In an exclusive interview with THE WHISTLER during his visit to Chief James Ume of Unubiko Foundation, Governor Dr. Alex Otti reveals his active involvement in shaping Abia State’s 2024 budget, signaling a commitment to elevate the lives of the people in the years to come.
Just a week after Chief Ume handed over the newly reconstructed Onyerubi Comprehensive Secondary School, Ndi Oji Abam, Governor Otti discusses his budget priorities—healthcare, infrastructure, and the overall economic landscape of Abia state.
Having signed the N567.2bn 2024 appropriation bill on December 28, 2023, Otti addresses concerns about the budget’s ambitious nature, stating, “Abia has been underdeveloped; we want to dig out from the pit and build up.” Approximately N400bn of the budget will be financed through local and external borrowings, aiming to propel the state towards its untapped potential.
Critics have labeled the budget a ‘wild goose chase,’ but Otti responds confidently, emphasizing that Abia has the necessary resources. With an estimated N166bn in revenue, sourced from multilateral grants, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Nigerian government allocations, and other income streams, Otti outlines the strategic allocation of 84% to capital expenditure and 16% to recurrent expenditure.
During the visit, Governor Otti engages with the council of elders in Atan Abam, celebrating the annual ‘ekpe’ masquerade on January 3, 2024. Otti commends the council for preserving the cultural heritage and expresses his administration’s commitment to harnessing tourism as a fertile sector.
As Abia sets its sights on a transformative 2024, Otti’s leadership aims to propel the state to new heights, emphasizing a strategic budget that addresses critical sectors and lays the foundation for sustainable growth.
