Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has described the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation as the beginning of a new chapter, urging residents to remain optimistic and committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Abia.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday to commemorate the anniversary, the governor expressed gratitude to God for preserving the state over the past three and a half decades while congratulating Abians for their collective contributions to its growth and development.
Otti said the celebration was not merely a reflection on the past but a reminder that greater opportunities lie ahead for the state and its people.
Addressing residents, he declared: “Umunnem ndi Abia, I come to you this morning with an elation of gratitude, thankful, firstly to the Almighty God for His blessings upon our land in the last 35 years. May I also congratulate you, dear brothers and sisters, as we relish the joy of this remarkable anniversary in our evolution as a people bound by a common heritage, defined by the resilience of our spirit and hope in the promises that tomorrow holds.”
The governor commended the resilience and determination of the people, noting that every Abian had played a role in shaping the state’s identity and future.
According to him, “Individually and collectively, every one of us has uniquely contributed to shaping the character of our State, drawing its identity and laying out the map of its future. Fellow Abians, you owe it to yourself to be proud of the contributions you have made in the building of this community of endless possibilities.”
Otti stressed that the anniversary should inspire renewed commitment rather than complacency, saying the state’s progress would depend on its willingness to strive for higher standards.
He said, “Our joy on this momentous occasion does not come from a place of vanity, it is firmed on the conviction that a new epoch is upon us, our moment has arrived and with gratitude, we shall seize the opportunities of our day to create a better world for those coming after us. Our race is never about outrunning others, it is pushing ourselves harder each day, asking tough questions and refusing to settle for less than we deserve.”
Reflecting on Abia’s political history, the governor paid glowing tribute to former leaders who had served the state in both democratic and military administrations, acknowledging their contributions to its socio-economic and political development.
He described the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu as the visionary whose foresight helped shape the state’s early direction and also recognised the efforts of former governors Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for their roles in advancing the state’s development.
Otti equally honoured former military administrators, including Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena, Brigadier General Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Commander Temi Ejoor, Colonel Moses Fasanya and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Obi, saying their leadership in the formative years helped maintain peace, strengthen public order and lay the foundation for infrastructure development.
The governor concluded that while no administration had been without shortcomings, the sacrifices and efforts of previous leaders deserved recognition for helping build a state that continues to pursue the aspirations of its people.