Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has described the state’s 35-year journey as a testimony to the resilience, courage and determination of its peopl.
The Governor assured that his administration remains committed to building a prosperous future anchored on quality education, accessible healthcare, infrastructure development and expanded economic opportunities.

In a statewide broadcast to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to God and the people of Abia for their contributions to the growth and development of the state, saying the anniversary represents a new chapter in the collective journey of the people.

He said Abia’s progress was built on the sacrifices and vision of its founding fathers, past leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and ordinary citizens who remained committed to the ideals of a better state despite challenges.
“Abia did not emerge from mere wishes; the State was created following years of intense agitations and convergence of ideas by political, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, captains of industry and thought leaders,” Otti stated.

The Governor paid tribute to the visionaries who championed the creation of Abia, including Dr. Michael Okpara, Chief Benjamin Nwachukwu and other prominent leaders whose efforts culminated in the establishment of the state in 1991.

He also acknowledged the contributions of former governors and military administrators, noting that each administration played a role in shaping Abia’s political, economic and social evolution.
Otti said the greatest strength of Abia lies in the creativity and resilience of its people, praising entrepreneurs, artisans, teachers, civil servants, healthcare workers, security personnel, traders and professionals whose daily efforts continue to sustain the state’s identity.
“Abia, like every society through time, embodies the energy and optimism of the people who live in it; we do not give up, whatever the odds are, we fight, exhaust ourselves and return at dawn the next day until the outcome that we seek is attained,” he said.

Highlighting achievements of his administration in the last three years, the Governor listed investments in education, healthcare, roads, agriculture, technology and housing as key pillars of the state’s development agenda.
He disclosed that thousands of teachers and health workers had been recruited and trained, while smart schools, primary healthcare facilities and other public infrastructure projects were being delivered across the state.

According to him, the administration’s free and compulsory basic education policy is aimed at ensuring that no child in Abia is disadvantaged because of the economic background of their parents.
He further stated that the ongoing rehabilitation of roads across urban and rural communities, expansion of agricultural programmes, reforms in land administration and ICT skills development initiatives were designed to open new opportunities for citizens, especially young people.
The Governor also highlighted the commencement of payment of accumulated gratuity arrears owed retirees since 2001, assuring senior citizens that the administration would continue clearing outstanding obligations as resources become available.
“Going forward, anyone leaving the service should be paid their gratuity as soon as the necessary documentation is completed. The old practice of denying retirees what is due them will no longer obtain,” he assured.

Calling for greater citizen participation in the development of the state, Otti urged Abians to pay their taxes, support security agencies and reject actions capable of undermining peace and progress.
He said the future of Abia depended on the collective responsibility of its citizens, adding that the state was on the right path towards achieving the dreams of its founding fathers.
“Abia is ours to build and thankfully, we are on the right track,” the Governor declared.

Meanwhile within the week,the Governor had commissioned the newly completed 80-bed Obingwa General Hospital, declaring that the facility will expand access to quality healthcare while setting a new standard for modern, technology-driven medical services in the state.

The keynote Speaker,former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka had also given a lecture titled Strengthening Governance: Ethical Leadership and Public Service Delivery.

Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC .Umuahia, Abia State .
27th August, 2026.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has urged Nigerians to embrace unity, patriotism, and collective responsibility in rebuilding the country, declaring that despite its struggles, Nigeria’s best years are still ahead.

Speaking at the 65th Independence Anniversary celebration in Umuahia on Wednesday, Governor Otti described Nigeria as “a people of destiny,” stressing that the miracle of its survival lies in friendships and bonds that transcend ethnic and religious boundaries.

While acknowledging widespread disappointments over the nation’s trajectory, Otti cautioned against despair, insisting that Nigerians remain deeply patriotic at heart. “We must never mistake momentary discontent with lifetime disconnection,” he said, noting that the country’s progress or setbacks reverberate across the black race worldwide.

The Governor called for a renewed sense of leadership at all levels, pointing out that leadership is not a title but a responsibility to create value and inspire progress. “No one is too small to lead the chorus for change,” he declared, adding that the building blocks for a new Nigeria must come from homes, communities, and institutions.

Otti admitted that Nigeria had been serially betrayed by poor decisions, corruption, and divisions but maintained that the 65th anniversary presents another chance for renewal. “We are invited to forgo the culture of finger-pointing and collectively come to terms with the truth that we all have a country to build,” he stated.

He commended Abians for their unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project, applauding their resilience and contributions across the nation despite frustrations. According to him, “In due time, we shall all look back with pride, grateful to have played a part in the great story Nigeria will eventually become.”

The Governor also paid tribute to security agents and ordinary citizens who had sacrificed their lives in service of the nation, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from their courage and recommit to the ideals of fairness, patriotism, and justice.

Concluding his address, Governor Otti declared: “Happy Independence, Nigeria. May our shared dedication to freedom continue to guide us into a future of peace, prosperity, and greatness.”

The day witnessed Police parade with all the National security architecture in attendance at the Government parade ground as the Governor takes Salute after inspection of parade.