Abia Governor Alex Otti has credited prayers, sacrifices and the support of residents for the progress recorded in the state as it marks its 35th anniversary.
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has credited the prayers, sacrifices and support of residents for the progress recorded in Abia over the past 35 years, urging citizens to remain hopeful and steadfast in faith.
Otti spoke on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at an interdenominational thanksgiving service in Umuahia to commence activities marking the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The service, organised by the Abia State Government and held at the Okpara Square Event Centre, was themed, “The Rise of a New Abia.” It featured prayers of thanksgiving for the state’s creation and sustenance, as well as prayers for its leadership, peace, security, institutions and people.
The governor said beginning the anniversary celebration with thanksgiving reflected his administration’s belief in the role of prayer, sacrifice and the contributions of religious leaders and residents to the state’s development.
“Today, what we came to do is to mark 35 years of the creation of Abia State. We chose to start this celebration with thanksgiving, and that is also what we have always done, even from 2023,” Otti said.
“We are not in any doubt that it is the prayers, the sacrifices, our people that have contributed to the progress recorded in Abia.”
Otti recalled that following his victory in the 2023 governorship election, he and his supporters visited churches to offer thanksgiving. He also thanked religious leaders for continuing to pray and stand in support of peace, progress and development in the state.
The governor urged Abians not to lose hope in the face of difficulties, stressing that perseverance and faith remained important in achieving their aspirations.
“This State is not called God’s Own State for nothing. At its own time, the Bible records, it makes everything beautiful. So, sometimes, you will be struggling, you will be praying, don’t give up,” Otti said.
He also congratulated Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on his recent electoral victory, noting that Adeleke has maternal ties to Abia through his mother, who he said hailed from Akwete Ndoki in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
Former Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, who attended the thanksgiving service, commended the Otti administration for what he described as unprecedented transformation across Abia.
Imoke said his assessment was based not only on what he heard during the service but also on projects he personally inspected before arriving at the event.
He said Otti had, within three years, achieved what could be compared with the accomplishments of three administrations, declaring that the governor had “accomplished what Abia lost in three decades.”
Imoke urged Abians to continue supporting the administration and prayed for Otti’s success in the 2027 governorship election, saying continued support would enable the governor to sustain his development efforts.
In his exhortation, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, described Abia’s 35th anniversary as a testimony to God’s faithfulness despite the challenges the state had faced since its creation.
Ugorji said the creation of Abia in 1991 represented the fulfilment of the aspirations of its people, while 35 years of existence marked a significant threshold and the beginning of a new phase for the state.
He urged the Otti administration to sustain the current development trajectory and ensure that Abia becomes better and more prosperous.
The Archbishop also called for honesty, responsible leadership and protection of public resources, while urging the state to invest in technology, innovation and youth empowerment to strengthen its economic future.
The thanksgiving service featured praise and worship led by gospel artiste Buchi and attracted the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu; Senator Liyel Imoke; government officials, political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents.
The event marked the beginning of a week-long programme of activities for Abia’s 35th anniversary. The celebrations are scheduled to include the commissioning and flag-off of projects, a Youth Innovation Day featuring a hackathon and technology exhibition, and other activities before culminating on Thursday, August 27, the actual anniversary date.
Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
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