The pioneer Military Administrator of Abia State, Frank Ajobena, has expressed satisfaction with the state’s development, describing his visit as a homecoming and solidarity mission.
Mr Ajobena spoke on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Alex Otti of Abia at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area.
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The former administrator governed Abia between August 1991 and January 1992. He said the visit was his first to the state in about 14 years.
He said he decided to visit to verify reports of progress he had been hearing through the media.
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“It is a wonderful homecoming because I came to see things for myself, just as the Queen of Sheba confirmed what she heard about King Solomon,” he said.
Mr Ajobena, a retired air vice marshal, recalled the enthusiasm of Abia people at the state’s creation in 1991, noting his administration’s resolve to place Abia on the national map quickly.
He said the civil service, led by the late Head of Service, Godwin Okezie, and committed commissioners, laid strong foundations for development.
“We had a clear plan and turned Abia into a construction site, and most of the infrastructure we built endured for years,” Mr Ajobena said.
He expressed concern that the state later experienced stagnation, with outcomes falling short of expectations at creation.
Mr Ajobena, however, said the narrative had changed under Mr Otti administration, describing Abia as a national reference point.
He commended the improvements in the power sector, citing the inauguration of Geometric Power Ltd in Aba.
“Aba was always envisioned as the Taiwan of Nigeria because of the ingenuity of its people.
“All Abia needed was the right leadership, and I am glad to see that happening now,” Mr Ajobena said.
He praised Mr Otti for what he described as selfless service and restoration of hope, urging him to remain focused in spite of criticism.
“There will always be detractors, but they should not deter you. I follow Abia closely because I feel a moral responsibility,” he said.
Mr Ajobena described himself as a “bona fide Abia indigene”, while recalling the traditional titles bestowed on him, including “Aka Wuru Obodo” and “Ugochinyere Ndi Abia”.
“I am not interfering in Abia affairs. This visit is purely a solidarity visit,” he said.
His son, Terry Ajobena, a retired flight lieutenant, said Mr Otti’s leadership had attracted positive national and international attention to Abia.
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He described the visit as an emotional homecoming, highlighting his father’s enduring passion for the state and its people.
Responding, Governor Otti described the visit as a pleasure to him and commended Mr Ajobena’s foundational role in Abia’s early years.
“You built from scratch, without structures or resources, and laid the foundation for what we have today,” the governor said.
Mr Otti outlined ongoing projects, including rebuilding the Government House, a new SSG office, and renovation of the Michael Okpara Auditorium.
“Governance is about making people happy, and we remain focused, in spite of detractors.
“Thank you for your solidarity and the foundation you laid for Abia State,” the governor said.
(NAN)
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