The Prelate and Moderator of the the Presbyterian Church of Nigerian, His Eminence Dr Ekpenyong Akpanika, and Other Principal Officers of the Church Visits Abia Governor Dr Alex Otti.
The Leadership of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria (PCN), led by the Prelate and Moderator of the Church, His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika today 24 October, 2023 visited the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti, OFR. The Prelate Dr Ekpenyong Akpanika in their visits, also commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti for his recorded achievements within the short periods of his administration.
In his words ,“It is a profound honor to be in your presence today, not only to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your recent electoral victory but also to commend you for the early achievements of your administration within your 100 days in office, we have noted a great impact that you have made already to Abians. In fact, the recent opinion poll for the best performing Governor in Nigeria by the Arise Television indicates that you are the best performing Governor in Nigeria today”
The Prelate said “Sir we may not be among those who would be very sycophantic about issues, but we want to commend you. The construction of 9 roads in Aba out of which 5 have already been completed and I think some have already been commissioned is commendable. The rehabilitation of 3 hospitals, which we are aware of, among which is the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Umuahia, is also commendable. This also is in line with your manifesto to make the lives of Abians better.”
“You have paid the backlog of salaries and pensions within this period. Salaries are now paid regularly. You have reorganized the Civil Service and restored Security in Abia.
His Eminence also acknowledged that, the electoral victory of Dr. Alex Otti is a manifestation of the trust and confidence which the people of Abia State have bestowed in his leadership.
His Eminence Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika used the opportunity to deliberate on vital areas the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria can synergize to contribute to the Government of Abia State for development , unity and prosperity. These areas, according to the Prelate includes, Infrastructural Developments in Aba; Constructions of an Ecumenical Center; Commencement of the Hope Waddell University located at Okagwe Ohafia; Collaboration with the European Union Commission; Handover of Mission Schools; Building of Skill Acquisition Center; among others.
In response, Governor Otti, thanked the Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, for their visits and for showing interest in the development of Abia State. The Governor emphasized that, the excitement in the State has a lot to show, as the interventions of God. He appreciated the Church and informed them that he was honored by their visit.
To some of the interventions the PCN highlighted, as contributions in the developments of the State. The Governor responded and said “On infrastructure, Aba is so important to us. That’s why the Government have resolved to retrieving Aba from the decay that have been witnessed in the city for the past two decades. We have no doubt that fixing Aba means fixing the entire Abia State. We will continue in doing what we are doing.”
On the Ecumenical Center, Governor Otti said “It’s interesting that you talked about an Ecumenical Center, it is one of the promises that we made to God. And luckily I can announce that we have acquired land for it. The model I am using is private sector; I don’t want Government to get involved. My Foundation paid for the land. And I’m going to be calling friends like you to give us support so that by the time we are finishing with our first tenure, the Ecumenical Center would have been ready.” Governor Otti, informed the Church that the acquired land is located at Umuahia the State Capital.
The Governor assured the delegation, that Government will look into other issues presented.
The Prelate was accompanied in the Visit to by Most Rev. Dr. Miracle Ajah – Principal Clerk of PCN, Rev Mrs. Divine Miracle Ajah – Principal Clerk’s wife, Rev Dr. Nnoke Ibe – Director of Information and Public Affairs, Eld. Barr. Dr Steve Ahamefula Amaramiro – Member, Board of Trustees, Rt. Rev Dr. Chinedu Okoroafor – Moderator, Umuahia Synod, Rt Rev. Chukwuma Okorie Kalu – Moderator South Central Synod and Rev Dr. Mrs Uchenna Chigozie -the Coordinator, Women’s Desk.
On the other hand, the Government’s delegations were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije and the Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.
