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“Any Project We Can’t Find the Money For, We Don’t Start. We Have Found the Money. It Is in the Bank, and the Flag-Off Will Happen Soon” — Governor Otti Says
“Any Project We Can’t Find the Money For, We Don’t Start. We Have Found the Money. It Is in the Bank, and the Flag-Off Will Happen Soon” — Governor Otti Says
The Catholic Diocese of Aba has bestowed a historic honour on the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in recognition of his transformative leadership and commitment to the welfare of the people, during a special Sunday Mass held at Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, on June 14, 2026.
The event marked a significant moment in the relationship between the Church and government, as the Diocese publicly acknowledged what it described as Governor Otti’s outstanding performance in office and his dedication to restoring hope and development across Abia State.
Delivering the homily, the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Professor Augustine Ndubueze Echema, stressed that leadership should always be centered on the people. Drawing lessons from Matthew 9:36, he observed that Jesus Christ was moved with compassion for the people because those entrusted with leadership had failed them.
The Bishop noted that Governor Otti has demonstrated a rare sense of compassion and commitment in governance, earning the trust and admiration of the people through visible achievements rather than political rhetoric.
“We have a man of integrity and nobody needs to campaign for Governor Otti. His works will campaign for him.
“You are worth supporting. This is the first time the Catholic Diocese of Aba is honoring a Governor,” Most Rev. Professor Echema said.
He commended the Governor for bringing relief to the people and proving that governance can indeed be a tool for service and transformation. He also encouraged members of the Church to participate actively in the ongoing voter registration exercise and secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of future elections.
In separate remarks, the Catholic Men Organisation (CMO), Catholic Women Organisation (CWO), and Catholic Youth Organisation (CYO) praised Governor Otti for what they described as people-focused governance and tangible developmental achievements. The groups referred to him as a “silent achiever,” recalling the years when residents of Aba suffered from poor infrastructure, especially inaccessible roads, before the advent of the current administration.
As part of the celebration, the three Church organs presented special gifts to the Governor in appreciation of his service and commitment to the development of Abia State.
Responding to the recognition, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Diocese and its various organisations for the honour and endorsement.
“Even if you pay the Catholic Church a billion dollars, they will not do the wrong thing. This is your government and we will never disappoint you,” the Governor reassured.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of development across the state, noting that the government had already addressed several foundational challenges and was now moving into a new phase of strategic growth and expansion.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet. We have just dealt with the hygiene issues, cleaning up the environment, roads, water, etc. We are now focusing more on Healthcare, Education, Technology, Industrialization and others.
“We will soon embark on the complete recovery of Aba by flagging off the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express. Any project we can’t find the money for, we don’t start.
“We have found the money. It is in the bank, and the flag-off will happen soon,” Governor Otti stated.
The declaration drew applause from the congregation as it reinforced the administration’s reputation for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and prudent management of public resources. The planned reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express is expected to further accelerate the ongoing transformation of Aba and strengthen its position as the commercial hub of the South-East.
Governor Otti also pledged support for the ongoing CMO Secretariat Project as well as developmental projects being undertaken by the CWO and CYO, representing the men, women, and youth of the Church.
The historic honour by the Catholic Diocese of Aba is widely regarded as a powerful endorsement of Governor Otti’s leadership and developmental agenda. It reflects the growing confidence among religious institutions and citizens in his administration’s vision to rebuild infrastructure, improve public services, stimulate economic growth, and create a more prosperous future for all Abians.