Governor Otti’s Efforts to Address Years of Ukwa Neglect
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Abia State’s journey to redemption began on May 29, 2023, when Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR took the reins, marking the end of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 24-year rule. The PDP’s tenure was marred by mismanagement, looting, and neglect of critical areas, particularly Ukwa and its people. For nearly two and a half decades, the PDP’s administration prioritized personal interests over the welfare of the people, leaving a trail of devastation and despair in its wake.
Ukwa West’s contribution to Abia’s status as an oil-producing state is undeniable, with its rich deposits of crude oil and gas. However, the community’s basic needs, such as motorable roads, electricity, and good drinking water, have been consistently ignored. The youths of Ukwa were abandoned, and the 13% oil derivation was diverted, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and neglect. This blatant disregard for the community’s well-being is a stark reminder of the PDP’s failures and the need for a new era of leadership.
The Abia State Oil Producing and Development Commission (ASOPADEC) was supposed to cushion the effects of oil degradation in Ukwa, but instead, it became a hub of corruption and looting. The commission’s failure to deliver critical intervention programs exacerbated the community’s suffering. Rather than addressing the pressing needs of Ukwa, ASOPADEC’s leadership was embroiled in a web of corruption, diverting funds meant for development projects into personal coffers.
With Governor Otti at the helm, the tide is turning. He has begun repositioning ASOPADEC, bringing hope to the people of Ukwa. The governor’s strategic plan to position Ukwa on the global map of oil and gas, and petrochemical industry, through the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), is a significant step forward. This visionary project has the potential to transform Ukwa into a hub of economic activity, creating jobs, stimulating growth, and improving the overall quality of life for the community.
Governor Otti’s commitment to Ukwa’s development is evident in his actions. He has flagged off the reconstruction of the 11.1-kilometer Obehie-Umudobia-Owaza road, promising completion within a year. This project will not only improve access to Ukwa but also boost the marketability and viability of the AIIP. The governor’s declaration that the era of neglecting Ukwa is over is a welcome relief. His administration’s collaboration with agencies like ASOPADEC, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and other interventionist establishments will help restore the years lost to poor leadership.
In addition to these efforts, Governor Otti has also taken steps to address the environmental concerns in Ukwa. He recently intervened in a dispute between the host community and Inner Galaxy, a Chinese company operating in the area, over allegations of pollution and neglect. The governor directed the company to evolve initiatives that can contribute positively to the socio-economic growth of the host communities and the state.
As Governor Otti works to transform Abia State, the people of Ukwa are beginning to reap the benefits of his vision. With the reconstruction of critical infrastructure, the provision of basic amenities, and the strategic positioning of Ukwa in the oil and gas industry, a brighter future is unfolding for the people. The governor’s efforts to address the historical injustices perpetrated against Ukwa are a testament to his commitment to justice, equity, and fairness.
As the people of Ukwa look to the future with hope and optimism, it is clear that Governor Otti’s administration is on the right path, and the years of neglect and abandonment are slowly but surely becoming a distant memory. With his visionary leadership and commitment to justice and equity, Governor Otti is poised to transform Ukwa and Abia State as a whole, ushering in a new era of prosperity and development.
The successful completion of these projects will not only transform the lives of the people of Ukwa but also serve as a model for sustainable development in other oil-producing communities in Nigeria. As Governor Otti continues to work tirelessly to address the years of neglect and abandonment in Ukwa, his administration’s efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy of progress and development in Abia State.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.