Otti Speaks on Abia’s Progress as State Marks 35th Anniversary

UMUAHIA— Governor Alex Otti of Abia has attributed the progress recorded in the state over the past 35 years to the prayers, sacrifices and support of its people.

Otti stated this on Sunday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the 35th anniversary of Abia’s creation, held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, Umuahia, with the theme, “The Rise of a New Abia.”

The service featured prayers for the state’s continued peace, security, leadership, institutions and people, as well as thanksgiving for its creation and sustenance.

The governor said the anniversary offered Abians an opportunity to acknowledge God’s role in the state’s journey, adding that his administration had consistently begun major milestones with thanksgiving.

“Today, what we came to do is to mark 35 years of the creation of Abia State.

“We chose to start this celebration with thanksgiving, and that is also what we have always done, even from 2023.

“We are not in any doubt that it is the prayers, the sacrifices, our people that have contributed to the progress recorded in Abia.”

Otti recalled that after the 2023 governorship election, he and his supporters visited churches to give thanks following the declaration of his victory.

He also expressed appreciation to religious leaders for their continued prayers and support for the peace and development of the state.

“I want to thank the men of God who stood in the gap, who have been standing in the gap, who will still stand in the gap for this state.”

He further urged Abians not to lose hope in the face of difficulties, stressing that faith and perseverance remained necessary to achieve desired results.

The governor also congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his electoral victory, noting that Adeleke had a maternal connection to Abia through his mother, who, he said, hailed from Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area.

Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who attended the thanksgiving, commended the Otti administration for what he described as an unprecedented transformation in Abia.

Imoke said his assessment was based not only on what he heard during the service but also on his personal inspection of government projects.

“The transformation that has happened in Abia is unprecedented.”

He urged Abians to continue supporting the administration and prayed for Otti’s victory in the 2027 election, saying continued support would enable the governor to sustain his development agenda.

In his exhortation, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described the 35th anniversary as a “sacred threshold” and an opportunity to thank God for His blessings on Abia.

Ugorji said the creation of Abia in 1991 was more than an administrative exercise, describing it as the fulfilment of the aspirations of its people.

He said the attainment of 35 years represented a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the beginning of a new phase for the state.

The Archbishop urged Otti to sustain the development trajectory and ensure that he leaves Abia better and more prosperous than he met it.

The thanksgiving service featured praise and worship led by renowned gospel artiste Buchi and attracted government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents.

Abia was created on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. The anniversary programme will climax on August 27 with a state broadcast by Otti and an anniversary keynote lecture.