Otti Tasks Citizens On Development

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called on Abians to contribute to the development of the state, emphasising that his administration celebrates individuals who make positive impacts on Abia and Nigeria.

Governor Otti made this appeal on Saturday evening, at the 95th birthday celebration of Elder Dr Uma Eleazu and the 85th birthday of his wife, Elder Mrs Njansi Eleazu, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, organised by the Abia State Government.

Speaking at the event, Governor Otti stated that celebrating outstanding individuals has become a culture under his government, transcending political affiliations.

“So, we are challenging all of you. Put something on the table. Contribute to Abia State and Nigeria at large. It doesn’t matter who you are, we will celebrate you,” he said.

“Our State is political party blind. We pay attention to the contribution you can make. Forget about all the noise, We don’t pay attention to noise. But if you have facts, bring them and we can debate them,” Otti added.

The Governor announced plans to celebrate Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.) and General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), both turning 85, before year-end.

Dr. Uma Eleazu, who turned 95 on June 16, 2025, and his wife, Mrs. Njansi Eleazu, celebrating her 85th birthday in October, had their celebrations hosted by the Governor with their approval.

Governor Otti lauded Dr. Eleazu’s authorship of “Nigeria Democracy Under Siege: Rebuilding the Ramparts of Democracy,” launched at the event, challenging others to emulate such legacy-building acts like writing books.

“If a 95-year-old man can sit down and put his thoughts together so people can read and learn, nobody should give excuses,” he urged.

Speakers including Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief Theo Nkeire, and Chief Etigwe Uwa praised Dr. Uma Eleazu as a visionary, philosopher, teacher, and elder statesman worthy of celebration.

Responding, Dr. Eleazu commended Governor Otti’s achievements like remodeling the Michael Okpara Auditorium and thanked him for the grand celebration.

“I’m not here to praise my good friend, His Excellency. I’m here to tell the truth. This is somebody who understands that the government is about people and solving people’s problems.

He highlighted Governor Otti’s impact on raising Abia’s “happiness index” from minus 0 to about 80% in just over two years and declared there’s “no vacancy in Government House in 2027,” expressing confidence in Otti’s governance.

“In Government House, there will be no vacancy until he has completed his eight years,’ Eleazu declared.

THE WHISTLER reports that the event featured the book launch reviewed by Chief Ireke Kalu Onuma and birthday cake cutting officiated by Most Rev. Prof. Miracle Aja.

Dignitaries present included former Deputy Governor Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, lawmakers, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, and Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, among others.