Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s resolve to honour its commitments to the people of Abia State while maintaining faith and gratitude to God for the progress recorded so far.
Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held in Umuahia to mark his third year in office, Otti said his government was founded on prayers and dedication to service.
According to him, one of the promises made at the beginning of the administration was to remain faithful to the welfare of the people and to continue working towards fulfilling those pledges.
The governor noted that thanksgiving had remained a personal principle for him and his family, stressing the importance of acknowledging God for the achievements recorded by the state government.
Referencing Joshua 24:15, he stated, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Otti also disclosed plans to build an ecumenical centre in Umuahia, explaining that the project would be privately financed without any contribution from government funds.
He explained that the land for the proposed centre was acquired in 2009, years before he assumed office as governor.
The governor expressed appreciation to the President of Living Word Ministries International, Dr Emma Okorie, for his longstanding support and prayers.
He recalled that during his 2014 governorship bid, some influential figures allegedly mounted pressure on the cleric because of his association with him, adding that Okorie’s property was affected after he refused to withdraw his support.
Otti, however, said those involved had been forgiven, emphasising the need for reconciliation and unity.
In his sermon titled “Where There Is No Vision, the People Perish,” Okorie described the governor as a leader with a divine mission to transform the state.
Drawing from Exodus 3:1-10, the cleric compared the biblical story of the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt to the situation in Abia, saying residents had endured years of poor leadership before experiencing a new direction.
He said Otti’s emergence as governor symbolised answered prayers for many citizens who desired change and development in the state.
Okorie further described the governor as a visionary leader committed to improving the lives of Abia residents through purposeful governance.
Also speaking, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Michael Ukpong, encouraged the governor to remain focused on delivering good governance despite possible distractions.
He urged political appointees and public servants to carry out their responsibilities with integrity, reminding them that leadership ultimately comes with accountability before God.
The cleric also called for collective efforts to sustain the developmental strides being witnessed across Abia under the current administration.