Uncategorized
Abia at 33: Looking to the Future with Boundless Optimism …..
Being the text of governor Alex Otti’s to mark the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Abia state on Tuesday August 27, 2024.
Abia state was created on the 27th of August, 1991 and has since had it’s losses and triumphs.
For two consecutive anniversaries, the government has not had any events to mark the day.
Governor Otti on this day goes down memory lane, eulogises sons and daughters of the state and promises better days in his anniversary message to the masses.
Below is the text of his 2024 anniversary message.
1. Fellow Abians, brothers and sisters, friends, well-wishers and lovers of our great State, I bring you warm felicitations on this historic day as we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our State. Let me begin by expressing the collective gratitude of our people to the Almighty God for preserving our lives to witness the joy of this very important day in our history, and for bringing us to a new epoch as we continue the lifelong commitment of creating a better society for ourselves, and those coming after us, building on the heroic sacrifices of the brave men and women who came before us.
2. Abia is christened God’s Own State for a reason. Events of the last 33 years have amply demonstrated that the people who occupy this land, have a special place in the Creator’s agenda, we are His people, He is our God and we do not take this privilege for granted. We have been led by God through what has been a long and interesting journey, passing from military administrators to democratically elected governors. May I, on behalf of the good people of Abia State, acknowledge and appreciate our past leaders for their diverse contributions to the political, economic and social development of our dear State. Individually and collectively, they contributed in very unique ways to the growth and transformation of our communities, touched lives, and made Abia an important place in the larger geographical reality called Nigeria.
3. This State was conceived in great hope — an understanding that an enterprising and diligent people, defined for ages by a firmly resilient disposition to life, deserve the freedom to chart the course of their destiny in a new community of dreamers, doers and self-starters. Beyond the gift of great men and women which has been bestowed on us in abundance, we also have very important foundational advantages including large expanse of fertile land to support our agricultural enterprises, vast supply of mineral resources, well known markets that reflect our historical interests in trade and commerce, and rich cultural practices which have been preserved for generations to constantly point us to our history, and values.
4. It has been 33 years of mixed harvests of good and the not-so-good. At any rate, the significance of today’s event is in the opportunity it provides for collective reflection; to evaluate the long journey we have made and ask a few soul-searching questions. This is also the best time to envision where we want to be in the next few decades and make a firm resolution to play our parts as citizens and leaders in diverse fields of calling to make the dream of a beautiful future a reality through the commitment we bring to our daily endeavours.
5. We have been presented with a new opportunity to dream bigger, start better and advance farther on the strength of knowledge gained from past experiences. On the basis of what we have learnt in the last 33 years, it is now taken for granted that it is up to us, the present generation of Ndi Abia, to work diligently to actualise the dreams and vision that inspired our fathers to fight for the creation of this State, set the foundation for its greatness and leave us good references in peaceful co-existence. It is now up to us to take up the challenge and contribute more than ever before to build a new, and just society.
6. As a government, we are continuing to expand the frontiers of opportunities for ordinary men and women in pursuit of the vision of the founding fathers of our great State. Through our infrastructure restoration and expansion projects in rural and urban communities, new corridors of opportunities are being created in agriculture and allied industries, retail trade, transportation, petroleum and solid mineral exploration, and so much more. Our economic development agenda is firmed on the creation of jobs, and alleviation of poverty.
7. A New Abia is being built and you, the people, are the architects, providing very critical support and direction to ensure that what we have committed to are being done, that the resources of the State are rightly channelled to meet the needs of the majority. Our development framework is comprehensive which explains why we are not just building new layers of physical infrastructure; we are also improving access to social services through sustained investments in the resuscitation of healthcare facilities and schools. Additionally, communities that were previously held hostage by criminal gangs have been liberated on the strength of our commitment to making Abia a truly safe destination for residents and businesses.
8. My promise is that we shall not rest on our oars. We shall continue to work very hard to fulfil the promises that won us your trust. We acknowledge that things have not gone according to plan following unanticipated economic headwinds which have made planning very difficult for families, businesses and also for the government. Even then, we must refuse to give in to despair because this present storm shall definitely pass.
9. We should go out today and always with our heads held high like our ancestors. We are the scions of brave men and women, our parents and grandparents lived through wars and famine yet, they did not stop dreaming. They were set apart by the power of optimism. As a people, this is the best time to look beyond the present circumstances and count our many blessings. May we take great pride in what we have achieved as a people in the last 33 years of daring and believing, of winning against the odds, and then step into the future with courage, certain that our victory will come. Abia, as we promised, shall be great in our lifetime because we know we have what it takes to do it and we shall do it, for ourselves, and for our children.
10. Thank you for listening, happy 33rd anniversary and may God bless Abia State.
Dr Alex C. Otti, OFR
Governor, Abia State.
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“We are confident that we will finish our mission in Abia”— Governor Otti
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia
a

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed confidence in God towards the actualisation of a second term in office to complete eight years in the governorship seat of Abia State.
Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday, at his office, while receiving in audience members of the old students association of the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, who announced their belief that the Governor would be re-elected to complete his laudable projects in Abia State.
According to the Governor, “About 2027, we don’t let it distract us, but you have a point.
” Primaries will happen within the month and then elections will be next year. But, we know that Abia people are not stupid.”They know what is good for them.
“Because of that, we also know that it’s all about politics and I’m not too sure that there is someone that would want to throw away what is good.
“This place is God’s own State, so, at the time that it pleases God, he makes changes here and God doesn’t have unfinished business, or unfinished project.
“So, we are confident that we will complete the projects that we have been asked to do by Abians.
Governor Otti commended the old students of the Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba for their decision to fix one of the hostels in their Alma mater, describing the move as laudable.
“I want to also thank you for your decision to fix one of the hostels.”Is a very laudable action that you have done, because you could have as well ignored.
“I’m sure, there are a lot of members of your school that may not even be coming for these meetings. “So, I want to congratulate you and encourage you to continue, because your story cannot be told without this school.” Gov. Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive thanked the association for the choice of Abia for its bi-annual meeting, noting that, the choice of Abia is commendable.
The Governor disclosed that his decision to support Professor Bart Nnaji to achieve his dream of the Aba power was to ensure that steady power supply is achieved in the State, and commended Prof. Nnaji’s resilience in achieving that.Gov. Otti informed his visitors that an agreement had been signed and Abia was at the point of payment so as to own the Umuahia ringed fence of the EEDC, adding that, when fully realised, the remaining 8 LGAs of the State, including, Umuahia and environs, and the Abia North senatorial zone would be linked to the Geometric power.
“So, there’s excess power. Of course, with an additional turbine, it will be able to generate 188 megawatts. So, the whole idea is to take excess power from Aba to the other eight local governments in Abia Central and Abia North.”We’ve also set up the Abia States Electricity Regulatory Agency.
“And so right now, everything about regulation is within the State. So, we will be detached from the National electricity grid,” Gov. Otti said.
.Speaking earlier, the President, the Old Students Association, Federal School of Arts and Science, Aba, Pharmacist Tony Ejieji while appreciating the good works of Governor Alex Otti in the State, said that they were in the State for their bi-annual meeting of the association.
He noted that Abia is now peaceful and safe, hence, their decision to come to Abia for the meeting which has been taking place in Lagos.
He saluted the transformational projects of Governor Otti which are scattered across the State and urged him to sustain the tempo. Pharmacist Tony Ejieji, who informed the Governor that the alumni of the institution are fixing one of the hostels in their Alma Mater, pointed out the Geometric Power Plant that they visited in Aba and other infrastructural developments they saw in Aba and Umuahia, and expressed the hope and belief that, the opposition would not draw back the wheel of progress in the State under his leadership, urging him to move forward and complete his God given mandate in the State.
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LP Abia state congress : OMPAN Felicitates Iroegbu on emergence as Publicity Secretary
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State Chapter, has congratulated Mr Emenike Iroegbu on his emergence as the publicity secretary of the Labour Party in the state.
In a statement endorsed by the public relations officer of the association, Kate Okereke, OMPAN described Iroegbu’s emergence as well-deserved, noting his track record of dedication, competence, and commitment to effective communication and public engagement.
The association expressed confidence in his ability to project the ideals and programmes of the Labour Party, while fostering transparency and strengthening the party’s relationship with the public and the media.
OMPAN further urged him to uphold professionalism, truth, and integrity in the discharge of his duties, emphasizing the critical role of information management in today’s political landscape.
The group wished him a successful tenure and assured him of continued collaboration in promoting responsible media practices and democratic values.
Human angle
From Dilapidation to Dignity: The Mercy Anosike story
Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mrs. Mercy Anosike might have still been living in her shacks had help not met her a few months ago.
Mrs. Anosike’s living condition was reportedly deplorable until a journalist, Emma Nwazue of Afia TV brought it to the attention of the governor during a media chat in Umuahia where the governor ordered an immediate intervention.
Confronted by challenges of widowhood and childlessness after the loss of all her children, Mrs. Anosike continued to trudge on not knowing what the future held for her.
However, fate smiled at her and her situation changed for good with the construction and furnishing of a bungalow by the Abia state government.
Residents of her village, Ukome in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State could not contain their joy as they showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to the widow.

During the commissioning and handover of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mrs. Anosike’s story as one of remarkable strength and resilience.
According to her, Mama Anosike lost her children and was left alone, yet despite the painful challenges she faced, she has continued to remain a beacon of hope within her community.
.Mrs. Otti was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa,.
According to her the story of the woman’s poor and difficult living conditions elicited compassion from the governor who immediately directed that she be moved out of her dilapidated home and provided with a new, comfortable residence.

She disclosed that through her office, support had continued to reach widows and other vulnerable persons across the state, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and care.

“This house is a testament to our commitment and a tangible expression of our efforts to empower women and support vulnerable groups in Abia State,” she said.
In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the wife of the governor for her compassion and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

She also enjoined the community to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while appealing to the government to consider addressing some of the community’s challenges, particularly in the area of road construction.
For Miss Patricia Ngborogwu of Flo FM radio , she expressed relief and fulfilment that her foundation provided succour at some point for Mrs. Anosike and commended Governor Otti for his swift and compassionate response when the matter was mentioned to him.

Patricia stated that the governor’s action was a demonstration that responsive leadership and empathy can bring real transformation to people’s lives.

“The beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, in her response expressed gratitude, saying the gesture feels like a dream. She praised Governor Otti for promoting inclusive governance and remembering the less privileged in the society.
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