The announcement was made on Friday, January 30, during a grand civic reception organized in honor of the governor at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. The event drew a massive crowd, with attendees filling the venue to demonstrate appreciation for Otti’s administration.
A statement released on Saturday by Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, confirmed the donation and highlighted the enthusiasm at the reception. The funds were raised collectively by stakeholders from the Ukwa La Ngwa bloc, which comprises nine local government areas in the southern part of the state.
Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the Ukwa La Ngwa Civic Reception, disclosed the contribution. He emphasized that the amount was pooled through community efforts and affirmed the group’s readiness to provide additional support if needed.
Governor Otti, visibly moved by the turnout, expressed profound gratitude to the people. “The time we came in here this afternoon, the mammoth crowd was intimidating. I want to thank all of you. Thank you for the endorsement. Thank you for the support. Thank you for the encouragement,” he said.
He reassured attendees that his administration remains people-centered, prioritizing public interest over partisan or personal gains. “One thing you can take home is that because this is your government, your interest will always come first. This is not about party or partisan celebration,” Otti added.
The governor also shared upcoming development milestones. He announced that the newly reconstructed Ovom Road would be commissioned on February 25, 2026. On the same day, the reconstruction of the historic Enyimba Hotel—slated to become a five-star international facility managed by Radisson Blu—would be flagged off.
“Our style is not to flag off and go home. We want the five-star hotel to start functioning by next year,” Otti stated, underscoring his administration’s commitment to timely project delivery and sustainable impact.
Addressing electoral participation, the governor urged residents of Aba and the broader Ukwa La Ngwa area to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He pointed out a longstanding disparity: “The number of people in Aba is ten times larger than the number of votes that come from Aba. The only way to show your strength is to get people to come out and register.”
Otti further called on communities to take ownership of security and environmental cleanliness in their neighborhoods, framing these as collective responsibilities essential for progress.
Senator Adolphus Wabara, former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who chaired the occasion, described the reception as a clear reflection of public verdict on Otti’s governance. He praised the governor’s performance, noting that visible projects across sectors had earned widespread acclaim.
Other dignitaries, including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (representing Abia South) and Darlington Nwokocha, National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP)—the party under which Otti was elected in 2023—also spoke, attributing the growing support to tangible improvements in infrastructure, security, and economic revival in Abia State.
The Ukwa La Ngwa endorsement and donation mark an early but strong signal of regional backing for Otti’s re-election. As Nigeria’s political landscape gears up for the 2027 cycles, such community-driven initiatives highlight the role of performance-based support in shaping electoral outcomes.
Governor Otti, who assumed office in May 2023 under the Labour Party banner, has focused on road rehabilitation, urban renewal in Aba, improved security, and attracting investments. His administration’s efforts have been credited with transforming Abia’s image from one of decay to emerging progress.
The civic reception, attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, youth groups, and ordinary citizens, underscored unity across ethnic and political lines in the Ukwa La Ngwa nation. Photos from the event, released by the Abia State Government, captured the large gathering and enthusiastic atmosphere at the stadium.
As preparations for 2027 intensify, the ₦100 million donation is seen as both symbolic and practical—demonstrating financial commitment from a key demographic bloc while reinforcing Otti’s narrative of people-powered governance.
