NEWS
“We Vowed That We Are Going To Build An Ecumenical Centre In Umuahia For God” — Gov. Alex Otti Marks 3rd Anniversary With State Thanksgiving Service
The Abia State Government on Sunday held a grand interdenominational thanksgiving service as part of activities commemorating the third anniversary of the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The spiritually uplifting event, which took place at the Umuahia Event Centre, Okpara Square, drew a massive crowd of Christian faithful from different denominations across the state, who gathered in unity to appreciate God for the peace, stability and developmental strides witnessed in Abia under the present administration.
The thanksgiving service featured moments of intense praise and worship, thanksgiving prayers, and supplications for continued peace, security and prosperity in the state.
Speaking during the service, Governor Otti disclosed that one of the earliest commitments he made upon assuming office was to rededicate Abia State to God through prayers and spiritual supplication.
The governor further revealed that part of the solemn promises made during those spiritual commitments included the construction of an ecumenical centre in Umuahia as a symbol of worship, unity and thanksgiving to God.
According to the governor, the project would be executed entirely through private funding without any financial contribution from the Abia State Government.
“We vowed that we are going to build an ecumenical centre in Umuahia for God.
“The ecumenical centre is not going to be built by government money. No one dime from the state government will go in there,” Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti disclosed that the land designated for the project had already been secured as far back as 2009, noting that the location formerly housed Elite Construction.
The governor also expressed deep appreciation to fathers of faith across the state for their unwavering prayers and spiritual support for Abia, while specially acknowledging the role played by women who consistently interceded for divine intervention over the affairs of the state.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Governor Otti noted with satisfaction that the spiritual sacrifices and prayers offered over the years had begun to yield visible results, stressing that Abia is now witnessing remarkable transformation and steady progress under his administration.
The governor equally appreciated the Founder and President of Living Word Ministries, Emma Okorie, for his steadfast support, encouragement and loyalty over the years.
Recalling events surrounding “his 2014 governorship bid, despite alleged pressure and warnings from the then administration discouraging association with him, Dr Emma Okorie remained supportive.
Governor Otti narrated that the clergyman’s loyalty at the time allegedly attracted serious repercussions, including the demolition of a fence at his residence, yet he remained resolute and unwavering in their shared convictions and relationship.
Despite the experiences of the past, the governor emphasized that forgiveness remains a core principle guiding his administration.
He further urged Christians across the state to remain steadfast in faith, committed in service to God, and consistent in prayers for the continued growth of Abia State.
Earlier in his sermon titled, “Where There is No Vision the People Perish,” the Founder and President of Living Word Ministries, Dr Emma Okorie, described Governor Alex Otti as a “God-sent” leader divinely positioned to deliver Abia people from years of hardship and stagnation.
Drawing his message from Exodus 3:1–10, the cleric recounted the biblical account of how God raised Moses to deliver the Israelites after years of bondage and suffering in Egypt.
He likened the biblical experience to the situation in Abia State, arguing that the state had suffered setbacks for over 24 years because of leadership without vision and purpose.
According to him, the emergence of Governor Otti was a divine response to the cries and prayers of Abians who longed for deliverance from hardship, poor governance and underdevelopment.
“I believe with all I have seen Gov. Otti encountered God just like Moses did at the burning bush. I believe he did not just take up governance; he encountered God.”
Dr Okorie further described the governor as a visionary leader with a divine mandate and a servant-hearted commitment towards rebuilding and transforming Abia State.
Also delivering a charge at the event, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Michael Ukpong, urged Governor Otti to remain focused and undistracted in his pursuit of good governance and service to humanity.
The bishop assured the governor of God’s continued guidance, protection and support, stressing that no opposition would prevail against him as long as he remains committed to righteousness and justice.
Bishop Ukpong noted that his message was not directed to the governor alone but also extended to political appointees, collaborators and civil servants serving in the present administration.
He reminded public office holders of their accountability before God and called for collective commitment towards sustaining the developmental momentum currently being experienced across Abia State.
“Let us make concerted efforts to ensure that the good works witnessed in Abia under this administration will be sustained”, Ukpong charged.
The thanksgiving service ended on a high spiritual note with prayers for continued unity, peace, security a
nd greater progress for the people of Abia State.