The Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, has acknowledged the increasing influx of people into the state, attributing it to the ongoing transformation efforts under the Otti administration. This influx has led to a shortage of housing, pushing up rents by approximately 300 percent due to demand and supply factors, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital.
Rising Costs of Land and Property
Similarly, the costs of acquiring land and property have risen astronomically, despite the administration's efforts to streamline the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy within 30 days of application. This measure aims to accelerate house building to meet the daily rising demand. A room that previously attracted a monthly rent of about N2,000 has risen to N10,000, while a three-bedroom flat that cost N10,000 per month now goes for N30,000, depending on age, location, and available facilities.
Influx as Proof of Confidence
Speaking in Umuahia during an interaction with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ajagba stated that the growing influx is undeniable proof of renewed confidence in Abia State. He noted that the administration's policies are positioning Abia as a reference point for other states. “There is a noticeable upsurge in the number of people coming into Abia State now. This is why there is an increase in house rent, which is also a reflection of the ongoing development, as development comes at a cost,” he said.
Development Comes at a Cost
Ajagba observed that Umuahia was previously undeveloped, but the sudden rise in property values indicates that good things are happening in Abia. He predicted that if Governor Otti completes his four-year term and secures another, Abia will reach even greater heights. He attributed the progress made within three years to spiritual support, describing it as amazing and miraculous.
Call for Objective Journalism
Tasking journalists to maintain objective reportage in line with their profession, Ajagba commended the leadership of the Correspondents Chapel, led by Deacon Steve Oko of Vanguard Newspapers, for leading by example. In his welcome address, Oko reaffirmed the chapel’s commitment to holding the government accountable for the people, in keeping with their professional calling. While acknowledging notable developments under the Otti administration, he urged the government to sustain its transformation efforts for the benefit of the masses.
Government Support for Press Freedom
Ajagba assured that the Otti-led government cannot suppress the truth but will encourage and support journalists to diligently discharge their legitimate duties. He underscored the critical role of the media in sustaining accountability, stating that the administration’s stance on press freedom remains sacrosanct. “We are not telling the press to suppress the truth or keep quiet when they see what is not going well in government, including in the Otti administration. Governor Otti will never tell you to suppress the truth, as doing so would gag the press, and society will not be better for it. We want the press to remain objective in their reportage,” he said.
Stressing that the media is a platform to hold leadership accountable at all levels—whether in government, business, or communities—Ajagba noted that the press has been a pivotal partner in restoring sanity and orderliness in society. “With your oversight function and the way you look at issues from different angles, it can really help a government to do better,” he added.
