU President General stressed that despite the significant progress recorded on the Umuahia–Abiriba Road, the economic promise of Abiriba often referred to as the “Small London” of Abia State would remain constrained without stable power supply.

Responding, Governor Otti praised the ACIU leadership for its unity, clarity of purpose, and structured engagement. He assured the delegation that a permanent solution to the electricity challenge is already underway.

According to the Governor, the state is putting in place a sustainable power structure that will not only address Abiriba’s needs but also cover the entire Abia North zone. He described the intervention as imminent and long-term.
On healthcare, Governor Otti disclosed that the new design for the complete remodeling of Akahaba General Hospital has been finalized and approved.

He confirmed that construction work would begin shortly, with the aim of restoring the hospital to a centre of excellence that meets modern healthcare standards.

Addressing the erosion menace, the Governor directed the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to immediately mobilize to the affected locations identified by the ACIU for assessment and intervention.

In a related development, Governor Otti revealed that the Abia State Government has fully re-acquired the Star Paper Mill formerly owned by the late Chief Nnanna Kalu from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

He challenged Abiriba investors to take over and manage the factory, expressing a preference for competent local investors over foreign interests in order to preserve the founder’s legacy.

The ACIU President General also briefed the Governor on outcomes of the Union’s Diaspora meeting held on December 29, noting that Abiriba sons and daughters abroad are mobilizing resources to establish factories at home to complement the state government’s efforts in infrastructure and security.
Speaking during the meeting, a notable stakeholder and former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, commended Governor Otti for what he described as swift and effective governance.

He said the current administration has achieved in two years what previous governments failed to accomplish in over two decades, citing improvements in civil service efficiency and the seamless processing of land titles.

The ACIU delegation was led by Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah and included Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa; Rtn. George Ezikpe Okiyi, 1st Vice President; Hon. Nmaju Ukaku Ojebe, 3rd Vice President; Adaena Saint Racheal Ngozi Mang, General Secretary; Jimmy Anyanso Ireke, Assistant General Secretary; Hon. Okoro Okeke, General Treasurer; Mr. Dike Agwu Uche, Financial Secretary; and Elder Ogburu Eni Kalu, Ex-Officio.

Others were Prince Nwabueze Ndukwo Ogbuewu, President of ACIU Aba Branch; Chief Frank Ojah, Vice President, ACIU Aba Branch; Arc. Ndukwe Iwo Ndukwe, former General President; High Chief Sunny Obasi, President, ACIU Europe; Mr. Olere Ogbu Olere, former Secretary, ACIU Germany; Adaena Ukanwa Onuma, former Interim General Secretary; as well as Chief Eme Kalu Eku and Chief Shaka Obasi, stakeholders.