The Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Dr. Annie Onu-Onwuchekwa, has said that Governor Alex Otti is preparing young people in the state for future leadership through his policies and programmes.
She made the statement on Wednesday while receiving members of the organising committee of the “Enyimba City Youths 5 Hours Marathon Praise” during a visit to her office.
Rev. Onu-Onwuchekwa said the present administration is creating opportunities for youths to grow, contribute to society, and become responsible leaders in the future. She noted that Governor Otti’s efforts are aimed at building a better future for young people across the state.
She encouraged the organisers to extend their activities beyond Aba Zone and involve youths from all the 17 local government areas of Abia State. According to her, young people should be guided towards productive activities and discouraged from actions that could damage their future or the image of the state.
The Diaspora Commission boss also described the marathon praise programme as a positive initiative and expressed hope that it would become an annual event in the state.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon. Anthony Ejiogu, Councillor representing Eziama Ward 1, said the purpose of the visit was to invite Rev. Onu-Onwuchekwa to the forthcoming “Enyimba City Youths 5 Hours Marathon Praise” programme and seek her support.
He explained that the event is a non-stop five-hour praise gathering expected to attract about 5,000 youths from different local government areas in Aba Zone, including Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Obingwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, and Ugwunagbo.
Hon. Ejiogu said the youths decided to organise the programme to appreciate God for the achievements of Governor Alex Otti and the development taking place in the state under his administration.
According to him, the programme will also provide an opportunity for youths and Christians to pray for the continued peace, progress, and development of Abia State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He further stated that the involvement of Christian leaders such as Rev. Dr. Annie Onu-Onwuchekwa and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajiagba, in government has encouraged many Christians to participate actively in politics and leadership.
The event is scheduled to hold on May 25, 2026, at Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic in Aba.
Responding, Rev. Onu-Onwuchekwa thanked the organisers for the visit and described the programme as an opportunity for Abians to thank God for the positive changes happening in the state. She urged the youths to remain united and avoid anything that could divide them.
The visit ended with prayers, a show of unity, and the presentation of branded items, including a T-shirt and face cap, to the Diaspora Commission boss. Members of the Akpo-Aza Gospel Singers, including Hon. Agbeze, were also part of the delegation.
