Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, yesterday attended the solemn thanksgiving Mass of Rev. Fr. Francisco Ugochukwu Ogbonna at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Umuezu, Nvosi.
Governor Otti congratulated the celebrant for choosing to hold the thanksgiving in his home community, noting that he could easily have held it in Aba or even London. He prayed for continued divine blessings upon the priest, acknowledging the sacrifice and commitment required to dedicate one’s life fully to God.
Moved by the deteriorating condition of the church building, which he said poses danger to worshippers, the Governor promised to assist the church in demolishing the structure and constructing a new one. He emphasized that the support would come from his personal resources, not government funds, stressing that he does not use public funds for non-governmental purposes.
The Governor also appreciated the preacher, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), recalling their first meeting in 2022 and how the Archbishop supported him spiritually throughout the election period.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Rev. Fr. Ogbonna, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Otti for honouring his invitation, noting that it was his first time meeting the Governor. He commended Otti for the transformation ongoing in Abia, saying he is now proud to identify as an Abian.
He recounted that his late father campaigned only for Otti during the previous election and vowed never to support any politician again after that election was allegedly rigged. He described the Governor as a humble yet formidable leader, declaring confidence that Otti’s second term is already assured.
Archbishop Nwachukwu, in his sermon, described Governor Otti as a “gift to Abia State,” applauding his developmental strides.
Governor Otti attended the Mass in company of the member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Roland Chinwendu; Senior Special Assistant on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe; Mayor of Isiala Ngwa North, Hon. Innocent Uruakpa; and other top government officials.
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