The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing community concerns and sustaining infrastructure development during a solidarity visit by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women’s Wing, Ohafia Local Government Area Chapter.

Emetu gave the assurance at his residence in Ohafia during the visit, which was led by Mrs. Ngozi Onyema Agbai and included women representing the three clans in the local government area.

Speaking during the meeting, the leaders of the three clans—Mrs. Patience Kalu of Abiriba, Mrs. Uzunma Kalu Mba of Nkporo, and Mrs. Orie Agwu Kalu of Ohafia—commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for his administration’s interventions in road construction, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and recruitment of teachers.

The women also expressed appreciation to the Governor for appointing former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, as Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Labour Party State Campaign Council.

However, they appealed to the government to address the growing problem of drug abuse among young people, deploy additional teachers to schools in Ohafia, clear outstanding salary arrears owed to some Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) staff, and accelerate the construction of major roads across the area.

Responding, Emetu thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them that their concerns would be presented to the appropriate authorities for attention.

He expressed confidence in Governor Otti’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to the people, stating that the administration had demonstrated consistency in delivering on its commitments.

“At a point in a man’s life, the word of his mouth becomes more authentic than his signature. That is the case with our dependable Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR,” the Deputy Governor said.

On the outstanding salary arrears owed to some SEMB employees, Emetu acknowledged the concerns raised by the women and said the situation was inconsistent with the character of the current administration. He assured them that he would present the matter for appropriate attention.

The Deputy Governor also disclosed that the state government had settled more than 80 per cent of over ₦151 billion in inherited debts.

He further explained that gratuities for eligible retirees covering the period from 2001 to 2010 had been paid. According to him, the next phase would prioritise the next of kin of deceased beneficiaries within the same period before the government proceeds to another category.

Addressing road infrastructure, Emetu revealed that several roads in Ohafia Local Government Area had been captured in the 2027 budget. They include the Nkwebi–Abiriba Road and the Nkporo–Oso Road, which connects Abia and Ebonyi States, among other projects.

The Deputy Governor also called on the women to mobilise support at the grassroots ahead of the 2027 general elections and support Labour Party candidates contesting positions in the National Assembly, the governorship and the Abia State House of Assembly.

“I need the full support of every mother and every woman in Ohafia LGA in making sure that all Labour Party candidates are voted for massively come 2027,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Ngozi Onyema Agbai, praised Emetu for his humanitarian disposition and contributions to community development.

She particularly highlighted the provision of potable water, construction of modern toilet facilities and other projects benefiting communities across the area.

Agbai pledged the continued support of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Women’s Wing, Ohafia LGA Chapter, for the Otti-led administration and promised to mobilise women across the local government area in support of Labour Party candidates in the 2027 elections.