Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has inaugurated the Abia State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board with Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo as the Chairman.
The Governor also, inaugurated the Moslem Pilgrim Welfare Board with Chief Imam Sheikh Ali Ukiwo as Chairman.
Inaugurating the Boards at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, on Thursday, Governor Alex Otti urged the newly appointed board members to prioritise service and performance in their new roles.
He said: “I am aware you know clearly what is expected of you. In the new Abia, when you get an appointment, yes! It is good to celebrate but it is all about work.
“Your appointment is all about performance and we know that you are going to perform, that is why we chose you ” Gov Otti stated.
Governor Alex Otti who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to excellence and accountability, emphasised that every member selected for the boards was deserving of the appointment, having distinguished themselves in the service of God and humanity.
In his words, “Everyone who found his or her name as a member of the board is deserving of the appointment.
“I am aware that all of you collectively and individually have distinguished yourselves in the service of God and humanity.
“There were a lot of people who were qualified but we had to take this number as enshrined in the law,” Gov. Otti stated.
While expressing optimism that the members of the Christian and Moslem Pilgrim Welfare Boards would not disappoint on the confidence reposed in them, he congratulated them on their appointments and said that their appointments were made strictly by merit.
In their responses on behalf of members of their boards, the Chairman Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo and his Moslem counterpart, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, thanked Governor Otti for finding them fit for the assignment and assured that they would strive to justify the confidence reposed in them.
They described the Governor as a leader who keeps to his words and appealed that efforts be made to ensure that the Abia state Pilgrims Boards are accommodated in this year’s visit to the Holy Lands.
Other Members of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board include; Arch Bishop Chikezie Elekwa, Rev Prof Mossy Madugba, Rev Ojo Ojo Uduma JP, Bishop Manesse Okorie, Bishop Dr Udo Mmerrgini, Most Rev Dr Uma Onwunta, Pastor Uche Nwokeohuru, Rev Father Gabriel Kalu, Pastor Ugochukwu Chimereze and Pastor Chioma Ibezim, Ph.D.
The members of the Moslem Pilgrim Welfare Board include: Imam Musa Iroh, Yusuf Ukaegbu , Nwakanma Abubarkar Igwe, Imam Bashiru Idris, Imam Usman Tukur, Adamu Audu, Okikiade Yusuf Saide Umar, Hajia Azizat Jimoh, Hajia Hadiza Usman.
