Children’s Day: Otti Reaffirms Commitment To Child Development In Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has restated his administration’s commitment to building a better future for children through sustained investment in education, infrastructure, and social inclusion.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration in Umuahia, saying children remain the foundation of society and the clearest representation of the future.

“Today and tomorrow belong to the children and we have gathered to affirm our faith in the promises that the future holds for the young people,” Otti said.

He added that governance must prioritise the development of children, noting that his administration views public service as stewardship aimed at inspiring the next generation.

“Children represent, in a fundamental sense, the beauty and future of mankind,” he said.

Otti said every policy decision over the last three years had been deliberately designed to secure a better future for children in the state.

He disclosed that 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget is committed to education, describing it as central to Abia’s development strategy.

“The government now embraces 100 per cent responsibility for basic public school education in the state,” he said.

He added that over 5,000 teachers have been recruited to strengthen learning outcomes, while school infrastructure is being upgraded across the state.

In his words, “No price is too steep to pay because the children we have here are our greatest assets.”

Otti also called for greater inclusion of children with disabilities in public programmes and education policies.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, said the administration remains committed to child protection, healthcare, and quality education, noting that the celebration also reaffirmed collective responsibility toward children.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Goodluck Ubochi, said ongoing reforms were positioning Abia students to compete globally, urging pupils to remain disciplined and focused.

Also speaking, the Abia NAPTIP Commander, Mr Izunna Iweobi, raised concern over rising cases of human trafficking, calling for stronger collaboration to protect children from exploitation.