Abia state governor, Dr Alex Otti, has explained the reason for the avalanche of gigantic signature projects simultaneously springing up in all the three senatorial districts of Abia state.

According to Otti, financial engineering and strategic planning led to the success story recorded by his administration so far in infrastructural developments, renovation and refurbishing of dilapidated schools.

Other successes recorded by his government, according to the governor, were a boost in heath sector, trade and commerce.

The Abia governor stated this at Governor’s Lodge Umuahia during the March edition of monthly media chat.

Speaking on the financial strategy behind his numerous projects, Governor Otti described it as his “trade secret”.

According to him, his administration’s track record and credibility had enabled it to secure major infrastructural projects without upfront payments.

“When you are able to plan and you are also able to encash your goodwill, then you will get things done. It is when you have a track record that lets people believe that what you say, you will do.

“I was able to call Julius Berger and say start work without giving them a dime. At least, I’m not the one saying this, the former Managing Director who left office on December 1, when he was introducing his successor to me, I brought him to Abia here and he confessed that this was the first time since the 60s that a state government would hire them, get them to flag off a road and then to mobilize to site, start work without receiving a dime”, Governor Otti revealed.

He further said his administration not only meet the agreed payment schedule, but also exceeded expectations by paying the contractor faster than agreed upon.

“That is what track record does. Tomorrow, if I call them for another job, they will be willing to start immediately“, Governor Otti added.

The governor used the opportunity to reel out his administration’s strides in various sectors of the state economy, saying the ongoing reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Aba Road being handled by Julius Berger would be completed and ready for commissioning before 29th May.

He announced that the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Owaza Road in Ukwa West LGA would commence next week.