181

…CELEBRATES DR ELEAZU, WIFE’S BIRTHDAY.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has challenged Abians to contribute to the development of the State, saying that his government celebrates individuals that impact positively on the State and the Nation at large.

Governor Otti stated this on Saturday, October 25th at the 95th and 85th birthday ceremony of an elder statesman and his wife, Elder Dr Uma Eleazu and Elder Mrs Njansi Eleazu, organised by the Abia State Government at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

The Governor said that celebrating good people in the State has become a culture, insisting that, the celebrations do not consider political linings of those that are being celebrated.

“So, we are challenging all of you. Put something on the table. Contribute to Abia State and Nigeria at large. It doesn’t matter who you are, we will celebrate you.

“That’s who we are. We celebrate our people. Of course, the good people. You can also be 80 or 85 and there’s nothing to celebrate.

“It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to. We have celebrated people that are active politicians who are in APC, in PDP. We don’t care.

“Our State is political party blind. We pay attention to the contribution you can make. Forget about all the noise.
It’s just noise. And you know, like it is said, it’s the empty barrel that makes the most noise.

“We don’t pay attention to noise. But if you have facts, bring them and we can debate them,” Gov. Otti stated.

He informed the gathering that Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.) and General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), who have turned 85 years each would be celebrated by his government before the end of the year.

While congratulating the couple on their birthday celebrations, Governor Otti disclosed that, Dr. Uma Eleazu clocked 95 on the 16th day of June 2025 and was celebrated at Lagos, his wife , Mrs Njansi Eleazu clocks 85 this October, adding that he sought their approval to host and celebrate them.

Governor Otti commended Dr. Uma Eleazu for authoring the book, “Nigeria Democracy Under Siege: Rebuilding the Ramparts of Democracy” , which was launched at the birthday celebrations.

He challenged all to learn how to leave legacies, including writing books , and said that, If a 95 years old man can sit down and put his thoughts together so that people can also read and learn, nobody should give excuses.

In their speeches, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief Theo Nkeire, Chief Etigwe Uwa among others eulogised Dr Uma Eleazu and described him as a visionary man, a philosopher, a teacher and an elder statesman that deserves to be celebrated.

Responding on behalf of his wife, Elder Dr Uma Eleazu commended Governor Otti for his achievements including remodeling the Michael Okpara Auditorium and thanked him for celebrating him and his wife in a grand style.

The elder statesman further appreciated the impacts of the government of Dr Alex Otti including raising the “happiness index” in Abia State, and declared that there is no vacancy in Government House in 2027.

“The happiness index of Abia State has moved from minus 0, to about 80%, in only two years. Only two years, plus a few months.

“What if he (Gov. Otti) stays the remaining two years and another four years? Do you know what Abia will look like?

“I’m not here to praise my good friend, His Excellency. I’m here to tell the truth. This is somebody who understands that government is about people and solving people’s problems.

“In Government House, there will be no vacancy until he has completed his eight years,’ Dr Eleazu declared.

The event featured the launch of a book authored by the celebrant with the title, “Nigeria Democracy Under Siege: Rebuilding the Ramparts of Democracy” and reviewed by Chief Ireke Kalu Onuma as well as the cutting of the birthday cake officiated by Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Aja of the Presbyterian Church while many dignitaries including, former Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Federal and State law makers, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu among many others.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
25 – 10 – 2025.