‘Security Is Our Priority’ – Otti Declares

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has commended members of the armed forces of Nigeria, both the living and fallen heroes for their sacrifices in achieving security and peace in Abia in particular and Nation at large.

Governor Otti stated this at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Inter-denominational Thanksgiving Services, organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the Nigerian Legion, Abia State chapter to remember the fallen heroes.

The Governor also thanked service commanders for the services they are rendering in the State and all Abians for their continued support in securing the State.

“I want to thank the service commanders for their labour of love. We cannot take it for granted.

“We also want to thank our people for the massive support they are giving to the government.

“It is the armed forces, working with other security agents, working closely with the government, and of course, our people, who are the chief security officers of their environment.

“The collective efforts have produced the results that we have”, Gov. Otti stated.

The State Chief Executive re-emphasized that safety and security is the priority of his government. He reassured that he would continue to work for the people, insisting that nothing can distract him. Gov. Otti added that his government is a government of the people.

“For us, safety and security is our priority, and that’s why, virtually every month, we sit down with all the service commanders and the Chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers to hold a security council meeting, where we review what has happened and mapped out strategies for the next month.

“We will continue to work for our people, nothing can distract us. I want to assure you that this government is a government of the people and not a government of few” Gov. Otti stated.

Gov. Otti said that 2026 promises to be a great year, saying that, already there are drastic changes happening, and these changes would continue to happen, especially with the ambitious 2026 budget he would be implementing.

The Governor extended condolences to families of bereaved members of the armed forces and encouraged them to be strong.

In his homily earlier, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Michael Kalu Ukpong challenged members of the armed forces of Nigeria to have the spirit of Cornelius, an army officer who was God fearing and prayed to God always, as well as treated people with humility in the scriptures.

He also reminded the soldiers that they are working for the people, hence they are not expected to be intimidating the people they are working for. He prayed to God to continue to protect the soldiers and sustain them and prayed to God to grant eternal rest to the faithfully departed soldiers.

Most Rev. Ukpong noted that the event is initiated for the honouring of the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes of the members of the armed forces of Nigeria, urging them to embrace life of prayer.

“We are celebrating Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day. I ask our brothers and sisters in the military, how often do you pray?

“Always pray and be prepared even if you are not on the war front, you have to pray. Every soldier needs to be on good terms with the Lord”, Bishop Ukpong stated.