The Senior Pastor of Dominion City Church, Pastor David Ogbueli, has described Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti as a model of development for Nigeria.
Pastor Ogbueli highlighted the Otti administration’s strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, social welfare and economic development, describing Abia’s transformation as a reference point in prayers and national conversations about Nigeria’s development. He expressed hope that other states would emulate its achievements.
The Cleric who spoke when he led his wife, Mrs Sarah Ogbueli and other members of his delegation on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti in his office at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, observed that the Governor’s leadership has rekindled hope across the South-East, which, according to him, has endured years of political and developmental challenges.
He commended the Governor his purposeful leadership, noting that the development of Smart Schools, improved Healthcare, good road networks and welfare programmes for senior citizens demonstrated that effective governance was achievable in the country.
“One state is showing us that the whole country can work. We want the same Smart Schools everywhere. We want the healthcare that is happening here. We want the good roads,” he said.
Pastor Ogbueli, who disclosed that he travelled by road from Enugu to Abia, said his observations along the route reinforced his appreciation of the State’s infrastructure development.
He particularly commended the Governor for his attention to senior citizens, saying the welfare arrangements for elderly people deserved consideration as a national policy.
The Cleric also expressed optimism about the proposed seaport project in Abia, noting that it’s actualisation would have far-reaching economic benefits for not only Abia State but the South-East and the entire country.
On human capital development, Pastor Ogbueli, who is also the President of the Golden Heart Foundation, disclosed that his organisation was developing a mentorship and apprenticeship initiative aimed at addressing youth unemployment and preparing young people for productive engagement.
He disclosed that under the proposed initiative, professionals and successful business people would each mentor 12 young persons, transferring practical skills, professional experience and values to them over a period of two to three years.
According to Pastor Ogbueli, the approach is designed to complement prayer with practical interventions that equip young people with the skills and opportunities to become economically independent.
He described the South-East as looking towards Abia for exemplary leadership, and urged the Governor to consolidate his achievements and ensure that the state’s development model outlives his administration.
Responding, Governor Otti thanked pastor Ogbueli for his support and commended his commitment to extending Christian ministry beyond preaching to practical interventions in employment, industrialisation, skills acquisition and human development.
The Governor described such interventions as essential to addressing poverty and improving the living conditions of the people, noting that welfare should go beyond the distribution of handouts to creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
He maintained that empowering people with the skills and resources to provide for themselves was more sustainable than depending on periodic assistance.
Governor Otti assured the cleric of his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that advance human capital development and improve the economic prospects of young people.
