Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured the Acting Assistant Comptroller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone E Headquarters, Owerri, Imo State, Mrs. Ngozi Alice Okereke, of his administration’s continued support towards improving the operations and welfare of the Service in Abia State.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Thursday, November 5, 2026, when Mrs. Okereke, accompanied by members of her team, paid him a familiarisation visit at his office on her assumption of duty as Acting Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Zone E, covering Abia and Imo States.
Welcoming the new Zonal Coordinator, Governor Otti congratulated her on her appointment and expressed confidence in her ability to discharge her responsibilities creditably, particularly as a daughter of Abia State.
“We are proud of our daughters who are doing very well. If there is anything we can do to help you do better, we will be very glad to do that,” Gov. Otti said.
The Governor reiterated that his administration would continue to support government institutions and agencies, irrespective of whether they operate at the State or Federal level, noting that their services ultimately benefit the people.
“Even though you are a Federal Government agency, the benefits come to the State. Anywhere we can help, we don’t hesitate,” The Governor said.
Gov. Otti further noted that his administration has been making deliberate efforts to improve infrastructure and facilities at correctional centres in the State, explaining that many of the facilities were previously in deplorable condition but are being rehabilitated gradually.
The Governor also acknowledged the request for the extension of the solar-powered facilities to other custodial centres in Abia, particularly the one in Arochukwu and Aba, and directed the SA Security to liaise with the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities for necessary attention.
Earlier, Mrs. Okereke expressed appreciation to the Governor for the remarkable support his administration has extended to the Nigerian Correctional Service, particularly the Abia State Command and the Zonal Office.
She disclosed that her predecessor had briefed her extensively on the Governor’s interventions, including the construction and furnishing of a storey building comprising six cells to address congestion at the Aba custodial centre, provision of a well-furnished official residence for the State Comptroller, and installation of two solar-powered boreholes at the Umuahia Correctional Centre to resolve water challenges.
The Acting Zonal Coordinator also commended the Governor for providing a brand new 2025 Hilux SUV for the State Command and capturing other operational vehicles for rehabilitation and refurbishment.
Mrs. Okereke commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon his administration.
The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, SA Security, Navy Commander Macdonald Ubah (Rtd), CSO to the Governor, ACP Ken Nwosu, CSO Intel, Mr. Maduka Obiora, SSA – Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, among other senior officials of the Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
November 5, 2026.
