The Government and the People of Abia State

GOV. OTTI UNVEILS INSURANCE PE*******ON INITIATIVE IN ABIA, CHARGES STAKEHOLDERS TO DRIVE DESIRED OUTCOMES.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has unveiled the Insurance Pe*******on Initiative in Abia, championed by the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), aimed at taking insurance awareness and services closer to the people.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 2nd, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the unveiling of the initiative at the 2026 Chief Executive Officers' Retreat of the NCRIB, Governor Otti commended the decision to use Abia State as the project pilot. He described the retreat as a significant gathering that would help shape the future of the insurance industry in Nigeria.

Delivering a keynote address titled, "A Resilient Support System," Governor Otti challenged stakeholders in the insurance sector to take deliberate actions that would produce the results they desire for the industry.

The State Chief Executive emphasized the need for operators to embrace and deploy technology to enhance insurance services and expand access to insurance products. The Governor also urged industry leaders to leverage the stable and enabling environment in Abia State to develop innovative strategies that would deepen insurance pe*******on across Nigeria.

Governor Otti noted that increasing public awareness, building trust, and making insurance products more accessible are critical to achieving greater participation in the sector and ensuring long-term economic security for the citizens.

"The central theme of my message, however, is that we now have to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and do whatever needs to be done to drive the outcomes that we seek as stakeholders. Evidently, the only way forward is up. The good thing, however, is that the odds are now in your favour following landmark legislations that strengthen the hands of stakeholders, especially consumers, a new leadership team that is determined to change the status quo and a long list of new markets and opportunities to exploit across the country.

"The assignment for us in Umuahia is to take advantage of the serenity that the environment provides to draw up strategies that would deepen insurance pe*******on in every part of the country." Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive reiterated that his administration is ready to provide all the necessary support required to achieve the vision. He emphasized the need to develop a robust framework for implementation and called for effective information sharing among stakeholders.

"I would also want the NCRIB leadership team to explore partnership opportunities with all the public and private tertiary institutions in the State. A framework should be developed to identify the number of young insurance ambassadors that can be trained and deployed to the communities and markets in the months ahead

"People need to know what they stand to benefit by buying insurance covers for themselves, loved ones, businesses and of course, whatever possession they consider dear as we see in other parts of the world.

"The changes that we seek will not happen by mere wish. All hands have to be on deck to bring our people to a new awareness of the opportunities and protection that exist in the industry," Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti disclosed that he has directed the Abia Leadership Academy to incorporate insurance - related studies into its 2026 training programmes for young people, to enable them gain a better understanding and appreciation of insurance and its benefits.

While appreciating the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB) for selecting Abia as the pilot State for the Insurance Pe*******on Initiative and for hosting its annual retreat in the State. The Governor commended the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) for the ongoing reforms in the insurance industry. He also praised the President of the NCRIB for her dedication and leadership.

Governor Otti noted that the presence and active participation of the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM throughout the retreat underscored the Commission's commitment to providing strong institutional support for the growth and development of the insurance industry.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, stated that insurance is for everyone and emphasized that the economic strength of any nation is sustained by the resilience and stability that insurance provides.

Mr. Omosehin commended the NCRIB for choosing Abia State as the pilot state for the initiative. He noted that Aba is renowned for its industrial and entrepreneurial spirit and lauded Governor Otti for his transformative developmental strides and for creating a conducive environment for businesses s and investment in the State.

He therefore encouraged investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in Abia State and invest in the State's growing economy.

"So, I'm calling on investors across the globe to find a ready place in Abia State. The State is ready, it's mature, and the environment is right for investment.

"To this extent, the insurance industry will be behind you to provide all the necessary resilience. At the National Insurance, we are totally committed to making insurance accessible, reliable and understandable to every Nigerian," Omosehin stated.

He charged the insurers to ensure that the message of insurance to the people of the State is simple and practical as well as people-centred.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, stated that the retreat was designed to address Nigeria's low insurance coverage, particularly, within the informal sector, where insurance pe*******on remains significantly limited. She emphasized the need for urgent and innovative interventions to expand access to insurance services and deepen public awareness.

Mrs. Ezeibe explained that the 2026 CEOs Retreat, themed "Leading with Innovation," brings together insurance executives, regulators, and key industry stakeholders to examine practical strategies for strengthening leadership, enhancing collaboration, and accelerating insurance pe*******on across Nigeria.

She also commended Alex Otti for his administration's support of the insurance industry and its commitment to creating an enabling environment for economic growth, investment, and insurance development in the State.

The retreat attracted the presence of the the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Commissioners and other top government officials, stakeholders from the insurance industry among others.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
June 2nd, 2026.

A RESILIENT SUPPORT SYSTEM

Being the Text of an Address Presented by Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 CEOs Retreat of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia on Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Protocol

1. Knowledge is the foundation of enduring development; it is the cornerstone of prosperity and the hallmark of true freedom. Without the light of learning, the superiority and dominance of our specie in the order of creation would be greatly diminished. Like every treasure, knowledge is only admirable when it is shared and applied in pursuit of uplifting ideals and values. It is not for nothing that mankind, since the beginning of time, has continued to cross oceans and deserts, hills and valleys, to either share, or profit from ideas that hold great potential for improving the lots of the human population. True knowledge compels engagements, seeks channels of outflow and delights in seeing its seeds bearing greater fruits.

2. This morning, we have gathered in continuation of an ancient tradition of traveling from places far and near to share ideas, ask questions and enrich our bank of knowledge. Let me now on this note, welcome key industry players and stakeholders of the Nigerian insurance industry to our dear State capital, Umuahia, for the 2026 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Retreat. I would like to express the collective gratitude of the Government and people of Abia State to the decision-makers of the insurance industry for hosting this year’s event in Abia, God’s Own State. We are delighted for the opportunity to provide the stage for the unveiling of the next big thing in the insurance industry because I have no doubt in my mind that this event would not only bear great fruits, it would usher us into a new epoch in the evolution of the Nigerian insurance ecosystem. My confidence is not for nothing because after taking time to reflect on the interaction we had yesterday, I can say without any equivocation that the future of the industry is not only bright, it begins right here.

3. Permit me, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, to appreciate the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs Ekeoma Ezeibe, for her enduring commitment to the growth of the insurance industry over more than 3 decades of active participation, mentorship and leadership in the sector. I am particularly glad that she is leading the body of registered insurance brokers in the country at a time like this when the system is in dire need of leaders who think outside the box. Commendations are also due to other members of the management team, the league of past presidents and other officials who are here with us in Umuahia for this all-important event. Thank you for sharing in the vision of liberalising and deepening the knowledge of insurance in the country. May I alert you beforehand that the job ahead of you would be quite demanding and the reason is simple; you would be battling decades of misinformation, superstition and falsehood as you go out to engage a largely cynical population. I am, however, glad that you have started the journey nonetheless; with the passion, vision and commitment of the President and other leaders of the NCRIB, things may change much sooner than expected because no system of resistance can stand the power of a resilient team.

4. I would also like to appreciate the leadership of the National Insurance Commission for the significant reforms happening in the Nigerian insurance industry. It is particularly noteworthy that the Chief Executive Office of the Commission, Chief Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, is part of this retreat. His presence and active participation in multiple sessions point to the commitment of the Commission to offer dynamic institutional support for the accelerated growth of the insurance industry. May I also take a moment to appreciate the CEOs and principal executives of the body of registered insurance brokers participating in this retreat. Thank you for making the necessary sacrifices to be here but as I earlier mentioned, this is not a regular retreat, it is an event that would define the future of the insurance industry in the country. I am therefore glad that every major stakeholder group is fully represented as it may be difficult to compensate for the regrets of missing out.

5. I began my opening statement by pointing us to the importance of knowledge and why men and women travelled through impossible tracks to learn something new through the ages. I see this retreat as a learning encounter, an invitation to share our ideas on the future we envision for the industry as a body of advisors and support system for millions of Nigerian insurance consumers. This is a special opportunity to reflect on our attitude to the industry over the years, evaluate what we have done right and appreciate what needs to change as we begin a new epoch. At less than 1% of the size of our Gross Domestic Product, the current insurance pe*******on rate in the country does not reflect well on us as stakeholders and the implications are clear; the first is that millions of Nigerians, individuals and businesses, are missing out on the shield that insurance would normally have offered them. Beyond the vulnerability and susceptibility to all forms of risks, the present reality with respect to insurance pe*******on tells the story of an industry on life support. The more troubling part is that we are missing out on opportunities for job creation, especially for our young people, investment opportunities and other streams of benefits that a more robust insurance industry would have availed us. For context, South Africa has insurance pe*******on of 11.5% and Namibia, 7.4% of GDP. The global average is 7.3%, so Nigeria at less than 1% is not good and should be addressed.

6. To be clear, this is not an attempt to downplay the efforts you have made in over 6 decades of driving indigenous participation and leadership in the industry. I would be the first to acknowledge that you have been remarkably resilient in dealing with the ups and downs of the system through years of political and economic uncertainties. The central theme of my message, however, is that we now have to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps and do whatever needs to be done to drive the outcomes that we seek as stakeholders. Evidently, the only way forward is up. The good thing, however, is that the odds are now in your favour following landmark legislations that strengthen the hands of stakeholders, especially consumers, a new leadership team that is determined to change the status quo and a long list of new markets and opportunities to exploit across the country.

7. The assignment for us in Umuahia is to take advantage of the serenity that the environment provides to draw up strategies that would deepen insurance pe*******on in every part of the country. I am particularly glad that the new NCRIB leadership has chosen Umuahia as the pilot State for its insurance pe*******on drive. We welcome this opportunity wholeheartedly. As I told the NCRIB leadership team earlier in the year, our administration is prepared to provide every support that would be required to achieve the vision. I had since directed the President of the Abia Leadership Academy to partner fully with the NCRIB to teach short insurance courses to our young people in its 2026 training programme. I would also want the NCRIB leadership team to explore partnership opportunities with all the public and private tertiary institutions in the State, a framework should be developed to identify the number of young insurance ambassadors that can be trained and deployed to the communities and markets in the months ahead. I believe that if committed efforts are made to teach the gains of insurance, expose communities to the provisions and safety guarantees of the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act of 2025 and other important developments in the sector, the attitude and culture would ultimately begin to shift.

8. While we may blame economic difficulties for low insurance pe*******on in the country, I see limited awareness as a bigger barrier because ignorance is a brick wall, it locks one away and blinds one from seeing opportunities that are right in front of one. I would advise that dismantling the barricade of ignorance should be the first order of business in the new dispensation. People need to know what they stand to benefit by buying insurance covers for themselves, loved ones, businesses and of course, whatever possession they consider dear as we see in other parts of the world. The changes that we seek would not happen by mere wish, all hands have to be on deck to bring our people to a new awareness of the opportunities and protection that exist in the industry. As I had already hinted, this current retreat presents a perfect opportunity to develop a dynamic framework to guide us into the future.

9. I would particularly encourage us to adopt a broader outlook in the way we understand our assignment. We should not look at the industry as a closed unit but connect our strategy to align with the broader opportunities in the larger economy. Insurance has a primary responsibility of providing shield to individuals and businesses but there is more. Our people are naturally resilient; we are generally optimistic especially in business but optimism in itself is not a strategy for survival when things go south. According to multiple sources, including the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and other agencies of Government like the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), between 80% - 95% of micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the country fail within the first 5 years of launch. There could be a thousand and one explanations for this terrible failure rate but my theory is that things could have been a lot better if the businesses had the right insurance protection. As we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic or in the ongoing conflict in Iran, unanticipated, sudden developments can cause severe disruptions to businesses and oftentimes, the worst hit are those on the lower rungs of the ladder. Getting our body of urban and rural entrepreneurs and farmers to buy suitable insurance covers for themselves and their businesses would not only enable them weather the storms of unforeseen events, it guarantees that jobs are not lost and that household income sources are protected in the event of uncertainties. The same logic holds true for civil servants and informal sector workers. Beyond the industry itself, deepening insurance pe*******on is a critical economic development initiative that could leave a big dent on poverty, unemployment and other unfavourable economic indices.

10. Let me conclude by telling us that Abia is ready for the next big thing in the insurance industry; our body of stakeholders shall be waiting to receive you in the markets, chambers of commerce, schools and everywhere else you need to go. They will be on hand to provide the necessary support to drive market pe*******on in different economic ecosystems in the State. I would also recommend that you look beyond the traditional business model and instead, explore ways of mainstreaming technology. This may be a good time to make the most of new innovations in the ICT space to bring more individuals, households and businesses into the insurance net. The interesting thing is that Abia is a major market in view of the peculiarity of our economic philosophy as a community of entrepreneurs and dreamers. With the modest achievements that have been recorded on several fronts, especially infrastructure restoration and expansion, in the last few years, I am fully convinced that the market would keep growing bigger as more investors move in to take advantage of the promises of the New Abia.

11. May I now declare this retreat formally open and wish you success in your deliberations

12. Thank you and God bless you.

Abia Bus Terminal: Prof. Nnenna Oti Deserves National and International Recognition

I have decided to squeeze out a few minutes and respond to those who have either genuinely or jealously asked questions or raised objections against the well deserved naming of the Brand New Abia Bus Terminal after an erudite Scholar, Amazon and the First Frmale Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Nnannaya Oti.

Whether from the genuine or the jealous, the argument is that, Prof. Oti was just an Electoral Officer who did her job, and thus didn't need to be honoured in any way by the state.

First, let me state that, God used Prof. Otti to prevent a repeat of a historic atrocious practice that was already synonymous with Obingwa during electios. By refusing to declare a FAKE Governorship result that contained adulterated votes from Obingwa, and insited that the right thing must be done, even in the face of threats, she proved herself a rare gem.
Threats and pressure from hell were unleashed on her, but she stood her ground. She wasn't just a Returning Officer that did her job, she was an exceptional Electoral Officer who repelled terror that was brutally unleashed by anti democratic forces and went ahead to save Abia and Abians.

In 2015, a certain Returning Officer found himself in a similar situation in Abia, but he succumbed by declaring a FAKE result he had publicly cancelled earlier. Eight years later, a woman with the Heart of a Lion and the Conscience of a Newborn, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti did what a man couldn't do. Isn't this his⁠toric and deserving of a special recognition?

What Governor Otti did was not only right, apt and thoughtful, it's also globally done.

Electoral officials from around the globe are consistently recognized for their commitment to democratic excellence, transparent voting processes, and election management at the International Electoral Awards. Notable recipients of top international honors in recent years include:

1. George Erwin M. Garcia (Chairman, Commission on Elections, Philippines): Won Electoral Commissioner of the Year at the 21st International Electoral Awards.

2. Sy Mamabolo (Chief Electoral Officer, Electoral Commission of South Africa): Won Electoral Commissioner of the Year at the 20th International Electoral Awards.

3. Attahiru Jega (Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria): Awarded the Election Commissioner of the Year (2013, 2015) and the 2015 Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

4. Dean Logan (Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of Los Angeles County, California) and Thomas Hicks (Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission) were honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2024 International Electoral Awards.The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Clearie Awards: Often called the "Clearies," these awards celebrate best practices in election administration.

5. American electoral officers and election officials have been honored with monuments and public memorials.Specific examples of this immortalization include:Dorothy B. Walker: The City of Palatka in Florida approved a dedicated memorial to honor the longtime Putnam County Supervisor of Elections.Poll Workers: In 2023, there were several localized initiatives to build monuments honoring the everyday poll workers and election staff who safeguard democracy. For instance, the Octavius V. Catto Memorial in Philadelphia prominently honored a fallen poll worker who died defending voters’ rights on election day.

6. Wandrea "Shaye" Moss, a Fulton County, Georgia election worker who was jointly awarded the Profile in Courage Award for her resilience in the face of severe harassment and threats.

We would have been suprised if those who viciously and repeatedly masterminded electoral heist in Obingwa in particular and Abia as a whole over the years, and who were disarmed in 2023 through Prof. Oti and other patriots were happy that their nemesis was honoured by Governor Otti.

Through her honesty, resilience and courage, she re-wrote the history of Abia and reshaped her destiny.

She helped the state end the culture of non-payment of salary and pension.

She helped us destroy the dishonourable dichotomy of core and non-core civil servants.

She helped send touts and thugs packing and helped restore sanity and civility in Abia body polity.

She helped extricate Abia from the yoke of mediocre governance and primitive politics.

She helped revover our key institutions that were being destroyed with reckless abandon.

Of course, through her bold and honest decision, Abia has ceased to be the dirtiest state in Nigeria and also ceased to be an object of negative skit and comedy.

Prof. Nnenna Oti deserves to be recognised and celebrated nationally and internationally, because she made her self available to be used as an instrument of silent revolution.

Recognising and celebrating her is the best way to remind those who lack the sincerity, the will and the courage to discharge their duties honourably, especially in times of pressure, that, there's always a reward in doing the right thing.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
June 2, 2026

Millions of Abians are happy...

More than 90% of the population, mostly independents, believe that Governor Otti has done exceptionally well, and improved socio-economic outcomes for millions of individuals and households, from road infrastructure to education, healthcare delivery and other development indicators.

Here now are 5 reasons we must ignore the very tiny minority who persist in the folly of attempting to mislead the public, misrepresent facts and gain tiny political advantage for their notorious sponsors:

1. The view of a cynical minority does not matter in a democracy, they cannot influence outcomes and would permanently remain on the fringes; whatever they say or write cannot cook a plate of ofe egusi in a fine restaurant in Abuja.

2. They are mostly persons of zero integrity. Remember the one who literally "stole" a carton of fish until he was called out by the vendor before a community donations announcement was placed to raise the money. The question I asked at the time, why pay for a carton of fish you did not eat? Or why eat a carton of azu mangara when you cannot pay?

3. Why would you waste time with someone that a foreign security agency bundled back to Nigeria in chains? Simply because he speaks for a political party of individuals who delight in self deceit? Mba kwa ooo. Talk should not be that cheap. He should go and settle his criminal case before ya aputa na ama.

4. Many of them are suffering from the trauma of failed expectations. Remember our man, dokinta ofe egusi, do you remember when he told us that his candidate in the 2023 governorship campaign would win in our Umunneochi simply because he gave flagyl and fensic to some sympathisers who came to their campaign stand for reason of pity? Do you think he has been able to overcome the shock that hit him when his candidate scored less than 0.1% of the total votes cast in the LGA 3 years ago? Do you also remember the Don, the chronic hotel debtor who abandoned his party's candidate to campaign openly for a man his village people rejected for alleged 419 involvement? Nna mmadu ahukwalanu ihe.

5. Desperation for sponsors, yes, this whole thing is about looking for someone to sponsor their hotel lifestyle. Onye Don for example lives in a hotel as I was told, it is hard to point to any real job he has done in the years since Ochendo dismissed him for bad behaviour. The other one who bought a carton of fish the other time should have restricted himself to azu mbasa or ekporekpo. But he won't hear, he want to eat like an Abuja big man on the earning of a lawn mower at Kaura Namoda. How is that even possible? Well, by writing trash on Facebook in the hope that one big man who wants attention would see and make them his tools, for a token of course.

Dodoh Okafor

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Elections are moments of decisions.
Don’t sale your votes.

GOV. OTTI TO FLAG-OFF CONSTRUCTION OF NEW UMUAHIA STADIUM, AS SUPERSTAR CHUKWUEZE APPLAUDS HIS PERFORMANCE.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says that he will soon flag-off the construction of the Umuahia Stadium which will be a stadium city.

Governor Otti stated this when he received in audience a delegation led by Abia born international footballer and Super Eagles star, Mr. Samuel Chukwueze, who visited the Governor in his office, alongside his friends, to thank him for coming to identify with him during his mothers burial over the weekend.

Governor Otti stated that the land for the construction of the new stadium has already been acquired, and hinted that he would like Abia people to come and invest in the State.

"I'm sure before the end of the year, we will flag-off the construction of the new Umuahia stadium.

"The land is already acquired, and we are at the feasibility stage. Because we are not just building a stadium, we are building a stadium city, like a sports village.

"There will be hotels, there will be estates. There will be other attractions just to develop that path. The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development will also give you details.

"We will like our people to come and invest here. Pick whatever that is of interest to you. You may be interested in one thing or the other, and we will give priority to our people," Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor, who congratulated Mr Chukwueze on the feat he has achieved in sports and for being a good ambassador of Abia State, assured him of the support of the State Government to him.

"Let me also congratulate you for the great feat and for representing the State very well.

"We can assure you of our support. If there are things that we can do, you just let us know. We like to support our own anywhere they are," Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive while commiserating with Mr. Samuel Chukwueze on the demise of his mother at a young age, described it as a monumental loss, and encouraged him to take heart, as it is God that knows it all.

The Governor urged him not to allow the pains of the death to make him stop coming back home, but to bear the loss with fortitude, and always remember home.

Earlier, the Abia-born international football star, Mr. Samuel Chukwueze said that he visited the Governor in company of his friends, to thank him for his support and for identifying with him during the burial of his late mother, last Friday.

He commended the developmental strides of the administration of Governor Alex Otti, describing the visible transformation across the State as evidence of purposeful leadership.

The footballer noted that he had closely followed the Governor's achievements and was impressed by the numerous infrastructural projects being executed across the State.

Mr Chukwueze further noted that his recent visit to Umuahia revealed remarkable improvements, particularly in road infrastructure, which he described as a significant departure from what existed in the past. He stated that the changes has made movement easier and enhanced the overall appearance of the State capital.

"I have been seeing the good works the Governor is doing. When I came back and saw Umuahia, it was completely different.

"The roads have improved greatly, and the transformation is visible. He deserves every accolade for the good work he has been doing," Chukwueze stated.

Speaking on the Governor's proposed new Umuahia Stadium City project, the international footballer described the initiative as a laudable investment for the future of sports development in the State. He noted that the project would create opportunities for young talents, provide modern sporting facilities, and position Abia as a destination for sports enthusiasts from across the world.

He assured that he would equally invest in sports in the State, emphasising his desire to give back to the community that shaped his career.

"I intend to invest in sports development for the youth, and I am already working on it gradually, step by step.

"It is my hometown and where I grew up. It made me who I am today, and I cannot forget where I came from," Chukwueze stated.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 31st, 2026.