Gov. Otti Urges Abians to Remain Steadfast in Faith as Abia Marks 35th Anniversary

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged Abians to remain steadfast in faith and hope, assuring that God’s timing will ultimately bring to fruition the aspirations of the people.

Governor Otti made the call on Sunday at an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, Umuahia, to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, with the theme, “The Rise of a New Abia.”

The Governor said the decision to begin the anniversary celebration with thanksgiving reflected his administration’s belief in prayer and the sacrifices of the people and religious leaders who have consistently interceded for the State.

Recalling that his administration began its journey after the 2023 governorship election with a thanksgiving service tagged “Returning Abia to God,” Otti said the State’s progress remained anchored on faith and divine guidance.

He urged Abians not to give up in difficult times, stressing that God makes everything beautiful in His own time.

Governor Otti also appreciated religious leaders for their continued prayers and support, while congratulating Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his recent electoral victory. He noted Adeleke’s connection to Abia through his mother, who hails from Akwete Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area.

The Governor also welcomed former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, and other dignitaries to the service.

He led the congregation in observing a minute’s silence in honour of late former Abia Governors, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Colonel Chinyere Ike Nwosu and Colonel Anthony Obi, and prayed for the repose of their souls.

Speaking at the event, former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, commended Governor Otti for what he described as the unprecedented transformation taking place across Abia.

Imoke said his assessment was based not only on reports but also on projects he personally inspected before attending the thanksgiving service.

He said Governor Otti had, within three years, achieved accomplishments comparable to those of three administrations, declaring that the Governor had “accomplished what Abia lost in three decades.”

In his sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described the 35th anniversary as a testimony to God’s faithfulness despite the challenges Abia had faced since its creation in 1991.

Archbishop Ugorji said Abians had endured years of infrastructural decay, insecurity and economic setbacks but remained resilient through faith, hard work and perseverance.

He noted that the ongoing development across the State, particularly in road infrastructure, healthcare, education and urban renewal, represented a season of restoration and renewed hope.
The Archbishop commended the Otti administration for what he described as people-centred governance, while urging leaders to continue to serve with transparency, accountability and the fear of God.

He, however, stressed that sustaining the gains of development requires the active participation of citizens.

Archbishop Ugorji called on Abians to embrace civic responsibility, pay their taxes, protect public assets and reject corruption, divisiveness and parochial interests.

He also urged the State to leverage technology, innovation and youth empowerment to strengthen its economic potential, saying young people must be equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to build industries, create solutions and lead the future.

The highpoint of the service was prayers for Governor Otti, his family and the people of Abia.

The thanksgiving service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; Senator Liyel Imoke; government officials, clergymen and other dignitaries.