The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, has described Governor Alex Otti as a restorer of hope, declaring that Abia State is steadily recovering its lost glory under his administration.
Emeruwa made the declaration during a grand reception organised in honour of Governor Otti by the Ngwa High School Old Boys Association at the school’s premises in Abayi, Aba.
In a statement issued to journalists at the event, the Speaker described the honour bestowed on the governor by his alma mater as well-deserved and timely, noting that it reflected the achievements recorded by the administration in education, economic development and governance.
According to Emeruwa, the transformation witnessed in the state’s education sector demonstrates the commitment of the Otti administration to restoring public confidence in government institutions.
He recalled that the education sector, previously challenged by inadequate manpower, irregular salary payments, declining enrolment and infrastructural neglect, had witnessed significant improvements, including increased student enrolment and the recruitment of thousands of teachers.
The Speaker expressed satisfaction with the performances and cultural displays by students of Ngwa High School, describing them as evidence of the positive changes taking place in the state’s education system.
Emeruwa also commended the Ngwa High School Old Boys Association for recognising Governor Otti’s leadership and contributions to the development of Abia State.
He called on members of the association and Abia residents to support the governor’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that another four-year term would enable the administration to consolidate its achievements and fully implement its development blueprint for the state.
Addressing the association’s appeal for improved medical support for its elderly members, the Speaker explained that the Abia State Senior Citizens Law, 2025, passed by the State House of Assembly, was designed to address the welfare and healthcare needs of senior citizens.
He assured the association that the government remained committed to implementing measures aimed at improving the well-being of elderly residents.
Speaking at the reception, Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the organisers for honouring him, describing the recognition from his former school as particularly significant.
The governor observed that while a prophet is often said to be without honour among his own people, receiving recognition from one’s community carries special meaning.
Otti assured the Old Boys Association that his administration would address the outstanding infrastructural projects at Ngwa High School.
He disclosed that a small committee would be constituted to examine the association’s requests, adding that the committee would meet within the week to review the projects individually and facilitate their completion.
Speaking on education reforms, the governor revealed that his administration recruited 5,394 teachers last year and recently onboarded an additional 4,075 teachers to strengthen teaching and learning across the state.
He maintained that access to quality education should not be determined by family background or socioeconomic status, stressing that every child deserves equal educational opportunities.
According to him, whether a child comes from the family of a driver or a prominent personality, the government has a responsibility to ensure equal access to education.
The governor further explained that his administration was applying the same principle of equal opportunity to healthcare delivery.
He noted that the Senior Citizens Act signed into law by his administration was intended to expand access to essential services for elderly residents, while acknowledging that more work remained to be done.
The colourful reception featured cultural performances and displays by students of Ngwa High School.
The event attracted members of the Abia State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government mayors, senior government officials, traditional rulers, academics, members of the Ngwa High School Old Boys Association, as well as staff and students of the institution.
