NEWS
“ABIA’S UNITY MANDATE WILL NOT FAIL” — ABIA STATE GOV., DR. ALEX OTTI DECLARES DURING HISTORIC VISIT OF APOSTOLIC NUNCIO TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE, UMUAHIA
…as He Receives Vatican Envoy, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty; Hails Catholic Church for Ordaining 15 Deacons
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver on the mandate overwhelmingly entrusted to him by Abians, stating that the massive support that ushered in his victory in the 2023 governorship election remains a constant reminder that his government must not fail its people.
Governor Otti made the declaration on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, while receiving a high-powered Catholic delegation led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia.
According to him, the acceptance and support he witnessed after his electoral victory stands as a divine and social responsibility that guides his government’s commitment.
“In fact, the other day, I was watching the video and I said, maybe that’s one of the reasons why this government cannot fail because it was supported by virtually everybody,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor emphasized that his administration is passionately committed to equal treatment of all citizens regardless of political leaning, ethnic background, or religious affiliation.
“We try to treat people equally in spite of religion, creed, tribe, ethnic group. We are all born poor and we are all poor before the Lord. So, we try to treat people fairly and equally. So, we are very happy to have you here,” Gov. Otti stated.
Extending warm appreciation to the Catholic hierarchy, Governor Otti thanked the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, for finding 15 young men worthy of elevation as Deacons, and pledged his participation in the ceremony.
He further requested that goodwill messages be conveyed to the Holy Father and the Abia-born Vatican official, Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwanchukwu, whom he described as family and a spiritual pillar.
“The Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwanchukwu. He’s actually my brother. We are from the same place. He’s a major part of this administration, because he actually spent a lot of time praying before our emergence,” Gov. Otti noted.
In his remarks, the Apostolic Nuncio and Ambassador of the Holy See to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, expressed deep admiration for the cordial relationship between the Government of Abia State and the Catholic Church. Visiting Abia for the first time, he announced that the Church would be presenting 15 new Deacons as a major step toward priesthood.
“As has already been explained, I am the representative of the Holy Father here in Nigeria. My immediate boss in Rome is Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, who is from Abia State. So, you can see Abia State is well represented at the highest levels, also in the Holy See, in the Vatican. So, I have been waiting a long time to come here,” the Apostolic Nuncio enthused.
Earlier, while introducing the Papal Envoy, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, revealed that the visit was primarily in commemoration of the silver jubilee dedication of the Mater Dei Cathedral, described as one of the most magnificent edifices of Catholic architecture in Abia and the entire Igbo region. He disclosed that the visit coincides with the ordination of 15 young men into the Order of Deacons.
“This year, 25 years after, we are remembering that special day of dedication, and His Grace, the Apostolic Nuncio has been so kind to honour us with his presence in this unique celebration. And the same tomorrow, to mark this jubilee, we are going to ordain 15 young men, deacons…
“Your Excellency, Nuncio, it may please you to know that we have been having a very good relationship with Governor Otti, better than we have had it in the past,” Most Rev. Ukpong stated.
The event marked a memorable moment of faith, unity, and governance working
for the good of Abia State.