FIRST MILITARY ADMINISTRATOR OF ABIA STATE VISITS GOV. OTTI, URGES ABIANS TO MAINTAIN A WINNING TEAM

The first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (rtd), has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the restoration of hope and purposeful governance in the state.

Air Vice Marshal Ajobena, who paid a solidarity visit to Governor Otti, said that under the current administration, Abia State has once again become a reference point for quality leadership in Nigeria.

Describing the visit as a “wonderful homecoming,” the former military administrator noted that it was his first visit to Abia in over 14 years. He explained that the visit afforded him the opportunity to personally verify the positive reports he had been hearing about the state since Governor Otti assumed office.

Drawing a biblical analogy, Ajobena said he came like the Queen of Sheba to see for himself the works he had only heard about. He added that as the founding military administrator of Abia State, he has always felt a deep sense of responsibility toward the state.

Reflecting on his time in office after assuming duty in August 1991, he recalled the infectious enthusiasm and collective determination of the people to make Abia great, regretting that the initial momentum later waned due to poor leadership.

He particularly praised the Aba Power Project, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” because of the ingenuity and industriousness of its people, which, according to him, only needed the right leadership to thrive.

Commending Governor Otti for what he termed “selfless service,” Ajobena urged him not to be discouraged by critics, noting that opposition and cynicism are inevitable in leadership.

“A lot has changed. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see,” he said.

The former military administrator called on stakeholders and critics alike to support Governor Otti, stressing that continuity is essential for sustainable development.

“You don’t change a winning team. He is doing very well. Everyone should support him to continue and complete what he has started,” Ajobena said.

In his remarks while welcoming his guest on Friday, January 16, Governor Otti expressed delight over the visit and thanked Air Vice Marshal Ajobena for his service and sacrifices to Abia State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

Governor Otti acknowledged the challenges faced by Ajobena during the formative years of the state and praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992, describing him as a true founding father.

“I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992. That foundational work was so critical. Thank you for what you did for Abia State,” the Governor said.

The Governor also explained that his administration is currently operating temporarily from its present location due to the poor condition of the Government House complex in Umuahia. He revealed that both the Governor’s Office and the Official Residence failed integrity tests and were completely demolished for reconstruction.

“We are rebuilding them, and the work is progressing very well. Very soon, we will complete the two buildings and move in,” Governor Otti stated.

He emphasized that governance is about building on the foundations laid by exemplary predecessors and that the ultimate measure of success is the happiness and well-being of the people.

“Any time governance moves away from making people happy, then the government has failed,” he said.

Governor Otti highlighted key interventions of his administration, including the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the construction of the Secretary to the State Government’s office complex, the remodeling of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House, as part of efforts to reposition Abia State and restore its lost glory.

Air Vice Marshal Ajobena was accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (rtd). Also present during the visit were the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Mereibeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; and other government officials.