Abia @35: Redefining the Future of God’s Own State with Thanksgiving
By Ebere Uzoukwa, PhD
As Abia State marks its 35th anniversary, the decision by the State Government to commence the celebrations with an Interdenominational Service is not only appropriate but deeply significant. It provides Abians an opportunity to pause, reflect on the journey of the state, give thanks to God for His grace and seek divine guidance as the state advances towards a brighter future. The service, scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the Okpara Square Event Centre in Umuahia, offers a fitting platform for collective thanksgiving and rededication.
For three and a half decades, Abia has experienced a chequered history characterised by periods of poor leadership, weak governance and missed opportunities that slowed the pace of development and denied the people the prosperity they deserved. Despite its enormous human and economic potential, the state struggled for years to translate these advantages into meaningful development. The situation appeared particularly painful to many Abians who believed that their state had consistently fallen short of its potential.
Against this background, the emergence of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, in 2023 can be viewed as a significant turning point in the history of the state. After his electoral efforts in 2015 and 2019 were frustrated, his eventual victory in 2023 represented, to many Abians, a remarkable intervention that opened a new chapter for the state. His emergence ended years of political disappointment and created an opportunity for Abia to pursue a fundamentally different model of leadership anchored on accountability, competence, prudent management of public resources and development.
Since assuming office, Governor Otti’s administration has embarked on a transformation agenda that has begun to change the narrative about Abia. Across critical sectors, the government has pursued infrastructure renewal, improved healthcare and education, economic development, investment promotion, urban regeneration, transportation reforms and initiatives designed to create opportunities for the people. The emerging changes have strengthened the confidence that Abia can finally break away from the cycle of underdevelopment and take its rightful place among Nigeria’s economically vibrant states.
Perhaps more importantly, the Otti administration has restored a sense of dignity and guaranteed hope among Abians. Governance is increasingly being viewed not merely as the occupation of public offices but as a responsibility to serve the people and create an environment in which the people, businesses and investors can thrive. The renewed emphasis on projects and policies capable of producing measurable improvements in the lives of the people is helping to reposition Abia as a state with a future rather than one perpetually defined by its past.
The significance of Abia’s 35th anniversary therefore goes beyond celebration hence it is an opportunity to acknowledge how far the state has travelled, recognise the challenges that shaped its past and appreciate the emerging transformation that is redefining its future. It is also a moment to encourage Abians to collectively support the ideals of good governance, peace, unity, accountability and sustainable development that are necessary to consolidate the gains being recorded.
As a state known as the God’s Own State, the anniversary in all ramifications provides an appropriate moment to return to God in thanksgiving. The Interdenominational Service should therefore be seen as an opportunity for Abians to thank God for preserving the state through its difficult years, for the peace and progress being witnessed today and for what many regard as the divine hand in bringing about a new leadership direction in 2023.
At 35, Abia stands at an important crossroads, with an opportunity to permanently redefine its story. The task before Abians is to preserve the gains of the present, deepen the culture of responsible governance and work together for an even more prosperous future. As the people gather in thanksgiving, they can confidently look ahead with renewed hope that God’s Own State, under purposeful leadership, can fulfil its enormous potential and become a model of development, economic growth, dignity and prosperity.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.
