We are not just building an airport, we are building an airport city–Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that his future as a second-term governor is not in his own hands but in the hands of God.

This was during a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Isiala Ngwa North and South Local Government Areas. The event was held at Okpuala Ngwa Stadium, where the Governor received full support from his Oha Ngwa community. The gathering also served as an occasion to announce him as their only choice for the 2027 governorship election.

The Governor appreciated the show of loyalty from his people. He said their support meant a lot to him and showed that they trusted his leadership. Although the endorsement was clear, Governor Otti said he would not make any formal statement about running for a second term until he had taken time to pray about it. He said he believed that the decision should be guided by divine direction and not just human plans.

Speaking about his administration’s plans for economic growth, Governor Otti pointed out the key role Aba plays in the development of the state. He said that investments in Aba are being made with the goal of raising the state’s internally generated revenue. This, he said, would give the government more financial strength to carry out major projects across all areas of the state without depending too much on federal allocation.

The Governor said that his administration is focused on practical plans that will bring lasting benefits to the people. He explained that development in Aba would also create opportunities in other areas such as job creation, business expansion, and youth empowerment. According to him, the state is working hard to make Aba a hub for business, trade, and production once again. He said this is a goal his team is seriously working to achieve by putting in place the right infrastructure.

On the subject of infrastructure, Governor Otti made it clear that his government is not only focused on one part of the state. He said the plan is to ensure that development reaches both urban and rural communities. He mentioned the Mgboko–Ntigha road project, which he said would be completed before the end of the year. The road, he said, would help improve movement between communities and open up new areas for economic activity.

Governor Otti also addressed the concerns raised by some residents about the location of the proposed Abia Airport. He said the decision to build the airport at Nsulu was not made to favour any particular area or group. According to him, the choice was based purely on technical grounds. He explained that engineers and experts studied the land and found it to be the most suitable location for the kind of project the state had in mind.

He went further to explain that the airport would not be an ordinary one. Instead, he said the plan is to build what he called an “airport city.” This will include hotels, shopping centres, and even a base for the Nigeria Air Force. He said the idea is to create a large development that will attract investors and create jobs for the people of Abia State. He added that the airport project would be a long-term investment that would continue to bring benefits to the state for years to come.

In closing, the Governor reassured the people of Abia that he remains committed to leading with fairness and sincerity. He said his government is not about making noise but about doing the work that truly makes life better for the people. He promised to stay focused on projects that bring results and not get distracted by political games. Governor Otti thanked the people again for standing by him and promised to keep doing his best in the interest of everyone in the state.

He said: “We are not just building an airport—we are building an airport city. “There will be hotels, shopping plazas, and even a Nigeria Air Force base. It’s a long-term economic project for the benefit of Abia people.”