“GOD HAS SENT A MESSIAH TO DELIVER ABIA” — APOSTLE CHIBUZOR CHINYERE HAILS GOV. ALEX OTTI AS HE PERFORMS GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR ABIA STATE DUCT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

…as Eze Chibuzor Reveals Why He Stopped Coming to Abia State

Abia State witnessed another milestone in her march toward digital transformation as Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, performed the groundbreaking ceremony of the West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) Abia State DUCT Infrastructure Project, a landmark initiative designed to revolutionize broadband access, digital communication, and technology-driven governance in the state.

The event, held at the Aba Town Hall Centre in Aba South Local Government council Headquarters, Aba, symbolized a defining step in Governor Otti’s vision to make Abia a smart, connected, and digitally empowered state.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Otti, in his speech titled “Taking Tomorrow,” said the project reflects his administration’s unwavering commitment to modernizing the state’s technological infrastructure and ensuring every part of Abia benefits from reliable broadband connectivity.

He explained that the WIOCC DUCT Infrastructure Project aims to build an interconnected underground duct system that will support high-speed broadband technology, strengthen digital service delivery, and expand network access for residents, institutions, and businesses across the state.

Governor Otti stated that the initiative will drive the state’s transition from manual paperwork to a digitally integrated governance structure, enabling seamless communication among students, teachers, health professionals, civil servants, and the general public.

“The DUCT Infrastructure Project will form the backbone of Abia’s digital economy, accelerate enterprise innovation, and create opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing across geographical boundaries,” he said.

The Governor emphasized that technology remains a key enabler of growth, especially in education, healthcare, civil service efficiency, security, and social welfare. He further revealed that the project is expected to generate over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, fostering youth employment and entrepreneurship.

“While the project will begin with the urban centres, my assurance is that no community will be left behind.

“Our target is that over the next 12 to 18 months, we shall see a dramatic rise in the number of homes, schools, offices, and institutions connected to the broadband superhighway that runs on the DUCT fiber infrastructure we are laying the foundation today.

“The successful delivery of this project, as we have seen in other places, will attract the interest of big players in the global tech ecosystem to the State,” Governor Otti said.

In his remarks, Engr. David Kalu, Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovations, said the event represents the continuation of a “revolution of transformation, innovation, and bold leadership” under Governor Otti. He described the ongoing reforms as a renaissance in governance, ushering in a new era of technological advancement.

Also speaking, Dr. Ayotunde Coker, the Managing Director of WIOCC, said the company has been active in building digital infrastructure across Africa for the past 18 years and expressed delight in partnering with Abia. He praised Governor Otti’s leadership, saying the project will bring economic growth to every part of the state while breaking barriers and building a stronger technological future.

Delivering a powerful goodwill message, Eze Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), described Governor Alex Otti as “a Messiah sent by God Almighty to deliver Abia from ruins.”

“I have cried to God, not only me, all of us have cried to God that we needed a Messiah… And God remembered Abia State and sent us a Messiah.

“I stopped coming to Abia State for a very long time because everywhere was dirty, they spoiled my car… I’m telling you, you can see what’s happening now. By the grace of God, people will be relocating back to Abia,” Apostle Chibuzor declared.

Similarly, the representative of Nokia-Siemens, Mr. Mike Okpechimeh, applauded Governor Otti for his visionary leadership and described the DUCT project as a catalyst for digital inclusion and socio-economic transformation.

The ceremony attracted top dignitaries, including members of the Abia State House of Assembly, the State Executive Council, the Executive Chairman of Aba North Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke and his Aba South counterpart, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, top government officials, traditional rulers, the Aba business community, political pro-groups and several development partners who hailed the Governor’s visionary pursuit of a digital-first Abia.

With the WIOCC DUCT Infrastructure Project now in motion, Abia State under Governor Alex Otti stands on the threshold of becoming the digital capital of the South-East, a model of innovation, and a beacon of modern governance dr iven by technology and transparency.