In what promises to be a landmark moment for Abia State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to visit before May 29 to commission key infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba and the groundbreaking of the $1.3 billion Abia Medical City.
Governor Alex Otti shared the news Wednesday night during a media parley in Umuahia, reflecting a sense of pride and urgency as he recounted the journey that brought these projects to fruition.
“It’s been a year of laying solid foundations,” Otti said, as he announced the completion of the 6.5-kilometre Port Harcourt Road, reconstructed by Julius Berger. “Within a week, we’ll formally hand it over to the Ministry of Works.”
Awarded just after he assumed office in 2023, the road project had a two-year timeline but was completed ahead of schedule—an achievement the Governor attributes to intentional governance.
But perhaps more ambitious is the Abia Medical City, a bold $1.3 billion project that Governor Otti believes will transform the health landscape not just in Abia, but across West Africa.
Designed as a world-class medical hub, the facility aims to curb the rising tide of outbound medical tourism and generate an estimated $200 million annually for the state.
“We want our people to receive quality healthcare at home,” Otti said, adding that the President would personally perform the flag-off during his visit.
Beyond the mega projects, the Otti administration is doubling down on grassroots healthcare.
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Out of 200 primary health centres (PHCs) under renovation, 103 are already 70% complete, he revealed.
The rest, along with 900 targeted PHCs across the state, are under active rehabilitation.
The state is also bolstering its workforce, with new health worker recruitment already approved and funding secured for salaries.
Additionally, the World Bank is supporting the renovation of 68 more PHCs.
Governor Otti emphasized that health, infrastructure, and education form the tripod upon which his administration is building the “new Abia.”
“These sectors define our people’s dignity, wellbeing, and future,” he concluded, underscoring a vision that blends bold ambition with local relevance.