Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has announced that provision has been made in the 2026 budget for the reconstruction of the Egbelu–Etiti–Eziama–Ntigha–Imo River Road, a critical route linking several communities in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Otti disclosed this while speaking at the 13th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of the Founder of the Marian Missionary Sisters of Ad Regnum Dei, Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, held at the Sanctuary of Mary Immaculate, Egbelu-Etiti Ntigha, Isialangwa North LGA.
The Governor also revealed that the access road leading to the skills acquisition centre established by Archbishop Nwachukwu at Owerrinta has equally been captured in the 2026 budget.
He further assured that his administration would convene a meeting with the management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to address some lingering projects in the State.
Governor Otti while congratulating Archbishop Nwachukwu on the milestone, described the cleric’s life and ministry as one defined by compassion, selfless service to God and commitment to humanity.
He commended the Archbishop for his enduring contributions to spiritual growth and human development, particularly through education and skills acquisition initiatives.
The Governor also used the occasion to congratulate three newly ordained Catholic Sisters, commending their sacrifice and dedication to the service of God.
He expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church for its consistent prayers and support to his administration and for good governance in the State.
In his homily, the Founder of Marian Missionaries of Ad Regnum Dei(MMR), Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu emphasised that the Christian life, especially religious vocation, is a call to seek Christ wholeheartedly.
He explained that religious life demands complete self-giving to God through the vows of poverty, obedience and chastity, and the embrace of a transformed way of life.
The Archbishop, who serves in the Roman Curia as Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, noted that while religious vocation may appear humanly difficult, it is made possible by God’s grace.
Drawing from Christ’s teaching on the rich young man, he called on believers to embrace conversion, renewal, unity, gratitude and selfless service to God and humanity.
He commended Governor Otti for what he described as remarkable infrastructural strides across Abia State, citing the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba and the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard in Umuahia as clear examples of the transformational leadership of the present administration.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha; the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe; the member representing Isialangwa North State Constituency, Chief Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sir Ken Ahia; elder statesman, Ochiagha Reagan Ufomba, and other prominent personalities.
