Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, says that all his administration has achieved in the past 30 months have restored the dignity and pride of Abians.
Governor Otti stated this at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, during the silver jubilee dedication anniversary of the cathedral and ordination of 15 young men as Deacons, as a first step on the path to priesthood for the young men.
The Governor equally said that in the period under review, he is laying a strong foundation for good governance that will stand for posterity.
“All of the things we have done these past 30 months, it is to restore the dignity and the pride of the Abia man and woman.
“It’s just 30 months. We still have a whole lot to do for our people. And the important thing that we are doing is laying a foundation for good governance so that nobody will depart from it going forward”
“Never again will we go somewhere and then somebody will introduce you as coming from Abia State and another person will now ask, but what’s wrong with that your State? Is it jinx?
“I’m sure you had that kind of encounter before. But now, if anybody challenges you, you will refer him to what is written in the Bible, Come and see”, Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti thanked the Church for the overwhelming support which led to his emergence as Governor.
He used the forum to congratulate the 15 newly ordained Deacons for their dedication and sacrifice in the service to God and humanity and wished them success in their divine calling.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty charged the congregants not to dwell in the past, but anticipate to celebrate more and more 25 years. He urged them to open their hearts to God so that He would complete what He has started in them.
The representative of the Pontiff described the ceremony as an important milestone for the Church and appreciated the beauty of
the cathedral, even after 25 years of its dedication
Most Rev. Crotty charged the newly ordained Deacons to be servants of all, knowing that they are not called to be served but to serve, and help the Bishop and the priests in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the, Conference of Bishops in Nigeria, the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji while congratulating the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong on the celebration and ordination of 15 Deacons commended Governor Alex Otti for his transformational development and for proofing that Abia could be different and attract investors.
The former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners, an array of Bishops and priests, top government officials among many others were present at the event.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
10 – 12 – 2025.
