The presentation of the 2026 Budget Estimate by His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, marks yet another bold step in consolidating the ongoing transformation across Abia State.
With a total outlay of ₦1.016 trillion, this “Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities” clearly demonstrates a governance philosophy anchored on rapid socioeconomic advancement, infrastructural expansion, and human capital development.
As Umunneochi people, we welcome with profound hope the strategic emphasis placed on education, health, infrastructure, and security sectors as these forms the backbone of sustainable development. Your Excellency we therefore earnestly appeal that you consider allocating two percent (2%) each from the proposed budget to key priority areas affecting Umunneochi communities, to enable them fully to partake in the growth vision embedded in your 2026 proposal.
Umunneochi Local Government remains one of the most strategic gateways into Abia State, yet its developmental needs continue to expand due to population growth, deterioration, dilapidation, economic activities, and its positioning as a major transit corridor.
Allocating 2% of the budget to rural road rehabilitation and community access routes within Umunneochi will significantly ease transportation challenges, enhance local commerce, support agricultural movement, and strengthen rural and urban linkages. The capital-intense nature of these access routes makes it crucial for communities like Leru, Uhube – Ibi River – Ngodo road, Umuchieze, Lokpa, Lomara, Umuelem, and Isuochi to benefit directly from the infrastructural push you outlined; especially, considering the 16.7% allocation to statewide road construction and rehabilitation.
Additionally, we respectfully appeal for 2% allocation specifically targeted towards community-based health infrastructure and primary healthcare revitalization in Umunneochi. The mortality rate for different ages within Umunneochi is high, therefore ensuring that we get our adequate share and seeing it’s judiciously used becomes expedient. Although the education and health sectors collectively receive 35% of the overall budget, Umunneochi’s health facilities remain overstretched due to its fast-growing population, outdate equipment, lack of personnel, and the heavy inflow of travelers and traders. Strengthening local health centers, equipping existing clinics, and establishing new community-based health hubs will improve emergency response, maternal care, disease prevention, and general wellness for thousands of residents.
Furthermore, allocating 2% to local education support and youth development initiatives in Umunneochi will ensure that the gains of the 20% education vote trickle down more directly to rural students. Targeted interventions such as renovation of dilapidated school structures, provision of learning materials, digital literacy capacity-building, and technical skill acquisition centres will prepare Umunneochi youths to contribute meaningfully to the State’s projected economic expansion and growing IGR base. With education already a top priority in your administration, extending additional support to rural educational institutions will strengthen equity and inclusive growth.
Finally, we appeal for 2% to be dedicated to security infrastructure and community policing support in Umunneochi. As a border LGA with heavy vehicular movement and an active livestock market, Umunneochi faces unique security challenges. Strengthening surveillance systems, supporting local vigilante frameworks, and enhancing emergency communication networks will safeguard lives and property while reinforcing the State’s broader strategy for peace and stability which is the key drivers of your investment-oriented governance agenda.
Your Excellency, these proposed allocations are not just financial decisions; they are catalysts that will unlock the full developmental potential of Umunneochi and align our communities with the progressive future your administration envisions.
The people of Umunneochi sincerely appreciate Your Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, for your unwavering commitment to the transformation of Abia State. Your visionary leadership, prudent resource management, bold infrastructural agenda, and people-centered reforms have restored the confidence of Abians at home and abroad. The 2026 budget reflects your deep understanding of our developmental needs, and we commend your dedication to building a prosperous, secure, and progressive Abia for all.
Please, do refer to other of my article’s titles like, “The Next Phase of Dr. Alex Otti”.
Approved and written by:
Ugochukwu I Obi.
Contract Specialist, ACO, Author, Gospel Artist.
Mobile: +1718-300-9501, +2349117319404
[email protected]
