Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is set to sign the state's 2025 budget, totaling N750 billion, with a focus on education and healthcare. The budget allocates 20% to education and 15% to healthcare, demonstrating the governor's commitment to people-centered governance.
During the 2024 Aro Day celebration, Governor Otti announced that teachers in Abia State will receive a significant salary increment, with some earning up to N50,000, a substantial increase from the previous N20,000. This move aims to attract and retain qualified teachers in the state.
Governor Otti emphasized that his administration prioritizes education, recognizing its importance in shaping the future of Abia State. He noted that his government has declared a state of emergency in the education sector, introducing new incentives such as increasing the retirement age of teachers to 65 years and 40 years of service ¹.
The governor also highlighted various ongoing projects across the state, including the renovation and retrofitting of schools, hospitals, and roads. He assured the people of Arochukwu that development will touch every part of Abia State, citing the flag-off of road projects from Ohafia to Arochukwu and Ini.
In addition to the salary increment, Governor Otti announced that his administration has started retrofitting and renovating some schools, with plans to renovate all 948 Primary Health Centers in the state. Currently, 200 of these centers are undergoing renovations and retrofitting.
The governor commended the Eze Aro the 9th, His Eminence, Eze Dr. Eberechukwu Oji, for his good leadership and thanked the people of Arochukwu for their support. The event was attended by illustrious sons and daughters of Arochukwu Kingdom, both home and abroad.
*Key Highlights of the 2025 Budget*
- *Education*: 20% of the budget (N150 billion) allocated to education
- *Healthcare*: 15% of the budget (N112.5 billion) allocated to healthcare
- *Teacher Salary Increment*: Teachers to earn up to N50,000, a significant increase from the previous N20,000
- *School Renovation*: Retrofitting and renovating some schools, with plans to renovate all 948 Primary Health Centers in the state
Overall, Governor Otti's administration is committed to improving the lives of Abia State residents, with a focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.