COMMENTARY
“A lot has changed. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see.” — First Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd)
The First Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd), has commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope, confidence, and purposeful governance in the state, noting that Abia has once again emerged as a reference point for quality leadership in Nigeria.
Ajobena made the remarks during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti, where he openly expressed satisfaction with the visible transformation across the state under the current administration.
According to him, the Otti-led government has revived the original vision of Abia State and restored the optimism that greeted its creation.
Describing the visit as a “wonderful homecoming,” the former military administrator revealed that it was his first time in Abia State in over 14 years. He explained that the visit gave him the opportunity to personally verify the numerous positive reports he had consistently heard about the state’s progress under Governor Otti.
Drawing from a biblical analogy, Ajobena likened his visit to that of the Queen of Sheba, who journeyed to confirm for herself the greatness she had only heard about. He stated that as the founding military administrator of Abia State, he has always carried a deep sense of responsibility and emotional attachment to the state and its people.
Reflecting on the early days of the state following its creation in August 1991, Ajobena recalled the infectious enthusiasm and collective determination of the people to make Abia great. He regretted that the initial momentum later waned due to years of poor leadership, which stalled development and weakened public confidence.
He particularly praised the Aba Power Project, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” because of the ingenuity and industrious spirit of its people. According to him, Aba only required the right leadership and enabling environment to thrive, a gap he said Governor Otti is now deliberately addressing.
Commending Governor Otti for his “selfless service,” Ajobena urged him not to be discouraged by critics and cynics, stressing that detractors are inevitable in leadership. He insisted that the scale of visible progress across the state is evidence that Abia is on the right path.
Calling on stakeholders and critics alike, the former military administrator appealed for collective support for the Governor, emphasizing that continuity is critical for sustained development and long-term impact.
“You don’t change a winning team, he (Gov. Otti) is doing very well. Everyone should support him to continue and complete what he has started”, Ajobena said.
Welcoming his guest on Friday, January 16, in his office, Governor Alex Otti expressed delight over the visit and thanked Air Vice Marshal Ajobena for his service, sacrifice, and foundational role in the history of Abia State. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance anchored on accountability and visible impact.
Governor Otti acknowledged the challenges faced by Ajobena while governing the state during its formative years, noting that the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992 laid the groundwork upon which successive administrations are building. He described the former military administrator as a true founding father of Abia State.
The Governor noted that his administration is deliberately focused on building upon that legacy.
“I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992. That foundational work was so critical, thank you for the work you did in Abia State,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti also explained that the decision to operate temporarily from the current location was due to the poor structural condition of the Government House complex in Umuahia. He disclosed that integrity tests conducted on both the Governor’s Office and the Official Residence revealed serious structural failures, necessitating their complete demolition and reconstruction.
“We are actually rebuilding them, and it is going very well. Very soon, we will complete the two buildings and move in.” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor emphasized that governance is a continuum built on the efforts of exemplary predecessors, stressing that the ultimate measure of success is the happiness and well-being of the people.
“Anytime governance moves away from making people happy, then the government has failed,” Governor Otti disclosed.
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 building, the remodelling of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House complex. He described these projects as deliberate steps aimed at repositioning Abia State, restoring its lost glory, and rebuilding public confidence in governance.
Air Vice Marshal Ajobena was accompanied on the visit by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (Rtd). Also present were the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Mereibeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; and other top government officials who witnessed what many described as a symbolic convergence of Abia’s past and present in a sh
ared commitment to a better future.