2026 in the light of Ottis’ Development Master Plan, appropriation and consolidation
By Chukwuma Elvis
A critical review of development across the world and in every society throws up one fact, which is that the process leading to advancement of the human course cannot be attained without a thoughtful development plan and it’s diligent implementation.
Strategic development gives no room for haphazardness – hoping that society will move forward without intentionality in drawing up a development process which captures future expectations and aspirations wholistically.
Advanced societies and nation states in today’s world which have become reference points in every aspect of human endeavor always had a projection captured in development plans made to look into the future with clarity on the direction of desired growth and the quality of life intended for persons who are and continue to exist in such places.
Even non members or citizens of referenced advanced societies are captured and factored into development plans. Those visiting or migrating to Europe, America, Japan, China, most of South East Asia will always testify that these societies have thought out their development trajectory long ago and have been diligent to enforce their master plans for the greater good of all including visitors and foreigners.
Nigeria witnessed rapid infrastructural growth right after the civil war owing to the National development plan articulated by the General Yakubu Gowon military government right after the declaration of the “no victor, no vanquished” verdict. The government at that time realized that the stagnation and economic fracture witnessed as a result of war can only be reversed through a carefully articulated development master for the Nation.
This led to Nigerians development plan starting from 1970 – 1974 which paved the way for massive construction of infrastructure – Federal highways stretching hundreds of kilometers, bridges, sports and recreational facilities – many of which are still in use today, forming a significant part of our National assets.
The Marshall plan drawn up by the United States and its allies at the end of the second world war for the redevelopment of Europe following the devastation caused by the conflict is credited with propelling Europe into the modern age through unprecedented infrastructural and economic advancement.
ABIA STATE
The administration of Dr. Alex Otti has prepared a 25year development master plan for Abia. This plan is articulated to push development on all fronts and to unlock the vast potentials of the state – beyond the life of the incumbent administration.
The plan will chart a deliberate and intentional plan of development for the state structured on six key pillars. At the unveiling of the 25 years Development plan, Gov Alex Otti noted that this plan aims to map the future going forward with intended outcomes. This is predicated on the maxim that ‘He who fails to plan has already planned to fail”.
The development plan is anchored on a firm legislative foundation to avoid the side stepping of provisions of this outstanding development plan, already in operation by any future government who may be motivated by parochial interest after the initiators of the plan must have left office.
Intentionally, the 2026 budget which for the first time in the history of Abia surpassed the one Thrilion naira mark reflects the projections of the 25 year development plan. Subsequent budgets will continue to follow the broad outline in the development plan to ensure coordination in the year-on-year economic growth of the state.
The Abia master plan will ensure strict budget compliance targeting a high percentage performance of the yearly appropriation plan which will usher in a departure from previous experiences of consistent poor budget performance, detrimental to the much anticipated economic growth for the state.
Priority is on education and healthcare in the 2026 budget. This follows from 2024 and 2025 leading up to the massive transformation currently being witnessed in both sectors – in primary healthcare and in basic/secondary education. Of course the tertiary institutions of the state have not been left out with full accreditation being restored to the state medical school, Ogbonnaya Onu polytechnic and the Abia state college of Education Technical. The extensive renovation of infrastructure at the state owned university and college of Education testifies to the future focused plan of Gov. Otti codified in the development master plan to catapult Abia out of persistent underdevelopment.
All of these attainments across sectors as captured in both previous and current annual budgets is enshrined in the 25year development plan of the state as envisioned by Gov. Otti. Thus the development trajectory of the state will be devoid of hiccups even in the face of a change of government because the document, which has become law makes it binding on whoever comes to power after the current administration to follow through on its provisions with the focus on development across sectors.
The 25year Development Plan which has been tagged “Building resilience, Driving Innovation,Safe Guarding our Future” aims at quickly closing the socio-economic deficit in Abia. By 2050 this development plan will ensure that the State will become a beacon of prosperity, innovation and inclusivity.
The implementation of this plan of both ambition and prudence is calibrated in four phases. Phase 1 from 2025 will seek to implement quick wins to build confidence, public trust and momentum. The government of Gov. Otti has gained massive public trust, checking off already on this objective. Phase 2 which runs from 2026 to 2031 will focus on strengthening the economic and investment base in the state while phase 3 from 2032 to 2041 will be the window for thriving sustainability and building systemic resilience. Phase 4 will seek to future proof development for generations yet to be born.
Abia is on the trajectory of development while making adjustments going forward, held steady by a purposeful plan which is in place as a sure guide to keep on course to the desired destination.
The administration remains focused and will not be distracted by those soon to be retired permanently from politics. Had they a pinch of integrity, they would have by now retired themselves from partisan politics.
We make bold to say that Abia is on the right trajectory which secures the future of all Abians.
Posterity will judge Dr. Alex Chioma Otti very kindly.
Chukwuma Elvis is a Journalist and public affairs analyst in Umuahia