Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed confidence that his successor in 2031 will surpass his achievements, stating that his administration is laying a solid foundation for sustainable development in the state.
Governor Otti made the declaration during a grand reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga–Nkwoegwu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
According to the Governor, his administration is still at an early stage, noting that the real phase of aggressive development for Abia State has begun. He added that longstanding obstacles that hindered the state’s progress have been overcome.
“We have just started. We are not yet three years in. You can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031. There is a time and a season for everything, and this is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State,” he said.
Governor Otti further declared that the state had broken free from the limitations that held it back, stressing that Abia would not return to its past.
“The news I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down. Whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me. So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We have moved,” he stated.
The Governor also spoke on his faith, citing Psalms 62:11, which he said reinforces his belief that power ultimately belongs to God.
“You can do everything you want to do, but if it is not God’s time, it will not work. And when it is God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up,” he said.
Responding to requests from the church for support, Governor Otti confirmed that the Assemblies of God Church would receive a Hummer bus for evangelism within the week, courtesy of Prince Dr. Arthur Eze. He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, to engage with the church leadership to work out modalities for the allocation of land for a proposed prayer camp.
Governor Otti commended churches across the state for their support of his administration and expressed appreciation to the Assemblies of God Church for organising the reception in his honour.
Earlier, the District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ogbudu, described the reception as a historic moment of appreciation, noting that Governor Otti’s leadership has redefined governance in Abia State.
He described the Governor as a transformational leader whose administration represents a clear departure from past practices.
“For the first time in our state’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and verifiable results,” Rev. Ogbudu said.
He highlighted the reconstruction and reopening of long-abandoned roads across the state, noting that improved infrastructure has enhanced connectivity, eased transportation, stimulated commerce, and restored dignity to both urban and rural communities.
Rev. Ogbudu further noted that the renewal of critical road networks in Aba and other parts of the state has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia as a credible destination for investment.
Beyond infrastructure, he said the Otti administration has introduced a culture of fiscal discipline and prudent resource management, with salaries and pensions now paid regularly, restoring hope and dignity to workers and retirees.
“For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence,” he said, adding that the Governor has demonstrated courage in implementing institutional reforms and strengthening governance structures to ensure public office serves the people.
During his address, Rev. Ogbudu requested the provision of a Hummer bus to support evangelism efforts and the allocation of land for a prayer village for the church.
Dignitaries present at the reception included the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha; the Deputy Speaker and other members of the Abia State House of Assembly; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor; and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, among others.