NEWS
“EVERYBODY WHO LIVES HERE IS FROM HERE” — GOV. ALEX OTTI REAFFIRMS INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE, ASSURES FEDERAL INFORMATION CENTRE OF SUPPORT, DIRECTS SEARCH FOR SUITABLE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION
The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has assured the Federal Information Centre in Abia State of his administration’s readiness to address its office accommodation challenge, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening collaboration between the State Government and Federal institutions operating in the state.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, led a delegation from the Ministry on a courtesy visit to the Governor at his office.
The Governor’s assurance underscores his administration’s inclusive approach to governance, its commitment to effective intergovernmental relations, and its determination to ensure that public institutions operating in Abia have the necessary support to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Otti reiterated that his administration came into office with a clear mission to transform Abia through infrastructural renewal, improved governance and policies designed to restore dignity to the people.
He expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for its role in communicating the state’s development initiatives and achievements to Nigerians and audiences beyond the country’s borders.
“We came to change the Abia story, and bring dignity to our people in terms of infrastructural renewal and, of course, governance.
“So, I am glad that the world is noticing our modest efforts, and I would like to thank you for your support.
“We also want to assure you that your request, which you have committed to writing, will be favourably considered,“ Governor Otti stated.
The Governor emphasised that his administration does not discriminate between Federal and State institutions, explaining that government policies and development projects ultimately exist to improve the lives of the people, regardless of the level of government responsible for their implementation.
“We don’t discriminate between Federal agencies and State agencies. Neither do we discriminate between Federal projects and State projects because, at the end of the day, the beneficiaries are the people living in the State,“ Governor Otti said.
He further reinforced his administration’s philosophy of inclusiveness, maintaining that everyone residing in Abia should enjoy a sense of belonging and benefit from the opportunities and protections available within the state.
“We also do not have non-indigenes. The policy does not work here. Everybody who lives here is from here, and that is the way it should be,“ the Governor added.
In a practical demonstration of his administration’s commitment to resolving the accommodation challenge, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, to work with the relevant authorities to identify a suitable office facility for the Federal Information Centre.
The Governor noted that Dr. Ukaire had offered useful suggestions regarding possible locations, expressing optimism that the matter could be addressed through the appropriate government channels.
Governor Otti also pointed to previous interventions by his administration in Federal institutions across Abia State as evidence of its willingness to support projects and facilities that serve the public interest.
Among the examples he cited were interventions at the Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance, Owerrinta, where projects were recently commissioned, and the Nigerian Air Force facility in Abia State, which the State Government acquired, renovated and equipped.
These interventions, according to the Governor’s position, reflect an understanding that effective governance requires cooperation across institutional boundaries, particularly where public infrastructure, security, service delivery and national development are concerned.
Governor Otti also congratulated Dr. Ukaire on her appointment as Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, describing her as a daughter of Abia State and assuring her of the state government’s goodwill and support in the discharge of her responsibilities.
Earlier, Dr. Ukaire commended Governor Otti for what she described as significant strides in the state’s development, particularly in public sector reforms, infrastructure renewal, road construction, environmental management, healthcare delivery, education, workers’ welfare, pension obligations and public financial management.
She highlighted several initiatives of the Otti administration, including the Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal and the introduction of electric buses, describing them as notable features of the government’s efforts to improve public transportation and advance its development agenda.
The Federal Permanent Secretary also praised the cordial working relationship between the Abia State Government and the Federal Information Centre, particularly the Centre’s participation in Government House Press Corps activities and coverage of government programmes.
She explained that the collaboration provides the Centre with opportunities to document and disseminate information about the state’s policies, programmes and development achievements to audiences across Nigeria and beyond through the Federal Ministry’s official information platforms.
According to her, the partnership has helped strengthen communication between the state government and the wider public, while providing a channel through which information about ongoing government activities can reach a broader national audience.
Dr. Ukaire expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for the goodwill extended to her following her appointment as Permanent Secretary, representing the South-East geopolitical zone, describing the appointment as a significant milestone in her federal public service career and an opportunity to contribute to national development.
However, she drew the Governor’s attention to the accommodation difficulties confronting the Federal Information Centre in Abia State, explaining that the absence of a suitable office facility affects the operational efficiency of its personnel and the effective discharge of their duties.
She appealed to the State Government to assist the Centre by allocating a suitable government-owned facility, providing available office space or considering another feasible arrangement that would enable the organisation to operate in a more conducive environment.
Dr. Ukaire assured the Governor that the Centre would remain committed to accurate, timely, impartial and responsible information dissemination, public enlightenment, national unity and effective communication of government policies and development initiatives in the public interest.
The visit highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between the Federal Government and the Abia State Government in promoting public information, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that government policies and development programmes are effectively communicated to citizens.
The Federal Permanent Secretary was accompanied on the visit by the Head of the Federal Information Centre, Mrs. Gloria Abiakam.
Abia State Government officials present included the honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; media aides to the Governor; and the Permanent S
ecretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu.