Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
An Abia-born Catholic Archbishop and senior Vatican official, Most Rev. Dr. Fortunatus Nwachukwu, has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as transformative infrastructural development in Abia State, particularly the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
Archbishop Nwachukwu, who is a former Chief Protocol Officer of the Vatican Secretariat of State and the current Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, said Governor Otti’s intervention on Port Harcourt Road had “cured the stomach upset” that plagued Aba for decades.
According to him, he had previously appealed to the immediate past governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, to fix the road, but the request was not heeded, leading to the collapse of the strategic route and untold hardship for residents and businesses in the Enyimba City.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for reconstructing the federal road, noting that the project has reopened Aba’s economic corridors and restored ease of movement and commercial activities.
Archbishop Nwachukwu made the remarks during a thanksgiving Mass to mark the 13th anniversary of his episcopal ordination by Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican, as well as the Profession of Perpetual and Temporary Vows of three Sisters into the Marian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei. The event was held at his home parish, the Sanctuary of Mary Immaculate, Egbelu-Etiti Ntigha, Isialangwa North Local Government Area.
The Archbishop, who is also the Father and Founder of the Marian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei, further lauded Governor Otti for the reconstruction of Abia Tower Road through Umuahia and other infrastructural projects across the state.
He used the occasion to appeal to the Governor to fix the road leading to his community and to prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the Umuoso–Imo River Road linking Mbaise in Imo State, to alleviate hardship and improve access for residents.
In his homily, which centred on the call to encounter Christ, Archbishop Nwachukwu emphasised that Christian life—especially religious vocation—is about seeking Christ, leaving everything behind, and serving God through obedience, poverty, and chastity.
He recalled his ordination as Archbishop and appointment as Apostolic Nuncio 13 years ago by Pope Benedict XVI, stressing that priests and religious are called to service, not the pursuit of wealth.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti reiterated his commitment to positive governance, assuring the gathering that the roads requested by the Archbishop, including others not mentioned, had already been captured in the 2026 Abia State budget.
The Governor also pledged to engage the NDDC on the Umuoso–Imo River Road, revealing plans to meet with the Commission’s Managing Director soon. He added that the state government would construct the access road to the Skills Acquisition Centre being built by the Archbishop at Umuocheala, near Owerrinta.
“I want to acknowledge the requests made by the Archbishop. Even those he did not make have already been provided for in the 2026 budget. We will do the rest. As for the NDDC road, I will put them under pressure. I will be inviting the Managing Director very soon, and that will be one of my requests,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor thanked the people of Ntigha, the Church, and all Abians for their continued support and prayers for his administration. He congratulated Archbishop Nwachukwu and the three newly inducted Sisters for their commitment and sacrifice in service to God.
“There is nothing we can do without God. As I reflected on the induction of the Sisters, I realised that this is one of the greatest sacrifices anyone can make,” Governor Otti added.
