“CHILDREN ARE OUR GREATEST ASSETS“ — GOV. ALEX OTTI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ABIA CHILDREN

The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to securing a brighter and more prosperous future for children in Abia State, declaring that every policy direction and investment decision of his government is deliberately designed to prepare the younger generation for greatness.

Governor Otti made the declaration on Wednesday, May 27, during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration held at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Umuahia and organised by the Abia State Government for children across the State.

Speaking on the theme of his address titled, “A Responsibility to Dream,” the Governor described children as the foundation of every society and the clearest representation of the future, stressing that governments at all levels must continuously place the welfare and development of children at the centre of governance.

The colourful event, which attracted pupils, students, parents, teachers, government officials, traditional rulers, members of the clergy and stakeholders from across the State, featured cultural displays, educational exhibitions, performances and presentations by school children.

In a deeply reflective address, Governor Otti said his administration remains intentional about creating an enabling environment where children can grow, learn and thrive through sustained investment in education, infrastructure and social inclusion.

“While it is conventional to celebrate our children on this date, our disposition is to dedicate every work hour to the duties and demands of making our community better for those coming after us.

“We are investing generously in education, because of the significant role it will play in shaping the future you shall inherit.

“No price, and I repeat, no price is too steep to pay because the children we have here are our greatest assets,“ Governor Otti stated.

The Governor further noted that over the last three years, his administration has remained focused on laying strong foundations for future generations through people-oriented policies and strategic investments aimed at improving the lives of children and families across the State.

He urged children to remain disciplined, hardworking and focused on their dreams, while also calling on teachers, parents and guardians to continue playing active roles in nurturing morally upright and responsible citizens.

Governor Otti also made a passionate appeal for equal opportunities for children living with disabilities and special needs, insisting that they should never be excluded or marginalised in academic and social activities.

“So please, let’s not marginalise them (children of the school for the deaf and blind) Let them perform like other students. So, they should have participated in the math class like they have done in the last two years.

“So, Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, please take note. They should be given a fair chance to perform. And like we saw yesterday in Aba, you may not have physical sight, but you know what is happening.

“So, we should give a fair chance to our children who are physically challenged. They may be physically challenged, yes, but that is where it ends. They are just like us,“ Governor Otti stated.

The Governor’s remarks drew applause from attendees, especially advocates of inclusive education and child rights, as he stressed the importance of creating a society where every child is given equal opportunity to excel irrespective of physical limitations.

Governor Otti also commended the First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, and her team for organising what many described as a memorable and impactful Children’s Day celebration.

In their separate speeches, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, stated that the celebration went beyond entertainment and fun, describing it as a reaffirmation of the collective responsibility to raise children in an atmosphere of love, discipline, security and opportunity.

They reiterated the commitment of the Abia State Government to child protection, quality education, improved healthcare and the creation of opportunities that would enable every child in the State to achieve their full potential.

The Commissioners praised the administration of Governor Otti for demonstrating consistent concern for the welfare and development of children and families, adding that Abia State is fortunate to have a leadership that places priority on the future of young people.

Also speaking at the event, the Abia State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr. Izunna Iweobi, commended Governor Otti for supporting the agency’s activities and expressed the willingness of NAPTIP to partner with the State Government in sustaining the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation.

He raised concerns over the increasing cases of human trafficking and abuses involving children across the country and called on stakeholders to work collectively towards protecting the younger generation.

“We are here to stop human trafficking because these children are the future of Abia State, and we must join hands to protect them,” Mr. Iweobi stated.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, members of the National and State Assemblies, the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other dignitaries from across the State.