Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has declared that his administration has commenced an “aggressive development” phase in Abia State, assuring residents that years of stagnation and regression have permanently been brought to an end.
Governor Otti made the declaration on Sunday, while speaking at the District Prayer Conference/Grand Civic Reception Service held in his honour at the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA, with the theme: “Saved for a Greater Tomorrow”.
Governor Otti who quoted from John 1:43–46, likened Abia’s past reputation to the question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”, noted that there is much positive progress to see in the State today.
“Before 2023, when you mentioned you are from Abia, people would ask, ‘Can anything good come out of Abia?’ Now, if they ask you again, tell them, Come and see”, he declared.
The Governor stated that his administration is focused on governance that restores the dignity of Abia people, so that identifying as an Abian commands respect anywhere.
He said that the progress already recorded under his administration marks a turning point in the history of Abia State, adding that there would be no reversal of the gains made so far.
“So what we have started is the aggressive development of Abia State.We have just started, we are not three years yet. So you imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031
“You know there is a time and a season for everything.The news that I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down. And whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me.
“So when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We’ve moved”, the Governor said.
Governor Otti who recalled that although he won the 2015 election, it was not God’s appointed time, attributed his emergence and the success of his administration to divine intervention.
He stressed that political power ultimately belongs to God, noting that the success of the 2023 election was divinely ordained and not merely human effort.
“We contested election here in 2015. All of you voted for us. We won that election, but it wasn’t God’s time. And when it’s God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up”, Governor Otti said.
He thanked the church leadership and congregation for the honour done him and their continued support to his administration, assuring Abians that his administration had only just begun its work of rebuilding the State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Umuahia Jerusalem District, Pastor Kenneth Ogbudu, described Governor Otti as a transformational leader whose administration has redefined governance in Abia State.
He said Otti’s tenure marked “a clear and commendable departure from the past,” noting that governance in the State is now driven by competence, transparency, accountability and verifiable results.
Pastor Ogbudu also commended the Otti led administration for the rehabilitation of long-abandoned roads, revival of economic activities, fiscal discipline and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“Indeed, for the first time since the creation of Abia State, advocates can genuinely point to governance they can see, feel and testify about”, he said.
The cleric also commended the First Lady, Mrs Priscilla Otti, describing her as “a woman of virtue, grace and strength whose support has contributed to the well-being of Abians.
