- Otti credited Abia’s progress over 35 years to residents’ prayers and sacrifices
- He urged Abians to remain hopeful despite challenges
- The governor spoke at a thanksgiving service marking the state’s 35th anniversary
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has attributed the state’s progress over the past 35 years to the prayers, sacrifices and support of its people.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Otti spoke on Sunday at an interdenominational thanksgiving service organised to mark Abia’s 35th anniversary. The event was held at the Okpara Square Event Centre in Umuahia under the theme, “The Rise of a New Abia.”
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The service featured prayers of thanksgiving for the creation and development of the state, as well as prayers for its leaders, institutions, peace, security and residents.
The governor said the anniversary offered an opportunity for Abians to recognise God’s role in the state’s journey since its creation.
He recalled that thanksgiving had remained an important part of his administration since his emergence as governor in 2023, noting that he and his supporters visited churches after his electoral victory to express gratitude.
Otti praised religious leaders across the state for their continued prayers and contributions towards maintaining peace and promoting development.
He also encouraged residents to remain hopeful despite the challenges facing the state, stressing that faith and perseverance were necessary to achieve meaningful progress.
The governor congratulated Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on his electoral victory, noting that Adeleke has a maternal connection to Abia through his mother, who he said was from Akwete in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, also commended the Otti administration, describing the transformation witnessed across Abia as unprecedented.
Imoke said his assessment was based on both what he heard from residents and his personal observation of projects executed by the administration. He urged Abians to continue supporting Otti and prayed for his success in the 2027 election.
In his sermon, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described the anniversary as an important milestone in Abia’s history.
Ugorji said the creation of Abia in 1991 represented the fulfilment of the aspirations of its people rather than merely an administrative decision.
He described the 35th anniversary as evidence of God’s faithfulness and urged the governor to maintain the state’s development momentum.
The archbishop encouraged Otti to ensure that Abia becomes more prosperous and better positioned for its people by the end of his administration.
The thanksgiving service featured musical performances by gospel artiste Buchi and was attended by government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents.
Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.
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