Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the South-East, declaring that sustainable peace remains the bedrock of economic growth and development.
The governor made the remarks after Abia State hosted the maiden South East Regional Security Summit 2026 at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia on Friday.
Reflecting on the event in a post shared on his official X account, Otti described the summit as timely, noting that its theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” captured the urgent need for collective action against insecurity in the region.
“In my remarks, I reaffirmed our administration’s unwavering commitment to peace and security across the South East. Security is the foundation of prosperity, and the summit, themed ‘Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,’ could not have come at a better time,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his goodwill message and support for security initiatives in the South-East.
He also acknowledged the participation of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, as well as the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), which partnered with the Abia State Government to organise the summit.
Otti further commended the attendance of representatives of the governors of Enugu, Imo, Anambra and Ebonyi states, alongside key national and regional leaders, including the representative of the Senate President, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.), Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.), members of the Armed Forces, security agencies and other stakeholders.
According to him, the broad participation demonstrated a shared commitment to addressing the region’s security challenges.
“Their collective voices underscored the importance of unity in tackling our shared challenges. Special recognition goes to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, whose leadership and dedication to safeguarding our skies remain invaluable to national security,” Otti stated.
The governor stressed that greater cooperation among governments, security agencies and communities would be critical to restoring lasting peace in the South-East.
“The message is clear: lasting peace and security in the South East demand collaboration, intelligence sharing, and a common resolve. Together, we will continue to make crime unprofitable, strengthen our institutions, and build a safer, more prosperous region for all,” he added.
In the same message, Otti also extended birthday wishes to Muhammadu Sanusi II on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
“I warmly congratulate His Highness, Dr Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, CON, Emir of Kano, on his 65th birthday. His scholarship, public service, and steadfast devotion have enriched our nation. May Allah grant him sound health, greater wisdom, and many more years,” the governor said.