1 week ago
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By Damiete Braide
During the 2024 Christmas season, 500 indigenes of Abia State residing in Lagos were given the opportunity to travel home for the holidays free of charge, courtesy of the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
This initiative, which was executed in collaboration with the Abia State Town Unions Association (ASTUA) in Lagos, was a significant relief for many, given the high cost of transportation during the festive period. It was successfully organized with the involvement of key stakeholders, including the Abia State Liaison Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, and the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
The effort was widely appreciated by beneficiaries, many of whom described it as unprecedented. Ejituru Ikenga, president-general of ASTUA, who led a delegation to Abia State Liaison Office, Lagos, on February 10, 2025, shared insights into the journey leading to the scheme’s realization.
He recalled how, in 2023, the association had approached the governor through the Liaison Officer in Lagos, proposing the idea. Otti had acknowledged the proposal’s merit and requested time to structure the initiative properly.
By August 2024, preparations resumed in earnest, with ASTUA working closely with the liaison office to ensure its success. Though there were moments of uncertainty, the firm commitment of the liaison officers in Lagos ensured the programme came to fruition.
He commended the staff of the Abia State Liaison Office for their dedication, emphasizing that their efforts ensured the smooth execution of the programme. A major transport company was contracted to convey the 500 passengers safely to Abia State and back to Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the Liaison Office, Mrs. Ugochi Essienette expressed gratitude for the positive feedback from beneficiaries. “As you all are happy, I am also happy because this is why we are here to serve you,” she said.
She acknowledged the governor’s vision in ensuring a round-trip scheme and assured that future editions would be even better, addressing any challenges encountered in the first execution. She encouraged Abia indigenes in Lagos to maintain a positive image of the state, act as good ambassadors, and engage constructively with the Liaison Office to foster stronger community relations.
Osinachi Chukwu, another liaison officer, described the initiative as a sign of better things to come. He noted that Otti had done a lot for the people in 2024 and expressed optimism that more impactful programs would follow.
He revealed plans for a healthcare outreach in Lagos targeted at Abia State indigenes, underscoring the government’s commitment to their well-being beyond transportation assistance.
For many beneficiaries, the initiative was life-changing. Miss Chinenye Kalu, who benefited from the free transportation, shared her heartfelt gratitude. She said: “We have found a father in Gov. Alex Otti, one who understands his responsibilities and takes them seriously.”
She recalled how, in previous years, people would camp at the Liaison Office for days, struggling to find transportation home. This time, however, the governor’s intervention wiped away those struggles, ensuring that travellers were not left stranded.
“He made sure we travelled in several luxury buses and also brought us back safely,” she added.
Kalu emphasized the financial relief this initiative provided. With transport fares soaring between₦N45,000 and N50,000 per trip, many families would have struggled to afford the journey. She prayed for continued blessings upon the governor and expressed hope that the programme would continue in the years ahead.
Another prominent voice of appreciation came from Chuks Nwosu, a delegation leader from ASTUA. He specifically recognized Mrs. Ugochi Essienette for her role in ensuring that the initiative materialized.
He urged her to build upon this success by pushing for earlier travel dates to allow beneficiaries more time with their families during the festive period. “If we can address the hitches from last year, we will have an even smoother experience in the future,” he said, calling for continuity and improvement.
Overall, the Free Transport Scheme was a significant milestone for Abia indigenes in Lagos, demonstrating Otti’s commitment to the welfare of his people. With plans for future editions and complementary programmes such as healthcare outreach, the initiative stands as a beacon of hope for many. The gratitude expressed by beneficiaries underscored the impact of such government interventions, proving that leadership focused on the people’s needs can make a tangible difference in their lives.
English (US) ·