Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has urged Abians to remain steadfast in faith and hope, assuring that God’s timing will ultimately bring to fulfilment the aspirations of the people.
Governor Otti made the call on Sunday, August 23, 2026, during an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, beside the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State.
The service, themed “The Rise of a New Abia,” brought together political leaders, religious authorities, government officials and citizens from across the State in thanksgiving and prayers for Abia.
Governor Otti said the decision to commence the anniversary celebration with thanksgiving reflected his administration’s belief in the power of prayers and the sacrifices of the people and fathers of faith who have consistently interceded for the State.
The Governor recalled that following the 2023 governorship election, his administration began its journey with a thanksgiving service tagged “Returning Abia to God,” stressing that the progress recorded in the State remains rooted in faith and divine guidance.
“This State is not called God’s Own State for nothing. At its own time, the Bible records, it makes everything beautiful. So, sometimes, you will be struggling, you will be praying, don’t give up. Because if you give up, that will be the end,” Governor Otti stated.
He expressed appreciation to religious leaders for their continued prayers and support for Abia, praying that thanksgiving would never cease in their homes and ministries.
Governor Otti also congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his recent electoral victory, noting that the governor has strong ties 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, former Senator and former Minister, Senator Liyel Imoke, to the anniversary thanksgiving service.
He thanked all dignitaries, clergymen and Abians who attended the event and prayed for their safe return to their various destinations.
“I want to thank you once again for coming. And I pray that as you go back, God will lead you back safely,” he said.
Governor Otti later led the congregation in observing a minute’s silence in honour of the late former governors of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Col. Chinyere Ike Nwosu and Col. Anthony Obi. He also prayed for the repose of their souls and those of all the faithful departed.
Imoke Commends Otti’s Transformation
Also speaking, 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 he had heard about the State but also on projects he personally inspected before arriving at the thanksgiving service.
According to him, Governor Otti has, within three years, achieved what could be compared with the accomplishments of three administrations.
He declared that the Governor had “accomplished what Abia lost in three decades,” expressing confidence that God was truly at work in the State.
The former governor, who described Abia as “God’s own State” under Governor Otti’s leadership, urged Abians to continue supporting the administration and praying for its success.
Archbishop Ugorji Calls For Greater Civic Responsibility
In his sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described Abia’s 35th anniversary as a testimony to God’s faithfulness despite the challenges the State has faced since its creation in 1991.
Archbishop Ugorji noted that Abians had endured years of infrastructural decay, insecurity and economic setbacks but remained resilient through faith, hard work and perseverance.
“Reaching 35 years is not just a measure of years; it is a testimony of God’s faithfulness that preserved the identity and spirit of Abians through every twist and turn, through every storm,” he stated.
The Archbishop said the current wave of development across the State reflects a season of restoration and renewed hope, citing improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education and urban renewal.
He commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti for its commitment to people-centred governance and urged leaders at all levels to continue serving with transparency, accountability and the fear of God.
“The transition witnessed today in Abia, where health centres rise in the grassroots, roads are constructed to high standards and schools are transformed into smart schools, is the physical manifestation of the divine repositioning of Abia,” Archbishop Ugorji said.
The cleric, however, stressed that sustaining the gains of development requires the active participation of citizens.
He called on Abians to embrace civic responsibility, pay their taxes, protect public assets and reject corruption, divisiveness and parochial interests.
“A renewed Abia cannot be sustained by government alone. We must practice honesty, shun corrupt practices and protect the collective treasures built with the sweat and resources of Abians,” he stated.
Archbishop Ugorji further urged Abia to leverage technology, innovation and youth empowerment to consolidate its economic strengths.
He called on educational institutions, parents and community leaders to nurture a generation driven by integrity, creativity and excellence.
“Abia must evolve further into the undisputed technological and manufacturing capital of Africa.
“Our youths are the seeds of tomorrow and must be equipped to build industries, create solutions and lead the future,” he said.
The highpoint of the thanksgiving service was the special prayers offered for Governor Otti, his family, the government and people of Abia State.
The service was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE; Senator Liyel Imoke; senior government officials, clergymen and other dignitaries.
— OHAFIATV
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