Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said that his successor in 2031 will be better than him, insisting that he is laying a solid foundation for the development of the state.
The governor stated this on Sunday during a ground reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga – Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area.
Otti said his administration is still in its early stages and that the period for aggressive development in Abia has just begun. He added that the curse that held the state back has been broken.
He said, “We have just started. We are not three years old yet. So, you can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031.
“So, you know there is a time and a season for everything. So, what we have started is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.
“The news I have for Abia people is that, we have broken that curse that held us down.
“And whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me. So, when people think we are going to go back to them, they must be dreaming. We’ve moved.”
The governor added that he believes in the scripture in Psalms 62:11, which states that power belongs to God. He noted that when it is not God’s time, nothing will work, but when it is God’s time, even a sleeping person will be awakened.
Responding to the church’s request for a bus for evangelism and land for a prayer camp, Otti said they would receive a Hummer bus within the week, courtesy of Prince Dr. Arthur Eze, one of the guests at the event.
He also directed his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, to meet with the church leadership and work out the modalities for securing the land they requested.
The governor expressed appreciation to churches in the state for their support and thanked the Assemblies of God Church for the reception organised in his honour.
Earlier in his speech, the District Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev. Dr Kenneth Ogbudu, described the reception as a significant moment in the state’s history.
He praised Governor Otti as a transformational leader, noting that his administration has redefined governance in Abia with competence, transparency, accountability and visible impact.
Ogbudu said the administration has restored public infrastructure, reconstructed abandoned roads, and reopened key routes, improving connectivity, easing transportation and boosting commerce across communities.
He added that the renewal of critical road networks has revived economic activities and repositioned Abia as a credible destination for investment.
Ogbudu also commended the administration’s fiscal discipline, noting that salaries and pensions are now paid regularly and with respect, restoring hope to workers and retirees.
He said, “For the first time since the creation of Abia State, public funds are being managed with transparency, accountability and confidence.”
Ogbudu urged the governor to continue with institutional reforms, strengthen governance structures, and ensure that public office serves the people rather than personal interests.
The governor’s wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other top government officials were present at the reception service.
