Governor Alex Otti Attends Iweala Family Homecoming, Approves Solar Lights for Umuda–Isingwu Road

On 23 December 2025, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, honoured an invitation from the family of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Nigeria’s Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and her husband, Dr. Ikemba Iweala.

The gathering was organised to formally welcome Lotte Elsa Goos (Igba Nne) and Kamsochi Iweala, the wife and son of Dr. Uzoma Iweala, following the successful completion of their traditional marriage rites earlier conducted in Germany.

Governor Otti congratulated the couple for returning home to present themselves to their people, describing the moment as an important step toward their full integration into Abia State, Umuahia North, Isingwu, and Umuda.

“This is home,” the Governor said.

He reminded them of the importance of maintaining strong ties with their roots, regardless of where life and career pursuits may take them.

“When you go out there and pursue your interests, you must still come back home. And the best time to come back home is when you still have energy in you, not when they bring you back home,” Governor Otti stated.

He further expressed his desire to see the couple return home frequently, adding, “I want to say that I want to see you here as often as possible.”

During the event, Governor Otti approved a request made by the community through Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the Abia State Government to install solar-powered street lights along the Umuda–Isingwu Road.

He immediately directed the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, who accompanied him to the event, to ensure the project is executed within the shortest possible time.

“I have received the request made by our big sister here, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to light up the road that has already been done. That is a very easy request,” the Governor said.

He explained that in many communities, the government is often asked to both construct roads and provide lighting, but in this case, the road infrastructure was already completed.

“At the last count, we have installed about 7,000 solar lights across the state. The simple reason is that we want nightlife to return to Abia State, and I am happy that nightlife is back,” Governor Otti noted.

He then charged the Commissioner to ensure swift action, saying, “Honourable Commissioner, your job is cut out for you. Before the end of January, I want to see everywhere lit.”

In their response, Dr. Uzoma Iweala and his wife, Lotte Elsa Goos, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for honouring them with his presence at the event. They also commended him for the visible development and good governance taking place in Abia State.

Similarly, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and her husband thanked the Governor for accepting their invitation and praised him for the good works his administration is carrying out across the state.

Dignitaries at the Event

Governor Otti attended the event alongside several prominent political and government officials, including the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; the Member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha; the Member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Roland Chinwendu; and the Commissioner representing Abia State in the Federal Character Commission (FCC), High Chief Victor Ikeji, Ph.D, among others.