… As Catholic Diocese Honours Him
By Jane Daniel
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has pledged to deepen his administration’s transformation agenda, stressing that the massive infrastructural renewal already witnessed across the state is only the beginning.
The governor made the declaration on Sunday during a special thanksgiving Mass at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, where the Catholic Diocese of Aba honoured him for what it described as his outstanding and people-oriented leadership.
Speaking during the Holy Mass, the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, said true leadership is about compassion and service to the people, noting that Governor Otti had demonstrated both qualities since assuming office.
Drawing inspiration from Matthew 9:36, the Bishop likened Otti’s leadership style to that of a compassionate leader who identifies with the plight of his people.
“We have a man of integrity and nobody needs to campaign for Governor Otti. His works will campaign for him. You are worth supporting. This is the first time the Catholic Diocese of Aba is honouring a governor,” Echema said.
The cleric commended the governor for improving the welfare of the people and restoring hope to residents of the state, while urging eligible citizens to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards to participate actively in the electoral process.
Responding, Gov Alex Otti thanked the Church for the honour, stressing that it was a sincere recognition of his administration’s commitment to good governance.
“Even if you pay the Catholic Church a billion dollars, they will not do the wrong thing. This is your government and we will never disappoint you,” he said.
The governor assured the people that his administration was moving into a new phase of development, with greater attention to critical sectors of the economy.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet. We have addressed the basic issues of environmental sanitation, roads, water and related infrastructure. Our focus is now expanding to healthcare, education, technology, industrialisation and other key sectors that will drive sustainable growth,” Otti stated.
He disclosed that the next stage of the Aba renewal programme would include the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road, assuring residents that funding for the projects had already been secured.
“We do not embark on projects without the funds to complete them. The money is available, and the flag-off of the roads will take place soon,” he added.
Gov Otti also pledged support for the ongoing CMO Secretariat project and other development initiatives being undertaken by the women’s and youth wings of the Church.
The event attracted top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the Abia State House of Assembly, mayors, the Commissioner for Culture, Arts and Creative Economy, Hon. Mathew Ekwuruibe, and other dignitaries.
