Massive turnaround in Abia State

THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

According to Jack Welch: ‘Genuine leadership comes from equality of your ability to spark others to extraordinary performance’. 

This is true of Abia State, where Governor T.A. Orji has united all the sectors and sections in peaceful coexistence. For the first time, Abia is speaking with one voice, banishing the soubriquets of ‘Abuja politicians’ and ‘Talibans’. The Onyema Ugochukwus, Ike Nwachukwus, Elder Adelu, Ojo Maduekwe, Vincent Ogbulafor, to mention but a few, all drink and dine in the same banquet.

A critical scrutiny of governance in Abia will show that every quarter of the year unveils new deals and showcases projects that beef up the social indices. A few examples will suffice: roads in Abia are into a constant change for the better. 

Road construction firms have been mobilised with billions of naira for the second time to ensure that they meet up their target before the rainy season.

Construction works at the new secretariat that will accommodate some off campus ministries and the International Conference Centre with over 2,000 seating capacity are going on day and night. 

A more edifying Government House has been initiated, indicating that Governor Orji is intent on breaking away from the ugly past of dormancy, squash buckling and blowing of hot air without substance. 

Abians are enjoying an ambience of relative security as violent kidnapping and daredevil robberies that forced banks to close are now history.

Appointment of commissioners and transition chairmen went through the credible of stakeholders, political and traditional leaders, yielding ultra-filtration kind of result of high mark in educational qualification and professionalism. 

Even in the transitional council, every ward is represented: some of the founding fathers who still enjoy good health like Eze Ogo and Dr. Anagha Ezikpe are still playing roles as we draw from their rich experiences in confronting new challenges.

The wind of protests and strikes which harassed most of the states evaded Abia as the governor pays the minimum wage with some extra that makes maximum impact. 

Recently, 21 permanent secretaries were appointed, consequently injecting new blood in the job and heightening the morale, thereby dealing a deadly blow on stagnation syndrome that dampened the spirit of service and delivery.

In sports, Abia is not wanting as Eyimba is adjudged the best, as they are six-time league winners, two-time African champions and presently representing Nigeria in a continental soccer. Abia Comets have also been promoted to join Abia Warriors in the national league. 

Bursary and scholarships have also been introduced in education where primary and secondary schools are tuition-free. Structural policy reforms are in place while classrooms and new buildings are sprouting up like mushrooms by the Micah Onyebuchi-led ASUBEB. These are replete in Commerce, Agriculture, Transport and Works ministries.

Health delivery, one of the most important aspects of life, has improved with over 200 health centres dotting the medical landscape of the state. The Mecure Diagnostic Centre, a robust partnership with Indians, has witnessed an upsurge of patients from the neighbouring states of Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi and Cross River. 

The specialist hospital next door offers an array of specialist services and compares favourably with others in Abuja and Lagos, so much that professionals in the Diaspora are eager for partnership and collaboration. Just recently, dialyses centres are under construction, ready to beef up the old ones installed in 2007. 

Amachara Hospital has been upgraded with a specialist paediatric department. Right at the premises, buildings are sprouting up to house staff and doctors.

In the Commissioners Quarters at Ogurube Layout, more buildings are under construction to house more commissioners who are living off quarters. What a change and great expectations. At the national level, Abians are holding their own with favourable appointments. 

Chief Emeka Nwogu of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Finance are two time ministers, superintending strategic positions in the country. They are daily in the news and are spotlight personalities. 

Ndigbo have got some reckoning with Abia sons and daughters holding top military and para-military positions in the persons of Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, Air Vice Marshal Onyemobi, Rear Admiral Ajonu and Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma. 

The high point is that all claims can be identified in the map of Abia. Have we had it so good before? We can go on and on. Certainly, things are turning around and you know why, for this are foretold. Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 2 says that ‘when the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.’