Abia Governor to Sign ₦750 Billion 2025 Budget Today

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is set to sign the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law today, December 27, marking a significant milestone in his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

Speaking during the 2024 Aro Day celebration at the Aro Civic Centre in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Otti disclosed that the ₦750 billion budget prioritizes education and healthcare, allocating 20% and 15%, respectively, to these sectors.

“The budget I’m about to sign has allocated 20% to education and 15% to healthcare,” he stated, underscoring his administration’s focus on creating a supportive environment for Abia residents to thrive.

The governor highlighted his government’s approach to governance, emphasizing empowerment over handouts. “One unique thing about the Igbos is that even if they are hungry, they don’t go to beg for food but instead ask to be given something to do so they can work and make a living,” he said.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ongoing infrastructure and educational projects. He mentioned the ongoing construction of the Ohafia-Ututu-Ihechiowa-Arochukwu road, as well as renovations of schools and general hospitals across the state.

“About a year ago, I promised that development would touch every part of Abia State. Work is ongoing on key roads and public schools. In our dictionary, there is no abandoned project,” he declared.

The governor announced a new compensation package for teachers, set to take effect in 2025. “From the year 2025, teachers will receive a discriminatory compensation package. For example, if a teacher was earning ₦20,000 before, they will now earn ₦50,000,” Otti said, drawing applause from the audience.

The governor also outlined plans for retrofitting 200 of the state’s 948 Primary Health Centers, with the remaining 748 scheduled for renovation. Additionally, all 22 General Hospitals in the state are undergoing upgrades.

Governor Otti thanked the people of Arochukwu for their support and commended Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, the 9th Eze Aro, for his exemplary leadership.

With the signing of the 2025 budget, the governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver the dividends of democracy to every corner of Abia State.