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Obi Achebe at 85: Otti Celebrates Iconic Monarch, Urges Nigerians to Reject Divisive Politics

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Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has emphasised the need for unity among Nigerians, warning against divisive politics based on tribal and religious inclinations.

 

Governor Otti stated this on Friday, May 15, during the 85th birthday celebration of the Obi of Onitsha, HRM. Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, organised by the Abia State Government at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

 

The Governor described the Obi of Onitsha, as a selfless leader, a gentleman and a man worthy of celebration, saying that his life of service, wisdom and integrity has continued to inspire generations across Nigeria and beyond.

 

Governor Otti noted that the celebration of the Obi of Onitsha was intended to send a strong message to younger generations that hard work, honour and diligence still pay.

 

“So, we are all one and the same. You know, when misguided politicians want to divide us, they begin to remind us that , you are from here, the other person is from there.

 

“We want our young people to know that, it pays to be diligent. Honour pays,” Gov. Otti stated.

 

Governor Otti further appreciated the monarch’s contributions to Igboland, Nigeria, Africa and the global community, praying that God would continue to bless him with good health and every resource required to sustain his service to humanity.

 

The Governor further described the royal father as a mentor. a father and trusted adviser, revealing that he often consults him before taking major decisions.

 

He thanked God for preserving the monarch to celebrate his 85th birthday in good health and prayed for greater strength, wisdom and long life for him to continue impacting humanity and congratulated him on his birthday.

 

Governor Otti, who disclosed that his administration is rebuilding the Ojukwu Bunker as part of efforts to preserve the State’s rich history and heritage, said that his administration has restored the dignity of Abians through purposeful governance and people-oriented policies.

 

Governor Otti maintained that his administration remains focused on delivering good governance and economic development despite political distractions.

 

“Yes, this is a political period. But, we are not bothered. We just do the right thing and keep doing the work we are doing for our people. We will not be distracted,” Gov. Otti affirmed.

 

He explained that for many years, Abians suffered stigma and discrimination outside the State, but maintained that the current administration has reversed the narrative through infrastructural renewal, inclusiveness and economic transformation.

 

Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia South Senatorial zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abairibe and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate a legend and noted that Governor Otti is one man that recognises excellence and people that have added value to the society.

 

They noted that Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe has brought class and dignity to traditional institution and thanked Governor Otti for celebrating the first class royal father and congratulated him.

 

Contributing, the former Minister of Education, Dr. Mrs Oby Ezekwesili saluted the Obi of Onitsha, saying that he has been transformed into an institution, and described him as an exceptional and professional personality.

 

While appreciating Governor Otti for hosting the royal father, she describeed the event as a statement, which proves that he is worthy of celebration.

 

Dr. Ezekwesili called on Ndi Abia not to take Governor Otti for granted but give him the needed support to sustain the transformational agenda of the State.

 

In their goodwill messages, the Chairman, Southeast Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Dr E.C Okeke, the representative of the Igwe in-council, Chief Dr. Okey Mike Areh and the Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Rev. Chibuzor Opoko, all congratulated Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe on his 85th birthday ceremony and described the celebration in Umuahia as unique and an evidence of his wide acceptance.

 

They thanked Governor Alex Otti and Abia State Government for deciding to celebrate the royal father alive, and prayed God to bless the Governor abundantly.

 

Responding, the celebrant, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, while recalling his life journey in the past 85 years, and how he met Governor Alex Otti, and worked with him as the Chairman of Diamond Bank and Dr. Otti as Chief Executive Officer, describing the Governor as an intelligent and very hardworking individual.

 

Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe while thanking Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise of celebrating him, called on Abians to sustain their support to him to enable him complete his visionary transformation agenda in the State, assuring that he would take Abia to higher height, adding that the projects done within years are just the beginning of good things to come. He equally thanked God for blessing him and granting him grace to celebrate his 85th anniversary which was actually on 14th May, while the Governor is celebrating him on the 15th.

 

The event which featured cutting of cake , photograph sections among others, attracted many dignitaries including politicians, traditional rulers and clergy men across Igboland and beyond.

 

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

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Abia

GOVERNOR OTTI FELICITATES MEMBER REPRESENTING IKWUANO/UMUAHIA FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, HON. OBI AGUOCHA ON HIS BIRTHDAY.

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The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, on behalf of his family, the Government and good people of Abia State, heartily felicitates the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, on the occasion of his birthday.

 

Governor Otti described Hon. Aguocha as a distinguished legislator, a passionate advocate for his constituents, and a proud son of Abia State whose commitment to quality representation, community development and progressive ideals aligns with the New Abia vision.

 

The Governor notes with pride, Hon. Aguocha’s effective representation at the National Assembly, his contributions to the advancement of democracy, and his steadfast support for initiatives aimed at repositioning Abia State and strengthening the Labour Party family.

 

Governor Otti commends the federal lawmaker for his people-oriented leadership, his interventions in youth empowerment, culture and infrastructure within his constituency, and for being a worthy partner in the task of rebuilding Abia.

 

On this auspicious occasion, His Excellency prays that God Almighty grants Hon. Aguocha good health, renewed strength, wisdom and greater accomplishments in his service to his constituency, Abia State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

The Governor wishes him a joyous birthday celebration and many more years of impactful service.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

September 17, 2026.

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Abia

Abia@35: Obi Aguocha Hails Otti’s Government for Changing Abia’s Development Narrative

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The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has commended the administration of Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a significant transformation in Abia State’s development trajectory, saying the government has changed the narrative of the state within its 35 years of creation.

Aguocha made the remarks in his message marking the 35th anniversary of the creation of Abia State, noting that the anniversary provides an opportunity for Abians to reflect on the state’s journey, acknowledge its challenges and celebrate the progress recorded over the years.

According to him, the emergence of Governor Otti has brought a renewed sense of direction to the state, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, urban renewal, road construction, healthcare, education and public-sector reforms.

He said the ongoing transformation across major parts of the state demonstrates that Abia is gradually moving towards a new phase of development driven by deliberate planning, accountability and a commitment to improving the lives of its people.

Aguocha particularly commended the Otti administration for prioritising critical infrastructure, describing the rehabilitation and construction of roads across the state as a major step towards opening up communities, improving connectivity and stimulating economic activities.

He also noted that investments in healthcare, education and other sectors were essential to building a productive population and creating an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive.

The lawmaker said the 35th anniversary should not only be viewed as a celebration of the past but also as an opportunity to renew the collective commitment of Abians to building a more prosperous and united state.

He urged Abians to support initiatives capable of advancing the state’s development, stressing that government alone cannot achieve sustainable transformation without the cooperation and participation of citizens.

Aguocha expressed optimism that with sustained commitment to good governance, infrastructure development, human capital investment and economic reforms, Abia would continue to make significant progress and strengthen its position as one of Nigeria’s emerging economic centres.

He congratulated Governor Otti, the government and people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary, while paying tribute to past administrations and citizens whose contributions, he said, had helped shape the state since its creation.

He said the anniversary represents both a celebration of Abia’s journey and a reminder of the responsibility of the present generation to leave behind a stronger, more developed and prosperous state for future generations.

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Abia

Aguocha: Otti’s Government Has Changed Abia’s Development Narrative

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The member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, has commended Governor Alex Otti’s administration for what he described as significant progress in Abia State, saying the Labour Party-led government has changed the state’s development narrative.

Aguocha made the remarks while speaking during a radio programme on Rapid FM, Umuahia, where he reviewed developments under the present administration.

The lawmaker said Governor Otti’s performance should be assessed against the condition of Abia before the administration assumed office, arguing that the government had recorded significant progress within its first three years.

“No government has come into power that has done better than the present Labour Party-led government,” Aguocha said.

He particularly cited the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road as one of the administration’s major interventions. According to him, the road had suffered years of neglect until the Abia State Government took over the project as a matter of urgent public importance.

Aguocha commended Governor Otti for prioritising the project despite the fact that the state would have to await reimbursement from the Federal Government.

He said the decision demonstrated the governor’s willingness to act in the interest of the people rather than wait indefinitely for federal intervention.

The lawmaker also pointed to other infrastructure projects across the state, including road construction, school projects and erosion-control interventions, describing them as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and living conditions.

Aguocha maintained that the government’s achievements should be measured against the condition of the state before it assumed office, rather than by political considerations.

He described himself as a passionate advocate and defender of the Labour Party-led administration, insisting that the government had made significant progress in changing Abia’s development trajectory.

According to him, the ongoing infrastructure projects and other interventions demonstrate a new approach to governance focused on development and improving the lives of residents.

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