NEWS
Christmas: Gov. Otti Assures Abians of Safety, Improved Infrastructure, Calls for Compassion and Moderation
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has urged Abians to embrace the spirit of Christmas by showing love, compassion, and moderation, while assuring residents and visitors of safety, improved infrastructure, and uninterrupted essential services across the state during the festive season.
In his 2025 Christmas message titled “The Light of Christmas,” Governor Otti expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and extended warm greetings to Abians at home and those returning from different parts of the world to celebrate the season with their families. He described Christmas as a period of reflection, gratitude, and renewed hope anchored on the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Governor highlighted significant improvements recorded under his administration, particularly in road infrastructure, which he said has eased intra- and inter-community movement across the state.
According to him, the investments in road development have made travel more convenient, even to communities previously considered remote.
Governor Otti also pointed to modest but impactful improvements in electricity and water supply, enhanced telecommunication and internet services, and the expansion of access to primary healthcare facilities. He noted that many communities now have functional primary healthcare centres within reach, helping to meet the basic health needs of residents.
On security, the Governor assured Abians that comprehensive measures had been put in place to protect lives and property throughout the Yuletide and beyond. He described Abia as one of the safest destinations to live in and travel to, adding that residents and visitors could move freely within the state with confidence.
Acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges facing many households, Governor Otti disclosed that the state government had made provisions for family support packages targeted at the most vulnerable members of society. He further encouraged individuals, families, religious bodies, and organisations to extend helping hands to the less privileged, stressing that sharing, no matter how little, embodies the true essence of Christmas.
The Governor called on Abians to be mindful of those facing health challenges, the elderly, and others unable to care for themselves due to life’s hardships, reminding citizens of the need to act as one another’s keepers, especially during the festive season.
He also advised residents to exercise restraint in their conduct, cautioning against excessive alcohol consumption, reckless driving, over-speeding, and aggressive behaviour.
Governor Otti urged citizens to make wise choices and remain disciplined, noting that Christmas seasons would continue to come and that life and hope remain as long as one is alive.
For those who experienced difficulties or setbacks in the outgoing year, the Governor encouraged optimism, urging them not to succumb to despair but to see the coming year as a fresh opportunity to rebuild and succeed. He also offered words of comfort to families mourning the loss of loved ones, praying for strength and peace as they remember those who are no longer alive to celebrate.
Governor Otti further disclosed that construction activities would continue in some parts of the state during the Christmas period, with engineers remaining on project sites. While apologising for any inconvenience this might cause, he assured residents that mitigation measures had been put in place to minimise disruptions. He added that emergency services would remain fully operational and responsive throughout the season.
As he concluded, the Governor reminded Abians not to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, emphasising that the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ should guide all activities, carried out in moderation and love.
On behalf of his family, the Abia State Government, and the people of the state, Governor Otti wished all Abians a blessed and peaceful Christmas, filled with joy, hope, and renewed commitment to unity and shared progress.