The Abia Arise Movement, a non-partisan grassroots mobilization platform, has intensified its activities across Abia State, with the latest rally in Bende Local Government Area marking a major step in its mission to promote leadership development and citizen engagement.
Speaking at the well-attended event held at Practising School, Uzuakoli, the State Coordinator of the Abia Arise Movement, Mazi Nkem Okore, reaffirmed the movement’s commitment to supporting Governor Alex Otti’s developmental agenda. He described the platform as a people-driven initiative birthed from the aspirations of Abians for purposeful and transparent leadership.
Also addressing the gathering, the Bende LGA Coordinator of Abia Arise, Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu, stressed the importance of grassroots participation and praised the administration’s inclusive governance model. He pledged continued support from the people of Bende and called for sustained efforts to strengthen the movement across all communities in the state.
The event featured the formal inauguration of the Bende LGA executive council of the Abia Arise Movement, setting the stage for deeper political and civic engagement at the local level.
A significant highlight of the gathering was the defection of prominent opposition figures to the Labour Party and their alignment with the Abia Arise agenda. Among the new entrants were Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, member representing Bende North State Constituency, Dr. Ezeala of the APC, and former YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate in the 2023 elections, Dr. Chima Anyaso, who was received with a large contingent of supporters.
In his keynote address, Governor Alex Otti commended the efforts of the Abia Arise Movement in galvanizing citizens toward participatory governance. He reiterated that the platform transcends party lines and is pivotal to his administration’s transformation strategy.
“The Abia Arise Movement is not just a political vehicle—it is a grassroots platform for mobilizing our people and cultivating the next generation of leaders,” Governor Otti said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of Abia North Senatorial District, particularly Bende LGA, to his administration’s Agro-Transformation Agenda, which seeks to achieve food security, job creation, and increased foreign earnings.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the Governor referenced the recent commissioning of the 67.6km Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road, now named Joe Irukwu Way, describing it as a critical infrastructure project that would spur regional economic growth.
“We are deliberately investing in infrastructure that bridges the gap between rural and urban communities,” he said.
“This road will unlock access to markets, revive agro-assets, and ultimately boost our GDP.”
Governor Otti also disclosed that within the past ten days, his administration had commissioned 23 new projects, including 18 road networks and five fully equipped primary healthcare centers. Among them was the newly renovated Ngwu Uzuakoli Primary Health Centre, commissioned during his visit.
He warned against the vandalism of public infrastructure, especially by scrap metal dealers, and directed security agencies to take decisive action. Community leaders, he said, would be held accountable for negligence in their areas.
Dr. Chima Anyaso, speaking after formally announcing his resignation from the YPP, praised the Governor’s visionary leadership. He declared his full support for the rebuilding efforts underway across the state and expressed confidence in the Governor’s people-first approach.
The event concluded with the presentation of two branded Coaster buses donated by the Chima Anyaso Foundation to support the logistics and outreach activities of the Governor and the Abia Arise Movement.
Also in attendance were senior government officials, including Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and Chief Chinasa Frank, the Abuja Liaison Officer, who lauded Governor Otti’s swift and inclusive governance style.
The Bende event marked yet another milestone in the expanding influence of the Abia Arise Movement, as it continues to drive civic participation and align the aspirations of citizens with the state’s long-term development goals.
