Governor Otti Pledges Renewed Momentum In Abia’s Growth, Urges Citizens To Keep Faith

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development across the state as he approaches the third year of his first tenure. He urged Abians and residents to remain hopeful, assuring them that “the best is yet to come.”

Governor Otti made the statement on Sunday during a worship service at the Methodist Theological Institute (MTI), Mission Hill, Umuahia, where he attended unannounced to thank God for His continued guidance. Addressing the congregation, he expressed gratitude for their unwavering support before, during, and after the elections. He also acknowledged the prayers and efforts of the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Raphael Chibuzo Opoko, and other men of God who interceded for divine intervention in Abia’s transformation.

Reflecting on his administration’s journey, the Governor noted that his team met the state in disarray but has since stabilized the situation. Using road construction as an analogy, he likened the process to removing bad soil before laying a solid foundation, assuring that Abia has now reached stable ground. “The speed with which we ran in the first two years will increase as we move into the third,” he declared.

Dr. Otti emphasized that his government is driven by integrity and accountability, stating, “This is a government that will not deliberately do the wrong thing. When we make mistakes, we will correct them and apologize.” He encouraged citizens to take ownership of rebuilding the state, saying, “This is our state, and it’s our responsibility to rebuild it. If we don’t, no one else will.”

In his sermon titled “Don’t Lose Heart”, drawn from Luke 18:1, the preacher, Very Rev. Dr. Nnaemeka Ndubuwa, described Abia as God’s Own State and commended Governor Otti for his transformational leadership. He reminded Christians of the power of persistent prayer, urging them to pray continually and trust God for answers. Archbishop Chibuzo Opoko also prayed for the Governor and his team, encouraging him to remain focused despite criticism, noting that “a fruitful tree always attracts stones.”

Governor Otti was accompanied by top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D.; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu; Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; and other senior aides and local government mayors.