Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has congratulated the people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of its founding fathers, celebrate the resilience of its people and renew the collective commitment to building a stronger future.
In a special anniversary broadcast on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Governor Otti thanked God for His blessings upon Abia over the past 35 years. He described the anniversary as an important moment in the evolution of a people united by a common heritage, resilience and an enduring belief in the possibilities of tomorrow.
The governor said every Abian had contributed in one way or another to shaping the identity and future of the state. He therefore urged citizens to take pride in their contributions while recognising that the anniversary should go beyond celebration to renewed determination to create a better society for present and future generations.
“Our race is never about outrunning others, it is pushing ourselves harder each day, asking tough questions and refusing to settle for less than we deserve,” Otti said.
Otti paid special tribute to the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Abia’s first democratically elected governor, whom he described as a visionary leader whose intellect and foresight contributed significantly to the development of the young state.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former governors Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Chief Theodore Orji and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, noting that each had played a role in the political and socio-economic development of Abia.
The governor equally recognised the military administrators who governed the state during its early years, including Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena, Brigadier General Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Commander Temi Ejoor, Colonel Moses Fasanya and Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Obi.
According to Otti, their efforts in maintaining public order and developing early infrastructure contributed to the foundation upon which the state continued to build. He noted that although previous administrations may not have been perfect, their contributions to the evolution of Abia should not be ignored.
The governor recalled that Abia was created in 1991 by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida after years of agitation and sustained efforts by political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, business figures and other stakeholders.
He disclosed that General Babangida had spoken with him on Wednesday and asked him to extend his best wishes to the people of Abia on the anniversary.
Otti also honoured the visionaries who championed the movement for the creation of Abia. Among those he mentioned were Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara, who led the Abia State Movement from the early 1980s alongside Chief Benjamin Nwachukwu, as well as Dr. Moses A. O. Agbara, Pharmacist Rufus Obi, Barrister Vincent Uwanna, Dr. Nwakama Okoro, Barrister Igwe Ugwumba, Honourable Chief Eme Udeoji, Eze Dr. Feyi Waboso, Chief O. C. Ememe and Ezeji Joseph Madumere Nwamgburuka.
He said these individuals and other stakeholders invested their intellect, resources, influence and political connections in the struggle that eventually produced Abia State.
According to him, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for Abians to appreciate the sacrifices of these pioneers and recommit themselves to the ideals of unity, progress and development that inspired the movement for state creation.
Beyond the political class, Otti said the true identity of Abia had also been shaped by the creativity and determination of ordinary citizens over the past three and a half decades.
He highlighted the contributions of entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, manufacturers, fashion designers, leather workers, fabric producers and construction workers whose skills and products have helped establish Abia as an important commercial centre in Nigeria and West Africa.
He also commended bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and other skilled workers whose efforts have contributed to the buildings and infrastructure spread across the state.
Teachers, healthcare professionals, civil servants, security personnel, sanitation workers, traders and other professionals were equally recognised for their roles in keeping communities functioning and supporting the development of the state.
Otti described the resilience of Abians as one of the state’s greatest strengths, noting that citizens had continued to pursue their aspirations despite periods of uncertainty and hardship.
“Abia, like every society through time, embodies the energy and the optimism of the people who live in it; we do not give up, whatever the odds are,” he said.
The governor, however, cautioned that the 35th anniversary should not encourage complacency. He said Abia was still at the beginning of its journey and that much more work was required to achieve the vision of its founders.
He pointed to the expanding road network, increasing public and private construction and growing access to technology as signs of progress, while stressing that the state must continue to raise its ambitions.
Otti said the current generation had inherited a responsibility from the state’s founding fathers to improve Abia and hand it over to future generations in a stronger condition.
He also emphasised the need to prepare young Abians for an economy increasingly driven by knowledge, technology and value creation rather than dependence on natural resources.
Education and healthcare, he said, would remain central to his administration’s development agenda. He disclosed that government investments in these sectors over the past three years had supported the recruitment and training of teachers and healthcare workers, improved remuneration and facilitated the construction and equipping of schools and healthcare facilities.
“We have made a commitment that no child in Abia shall be disadvantaged on account of the economic or social background of their parents,” the governor said.
He said the commitment was being pursued through free and compulsory basic education, improvements in learning quality and the development of smart schools across the state.
The administration, he added, was also strengthening healthcare delivery through investments in primary healthcare facilities across all 184 wards. The government has also revitalised the state health insurance programme to reduce the financial burden associated with out-of-pocket medical expenses.
On infrastructure, Otti disclosed that more than 1,000 kilometres of roads across urban and rural communities had been repaired or reconstructed within the past three years.
He explained that the projects were intended not only to improve transportation but also to open up communities, increase economic productivity, attract investment and create employment opportunities for young people.
Agriculture is another area the governor identified as critical to Abia’s future. He said his administration was increasing investment in the sector to improve food security, create jobs, raise household incomes and attract domestic and foreign investment.
Otti said the state was already beginning to see increased foreign capital interest in agriculture.
On housing and real estate, the governor said the administration was working to establish a more transparent and technology-driven land administration system. He said the reforms were designed to strengthen public confidence and position real estate as a sustainable avenue for wealth creation.
The governor also highlighted investments in information and communication technology, including structured training programmes that have benefited thousands of young Abians. He said government was simultaneously investing in ICT infrastructure to improve access, particularly for people living in rural communities.
According to Otti, these initiatives reflect his administration’s determination to build a future-oriented economy while pursuing the aspirations that inspired the creation of Abia State.
The governor also used the anniversary to highlight efforts to address longstanding obligations owed to retirees and public servants. He cited the commencement of payments of accumulated gratuity arrears dating back to 2001 as evidence of his administration’s determination to resolve inherited challenges.
He assured retirees that payments would continue as funds became available and said senior citizens would no longer be denied legitimate benefits due to them.
Otti further stated that workers leaving the state service would henceforth receive their gratuity once the necessary documentation had been completed.
“The old practice of denying retirees what is due them will no longer obtain,” he declared.
As Abia marks 35 years, Governor Otti urged citizens to recognise that the responsibility for the state’s future rests with everyone. He called on residents to pay their taxes and statutory fees promptly, support security agencies and avoid allowing themselves to be used by individuals seeking to undermine peace and development.
“Abia is ours to build and thankfully, we are on the right track,” Otti said.
He called on Abians to approach the next phase of the state’s journey with renewed purpose, unity and determination, expressing confidence that the future of Abia remained firmly in the hands of its people.
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The governor concluded by thanking Abians for their sacrifices, resilience and faith in the state, while praying for continued blessings and progress for Abia State.
