Maduako Igbokwe I Tuesday, April 01, 2025
UMUAHIA, Abia – The leadership of Uturu Ancient Kingdom recently visited the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Government House in Umuahia, where they praised his exemplary leadership qualities.
During the visit, they expressed their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the governor for the significant strides he has made in the governance of the state since assuming office in 2023.
They also demanded for immediate intervention towards bringing positive development in the town , especially in the area of electricity supply, road constructions and others.
Dr. Chidi Mba, who led the delegation, along with Mazi Titus Eleweke, the Secretary of the Uturu Development Association of Nigeria (UDAN), jointly signed a statement submitted to the governor during the courtesy visit.
In the statement, the Uturu leadership expressed their satisfaction with Dr. Otti’s remarkable leadership in steering the state’s governance.
“Your administration has demonstrated exceptional commitment to development, especially in the Uturu community, which stands as a testament to your dedication to equitable governance,” the statement read.
It went on to highlight that Dr. Otti’s administration has done more for Uturu than any other in recent history. The community noted his attention to their welfare, particularly the appointment of one of their daughters as Permanent Secretary, a significant milestone for the community. They expressed their deep appreciation for the transformation in the education sector, especially the revitalization of Abia State University (ABSU), which had previously suffered under prior administrations.
“Your record speaks for itself: You are the first governor to allocate 20 percent of the state’s 2024 and 2025 budgets to education—an unprecedented move that underscores your commitment to the future of our children,” the statement added.
The Uturu leadership also commended the creation of the Directorate of University and Community Relations and Social Corporate Responsibility, headed by one of their own as the pioneer Director. This initiative reflects a clear understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the university and the surrounding community.
However, Uturu Town made a few requests during the visit. They appealed to the governor to provide a vehicle for the Directorate of University and Community Relations, with the name of the directorate prominently displayed, so that its importance could be recognized by the wider public.
Furthermore, Uturu requested the governor’s intervention in connecting the town to the national electricity grid. The statement pointed out that the community has been without electricity for over 15 years, a situation that has hindered its progress.
“We believe that access to reliable electricity will not only enhance our community’s well-being but also position Uturu as a key driver of economic growth for Abia State,” the statement emphasized.
The leadership went on to inform the governor that they had already secured approval from the Federal Government’s Electricity Commission to connect Uturu to the national grid. They also mentioned receiving a favorable response from the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and had formally written to the state government as required by the Federal Government. However, they had yet to receive a response from the state government and sought the governor’s intervention in expediting this critical project.
Uturu leadership requested that the electrification of Abia State University be extended to the town to further accelerate its development, which is already benefiting from the governor’s transformative leadership.
“Uturu is home to two universities, numerous companies, including asphalt companies and the Masters Group, as well as international schools such as Marist Comprehensive and Juniorate. These institutions require a steady supply of electricity to function optimally and contribute to the state’s economic growth,” the statement noted.
The leadership of Uturu also pointed out the lack of road infrastructure in their community, despite neighboring Isuikwuato benefiting from well-paved and asphalted roads. They appealed for the governor to address the pressing need for road construction and other essential amenities to improve the quality of life in Uturu.
“Your Excellency, we are fully aware of the tremendous work you are doing to transform Abia State, and we wholeheartedly support your efforts. We are confident that, under your leadership, Abia State will continue to thrive and reach new heights,” the statement concluded, expressing hope that their appeals would receive the governor’s consideration and support.
Receiving the Uturu delegation on behalf of the governor, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Head of Protocol at the Government House, commended the Uturu leadership for the visit. He expressed his pleasure in meeting them and assured that he would convey their message and requests to the governor.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chidi Mba, the President of UDAN, expressed his gratitude to Dr. Uche Ogah for facilitating the visit and providing the necessary logistics.
