Abia State Government on Sunday held an interdenominational thanksgiving service as part of activities marking the third year in office anniversary of Governor Alex Otti.
The service, which took place at the Umuahia Event Centre, Okpara Square, attracted a large gathering of Christian faithfuls drawn from different denominations across the state who came to express gratitude to God for the peace and developments recorded in the state under the present administration.
Speaking at the service, Governor Otti, disclosed that part of his early commitments upon assumption of office included rededicating the state to God in prayers.
The governor further disclosed that one of the key promises made during his spiritual commitments was the construction of an ecumenical centre in Umuahia.
According to the governor, the project will be financed entirely through private means, without recourse to public funds.
He said; “We vowed that we are going to build an ecumenical centre in Umuahia for God.
“The ecumenical centre is not going to be built by government money. No one dime from the state government will go in there”.
Governor Otti said that he had already secured the land for the project as far back as 2009, noting that the site previously housed Elite Construction.
The governor expressed appreciation to the fathers of faith for their united prayers for the state, as well as to the women who interceded for divine intervention in the state.
He noted with satisfaction that, years after those spiritual efforts and the emergence of his administration, the state has witnessed significant positive change and is on the part of steady growth.
Governor Otti also thanked the founder, Living Word Ministries, Dr Emma Okorie for his steadfastness and encouragement over the years.
He recalled that during “his 2014 governorship bid, despite alleged pressure and warnings from the then administration discouraging association with him, Dr Emma Okorie remained supportive.
The governor noted that this act of loyalty attracted repercussions at the time, including the demolition of a fence at the clergyman’s residence, yet his commitment to their relationship and shared conviction remained unshaken.
He added that despite past experiences, forgiveness remains central to his administration’s values.
The governor urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and unwavering in their service to God.
Earlier the Founder and President, Living Word Ministries, Dr Emma Okorie, in a sermon titled “Where There is No Vision the People Perish”, described Governor Alex Otti as a “God-sent” leader on a mission to deliver the people of Abia.
Dr Okorie who drew his text from Exodus 3:1–10, recalled how the Israelites suffered years of bondage in Egypt before God raised Moses to deliver them after hearing their cries.
The clergyman likened the biblical account to the situation in Abia, stating that the state had experienced setbacks over the past 24 years because of leadership lacking vision.
He argued that Otti’s emergence as governor reflected God’s response to the prayers of the people who had cried out for deliverance from hardship and poor governance.
“I believe with all I have seen Gov. Otti encountered God just like Moses did at the burning bush. I believe he did not just take up governance; he encountered God.”
He further described the governor as a man with a divine mandate, vision and a servant-leader committed to transforming Abia.
Also, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Dr Michael Ukpong, in his word charge, urged Governor Otti to remain focused and not be distracted from his good works.
He assured the governor of God’s guidance and support as he continues in service, adding that with faith and commitment to righteousness, no opposition would prevail against the governor.
The bishop noted that his message extended beyond the governor to include appointees, collaborators and civil servants serving in the state government.
He reminded public office holders of their accountability before God and called for collective efforts to sustain the developmental progress being witnessed in Abia.
“Let us make concerted efforts to ensure that the good works witnessed in Abia under this administration will be sustained”, Ukpong charged.
The Thanksgiving service featured praise and worship, thanksgiving prayer and will as prayer for continued security in Abia among others.
