”Light up Abia initiative” illuminates ‘God’s Own State’ for the New Beginning
The coming to office of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as Governor of Abia state is an answer to the cry for a change in the negative narrative which left the state in dark despair for over two decades. Illumination precedes development for so it has been from creation to present day. It is then indeed not surprising that one of the first initiatives of the current government is to light up the state in a bid to dispel darkness for development to flourish.
It is now a common sight for the streets of Umuahia the capital city of Abia, Aba the commercial hub of the state, Ohafia and key government establishments to come alight with high powered street lights at night in a significant departure from what it was in the past when darkness pervaded the streets and roads of Abia painting a picture of neglect; abandonment of a critical public utility spanning three administrations.
The ‘Light up Abia Initiative’ a concept of Dr. Alex Chioma Ottis government aims to inspire economic growth by extending the duration of business operations beyond the traditional daylight hours which the society has become so accustomed to but limiting in many ways bearing in mind that the big economies of the world have evolved a 24 hour-round the clock commercial operation accommodating trade, commerce and investment any moment of the – day or night.
The initiative which is domiciled within the operations of the state Ministry of Power and Public utilities commenced with the installation of high intensity solar street lights beginning from Aba and Umuahia, instantly changing the face and perception of the two major cities in Abia. Residents of Aba who never had it so good, connected immediately with this wonderful initiative of Dr. Ottis administration.
Owing to the commercial disposition of Aba dwellers who long before now wished they could continue their business transactions beyond the traditional hours, testify that the extensive installation of street lights across the length and breath of the city has impacted positively on their businesses and social life further expanding the economy of Enyinmba city.
Traders now operate business transactions well into the night without any fear of being attacked by night marauders because everywhere is lit up; a situation which aids security because hoodlums often prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. For long, the fear of hoodlums became a constant companion of traders and business operators in Aba thereby limiting the duration and by extension scope of their commercial ventures.
Event centres and relaxation spots are booming in the commercial city and Umuahia as direct beneficiaries of the ‘Light up Abia Initiative’. Patrons now relax to enjoy the fruits of their sweet under bright solar street lights provided by Abia government for the benefit of Abians and visitors alike.
Security agents also testify that these new installations have significantly impacted their operations because neighbourhoods hitherto inaccessible particularly at night have become open for security vehicles and men to move into; able to view nooks and crannies, street corners and alleyways which were before now no go areas for Police men. They are now able to maintain law and order thanks to the ‘Light up Abia Initiative’ of Gov. Alex Chioma Otti.
Abians not used to having street lights adorn their neighbourhoods have also testified that this is a new day of living in Abia state because pervasive darkness which was the norm before now has suddenly vanished as the ‘Light up Abia’ trend takes hold of city streets in Aba, Umuahia, Ohafia, the state university town Uturu, major institutions and counting.
At the last count, over 4,500 high intensity solar powered Street lights has been installed in 74 locations spread across the state through the the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities ably led by Engr. Ikechukwu Monday as commissioner. This amiable gentleman and professional has imbibed the notion of service as projected by Gov. Otti in leading his men to work day and night to ensure that all of Abia comes ‘alight’ under this initiative to birth change in a new society.
The street lights have been timed to light up once the sun goes down without fail daily because the state government has deployed the latest solar light technology in implementing the ‘Light up Abia Initiative’. Manufacturers of the street lights offer a two-year guarantee on equipment performance and utility which means the lights will function for a least two years non stop before requiring servicing.
The glowing positive results from this one of a kind initiative are visible for all to see and appreciate though some men of dishonest intent remain adamant in self deceit never able owing to a blinded, blighted mind to see change or anything different in present day Abia. Yet they caused the rot which threw Abia into darkness out of which Gov. Otti is painstakingly and methodically digging the state out off.
In Gov. Otti, Abians have seen the light and will never turn back to darkness for light illuminates and gives direction while anyone gropping in darkness is doomed to fall into a pit. From interactions with Abians who are the direct beneficiaries of the light up Abia scheme, they admit that it is an uncommon feat for a governor to succeed in lighting up the two major cities of Aba and Umuahia within one year of coming to office, extending the project to other significant towns, areas and institutions of the state.
The ‘Light Up Abia Initiative’ has birthed positive fruits beyond the shores of the state as it has attracted the attention of the European Union.The EU has committed to sponsor a power improvement scheme tagged “Nigeria solar for health project”. This EU initiative is targeted at 5 States in the country with Abia selected as one of the beneficiaries.
The scheme will provide solar power for state owned health institutions with a counterpart funding structure of 70/30 ratio between the European Union and the state government. The ‘Nigeria Solar for Health Initiative’ will also serve small scale business clusters within the radius of the benefiting health institutions.
Getting the attention of a foreign leadership institution as notable as the European Union is no mean feat so much so for a subnational such as Abia which had before the coming of Dr. Alex Otti been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The is proof positive that efforts by the current administration to revamp every sector in the state is under scrutiny and also receiving rave reviews.
The “light up Abia Initiative” is one of the hallmarks of the New Abia midwifed by Governor Alex Chioma Otti and it is embraced by Abians and all men of goodwill who have given an unalloyed support to the vision and direction of the state chief executive.
The Good times are hear again under the tutelage of the Governor dubbed ‘Chioma Abia’. It’s a new dawn in God’s Own State.
By Chukwuma Elvis, Public Affairs Commentator. ’