Gov. Otti: “We are here to solve problems.”
Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commissioned a 5 MVA power station upgraded and refurbished from 2.5 MVA capacity, 3 retrofitted hostels – A, B & C, and performed the foundation laying ceremony of the 5,000 bed capacity female hostel, 5,000 bed capacity male hostel, faculties of Agriculture and Law buildings in Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) and 1.8 Internal Road Project.
Performing the ceremonies which were parts of the activities marking the 30th – 32nd combined convocation ceremony of ABSU on Friday, March 27th, Governor Alex Otti said that the essence of the government is to solve problems.
The Governor noted that the power station is a promise fulfilled, disclosing that he had signed a contract for a dedicated line for Abia State University that would not only serve the university, but also serve Uturu and adjoining communities.
“This is a promise fulfilled. The last time I came here, I gave instructions. That whatever it takes, we must connect Abia State University to the grid, until the time we will take them out of the grid.
“I think the capacity of that line is about 15 megawatts. So, I believe that work will start on that very soon. It is going to be a gas turbine, but with improvement and upgrading to renewable energy in due course. That’s a longer term project,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor noted that the faculty of law has already started making progress in terms of construction, “and from today, the faculty of Agriculture will catch up with the faculty of law.
“I want to reiterate that it makes more sense for all the campuses to be here in Uturu. It is important that everybody is in Uturu, except Abia State University, Teaching Hospital, Aba,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Alex Otti noted that the retrofitted hostels A, B and C, which were done by his administration was aimed at improving living conditions for the students and enhance the learning environment as well as attract better academic excellence.
He said that he had directed the upgrade of facilities in the institution, noting that he is glad that the project was already gaining momentum.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me start by thanking the University Authority of the Abia State University, Uturu for seeing that the directive that the government gave is being carried out,” Gov. Otti stated.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ndukwe Okeudo, thanked the Governor for the initiatives, noting that the interventions of the Governor would ease accommodation challenges and strengthen capacity at the University.
He said that it is the desire of the Governor that, before this time, the faculties of law and agriculture would have moved to Uturu and saluted the Governor’s passionate desire to see to the development of the University.
Responding on behalf of the students of Abia State University, Uturu, the President of the Students Union Government (SUG), Comrade Emmanuel Ugwuanyi thanked the Governor for all he has done for the students and presented a gift from the student to Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti.
A large number of students accompanied the Governor to commission the completed projects and flag-off new projects.
