RELIGIOUS/RELIGION
“Abia Has Broken the Curse, We’ve Just Begun” — Gov. Alex Otti Declares Era of Aggressive Development, Says Successor in 2031 Will Be Better Than Him
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has declared that the foundation his administration is laying will guarantee that whoever succeeds him in 2031 will surpass his own performance, insisting that Abia State has permanently moved away from the era of stagnation and decline.
Governor Otti made this bold declaration during a grand ground reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga–Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, where he addressed a large congregation of worshippers, church leaders and government officials.
Speaking with confidence and deep conviction, the Governor said his administration is only at the beginning of its transformational journey, stressing that the present moment marks the season of aggressive development for Abia State.
According to him, the invisible forces that held the State down for decades have been decisively broken.
“We have just started. We are not three years yet. So, you can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031.
“So, you know there is a time and a season for everything. So, what we have started is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.
“The news I have for Abia people is that, we have broken that curse that held us down.
“And whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me.
“So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We’ve moved,” Gov. Otti declared.
The Governor further anchored his confidence on divine timing and authority, noting that leadership success is ultimately determined by God. He cited the Scriptures to underscore his belief that his emergence and the ongoing transformation in Abia are divinely orchestrated.
Governor Otti said he believes strongly in Psalms chapter 62 verse 11, which declared that, “God has spoken once, twice, have I heard this? That power belongs to God.”
“So, you can do everything you want to do. But, if it wasn’t God’s time, it will not work. And when it’s God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up,” Gov. Otti stated.
Responding to requests made by the Church leadership for support towards evangelism and spiritual growth, Governor Otti announced that the Assemblies of God Church would receive a Hummer bus within the week, courtesy of Prince, Dr. Arthur Eze, one of the distinguished guests at the event.
He also directed the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to immediately engage with the Church leadership to work out modalities for securing a parcel of land for the establishment of a prayer camp, as requested.
The Governor, who expressed profound appreciation to churches across Abia State for their consistent prayers and moral support, specifically thanked the Assemblies of God Church for the warm reception organised in his honour, describing it as both humbling and encouraging.
Earlier in his address, the District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ogbudu, described the reception ceremony as a historic moment of gratitude and reflection. He said Governor Otti’s leadership represents a clear break from the past and a redefinition of governance in Abia State.
According to him, Dr. Alex Otti is a transformational leader whose administration has reset the standards of leadership and public service delivery in the State.
“For the first time in our State’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and more promises and verifiable results.
“Under your (Gov. Otti’s) leadership, Abia State has witnessed a bold and deliberate restoration of public infrastructure. Roads abandoned for decades have been reconstructed and reopened,
“Connecting communities, easing transportation, stimulating commerce, and restoring the dignity of both urban and rural environments,” Rev. Ogbudu declared.
The cleric further noted that the extensive renewal of critical road networks across Aba and other parts of the State has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia as a credible destination for investment.
He added that beyond physical infrastructure, the Otti administration has entrenched a new culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.
“Salaries and pensions are now paid with regularity and respect, restoring hope and dignity to the workers and retirees who were once forgotten.
“For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence.
“Your excellency has also demonstrated uncommon courage in institutional reforms, cleaning up public systems, strengthening governance structures, and insisting that public office must serve the people rather than personal interests,” Rev. Ogbudu maintained.
He used the opportunity to formally request the provision of a Hummer bus to support evangelism and the allocation of land for the establishment of a prayer village for the Church.
The reception service was attended by the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rep. Obi Aguocha; the Deputy Speaker and members of the Abia State House of Assembly; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, among
other top government officials and dignitaries.