After Over 5 Years In Darkness, Governor Alex Otti To Address Blackout In Ohafia
The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the prolonged blackout in Ohafia Local Government Area, which has persisted for over five years.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Government also announced plans to revive the defunct Star Paper Mill in Aba.
Governor Alex Otti made these revelations on Wednesday, 12 June, during a grand civic reception organised in his honour by Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Governor Otti disclosed that the state has entered discussions with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to repurchase the Star Paper Mill, once a major industrial hub in the South-East.
“I grew up here in Aba. I know the importance of Star Paper Mill not just to Aba, but to the entire country. As we speak, the state government has made an offer to AMCON to buy back Star Paper Mill. Under our watch, Star Paper Mill will be back,” the Governor assured.
On the lingering power outage in Ohafia, Governor Otti stated that the state government is in advanced talks with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to acquire the Abia North and Umuahia ring-fence network.
He emphasised that the move is aimed at putting electricity distribution in those areas directly under state control.
“We are working very hard to ensure that the entire Ohafia Local Government begins to enjoy not just electricity, but stable electricity. We have already made an offer to EEDC and are currently in discussions to conclude the process and take full control,” he said.
The Governor, who was visibly elated by the warm reception from the Abiriba community, expressed gratitude for their solidarity and described the event as overwhelming. He thanked them for their gifts and strong relationship with his administration.
Speaking at the event, the Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Mandela Obasi, praised Governor Otti’s achievements and insisted that political affiliations should not hinder the truth.
“The Governor is doing very well. This is not a hired crowd. This is the real Abiriba people showing their love and support,” Hon. Obasi said.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Anya Oko Anya, and the President-General of ACIU, Chief Yuccee Otta Uwa, lauded the Governor’s leadership and transformational projects across the state.
They highlighted ongoing infrastructural works such as the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba road and the planned construction of Ndi Okoronta road.
Several prominent Abiriba sons and daughters, including Chief Jackson Agbai Abba (Kukunda Abiriba), Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji (Opotoyom), Chief Nwaka Inem (Enyioha), Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Ugo’Ena Abiriba), and the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ochu Kalu, all praised Governor Otti’s people-centred leadership.
They pledged their continued support for his administration beyond 2027 and vowed to ensure that his good work is not only recognised at the polls but also protected. Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, while presenting gifts on behalf of the Abiriba community, offered prayers for the Governor and his family, calling him “a leader who has wiped away the tears of Ndi Abia.”
The reception, which attracted a massive turnout of Abiriba citizens both home and abroad, also witnessed cultural performances and political declarations. Notably, prominent Abiriba politicians, including Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo (Owoblow), Chief Kalu Ume, and Chief Kalu Udeagha, announced their defection to the Labour Party in support of Governor Otti.
