Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has listed the restoration of the dignity and pride of Abia people as one of the major achievements of his administration in the past 30 months.
He made the assertion at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia, during the silver jubilee dedication anniversary of the cathedral and the ordination of 15 young men as Deacons — the first step on their journey to the priesthood.
Otti noted that within the period under review, his administration had been focused on laying a solid foundation for sustainable good governance that would endure for generations.
He said: “All of the things we have done these past 30 months are to restore the dignity and pride of the Abia man and woman. It’s just 30 months; we still have a whole lot to do for our people. The important thing is that we are laying the foundation for good governance so that nobody will depart from it going forward.
“Never again will we go somewhere and someone introduces you as coming from Abia State, and another person asks, ‘What is wrong with that your State? Is it jinxed?’ I’m sure you have had that kind of encounter before. But now, if anybody challenges you, you will refer them to what is written in the Bible — ‘Come and see.’”
The Governor expressed gratitude to the Church for its unwavering support, which he said contributed to his emergence as Governor.
He also congratulated the 15 newly ordained Deacons for their commitment to service and prayed for their success in their spiritual calling.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, urged the faithful not to dwell on the past but to look forward to celebrating future milestones. He encouraged them to open their hearts to God so that He would bring to completion the good work He had begun in them.
The representative of the Pope described the ceremony as a significant milestone for the Church and commended the enduring beauty of the cathedral, even after 25 years of its dedication.
Most Rev. Crotty also charged the newly ordained Deacons to embrace a life of service, reminding them that they were called not to be served but to serve, assisting the Bishop and priests in their pastoral duties.
Speaking on behalf of the Conference of Bishops of Nigeria, the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji, congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, on the occasion. He also commended Governor Otti for his transformational leadership and for demonstrating that Abia could be different and attract investors.
The event was attended by the former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor; Commissioners; Bishops and priests; senior government officials; and other dignitaries.
