In the heart of Abia State, where the laughter of children should echo with promise, a somber reality once loomed over their futures. On Children’s Day in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti stood before a sea of young faces, innocent yet burdened by the consequences of past leadership failures.
As the event unfolded, an emotional weight settled on the governor. Cameras captured the defining moment, his eyes glistening, his voice breaking. In that vulnerable instance, he made a heartfelt apology that would go down in history.
“I want to use this opportunity to apologize to the children of Abia for the bad leadership we have given to you.
“We are not unaware of the difficulties you have faced directly and indirectly.
“When your parents were owed salaries and your benefactors suffered without their pensions… When roads were impassable, when everywhere was filthy and indecent, when schools crumbled, when hospitals became centers of death, those were the consequences of bad leadership.
“But today, I tell you, the storm is over. The story will be different from now on.”
Tears welled up in the eyes of many as they witnessed a governor not just acknowledging the past but making a solemn vow to change the future.
From Words to Action: The Birth of AbiaFIRST
That emotional moment was not just an apology, it was a turning point. Governor Otti immediately laid out his administration’s commitment to rewriting the narrative for Abia’s children. He declared that 20% of the state’s budget would be dedicated to education, ensuring that every child in Abia would have access to modern classrooms, science and technology laboratories, hostels, teachers’ quarters, and electronic libraries.
To further his commitment, he unveiled a bold initiative, Abia Fostering Innovation Reform School Transformation (AbiaFIRST), designed to revolutionize education in the state.
It was a promise not just spoken but acted upon.
A Present-Day Testament: The Governor’s Surprise Encounter with Schoolchildren
Months later, while en route to flag off the 12km Ngodo-Umuaku-Mbala-Nkwo Market Road, Governor Otti encountered another defining moment one that proved his vision was taking root.
As his convoy approached, schoolchildren from various public schools rushed out, their faces glowing with joy. They sang in unison, their voices rising above the road dust:
“Education is the key!”
The governor, visibly moved by their enthusiasm, stepped out and met them with a smile.
“I am happy to see all of you,” he said warmly. “I hope nobody is paying school fees?”
A resounding “No!” erupted from the children, their excitement palpable.
It was a powerful confirmation that Governor Otti’s abolition of school fees and PTA levies was not just a policy on paper, it was a reality felt in the lives of these children.
“I want you all to pay attention to your studies,” he encouraged. “Everyone must pass and pass well because I want one of you to grow up and become governor like me.”
A wave of cheers followed, and the children, now emboldened, broke into another song:
“We want to be a governor!”
Beyond the Moment: A Future Secured
But Governor Otti was not content with past achievements. As the children rejoiced, he made yet another bold declaration:
“We are recruiting 5,000 teachers, and your schools will benefit from it.”
This initiative, a key part of AbiaFIRST, is aimed at bridging the teacher-student gap, improving instructional quality, and revitalizing public education across Abia State.
As the children sang in gratitude, their voices were more than just melodies, they were a resounding endorsement of a government that truly prioritizes the future.
Governor Otti’s leadership is proving that governance is not just about infrastructure, it is about the people, the future, and the children whose dreams must be protected.
From tears on Children’s Day to joyful songs on the roadside, one truth remains evident: Abia is rising and under Governor Alex Otti, its children will rise with it.
Written By:
Prince Okey Kanu,
Hon. Commissioner For Information,
Abia State.
27-02-2025
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