Otti Urges Abians To Remain Steadfast In Faith As Abia Marks 35th Anniversary
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has urged Abians to remain steadfast in faith and hope, assuring them that God’s timing would ultimately bring to fruition the aspirations of the people.
Governor Otti made the call on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, beside the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal, Umuahia, as part of activities marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State.
The service, held under the theme, “The Rise of a New Abia,” brought together government officials, religious leaders, dignitaries and residents to celebrate the State’s journey since its creation in 1991 and offer prayers for its continued progress.
The Governor said the decision to begin the anniversary celebration with thanksgiving was a reflection of his administration’s belief in the power of prayer and appreciation of the sacrifices of the people and fathers of faith who had consistently interceded for the State.
He recalled that after the 2023 governorship election, his administration commenced with a thanksgiving service tagged “Returning Abia to God,” stressing that the State’s progress remained 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.
Otti expressed appreciation to religious leaders for their continued prayers and support for the State, praying that thanksgiving would never cease in their homes and ministries.
The Governor also congratulated Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on his recent electoral victory, noting that the governor has strong ties to Abia State through his mother, who hails from Akwete Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
He equally welcomed former Governor of Cross River State, former Senator and former Minister, Senator Liyel Imoke, who attended the thanksgiving service, and thanked all dignitaries, clergymen and Abians for honouring the occasion.
Governor Otti 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 prayed for the repose of their souls and those of all the faithful departed.
Speaking at the event, Senator Liyel Imoke commended Governor Otti for what he described as the unprecedented transformation taking place across Abia State.
Imoke said his assessment was based not only on reports he had heard about the administration but also on projects he personally inspected before attending the thanksgiving service.
According to him, Governor Otti had, within three years, achieved accomplishments comparable to those of three administrations.
He declared that the Governor had “accomplished what Abia lost in three decades,” expressing confidence that God was at work in the State.
Imoke, who described Abia as “God’s own State” under Otti’s leadership, urged Abians to continue supporting the administration and praying for its success.
In his sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described the 35th anniversary as a testimony to God’s faithfulness in preserving the State and its people despite the challenges experienced since its creation.
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 represented a season of restoration and renewed hope, citing improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education and urban renewal.
He commended the Otti administration for what he described as its commitment to people-centred governance and urged leaders at all levels to continue to serve 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.
He, however, stressed that sustaining the State’s development gains required the active participation of citizens.
The cleric 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 the State 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, while encouraging Abians to remain united in building a more prosperous and stable State.
“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 added.
The high point of the thanksgiving service was a special prayer session 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; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; senior government officials, clergymen and other dignitaries.
