WHY IS EVERYONE SUDDENLY PROUD TO SAY THEY ARE FROM ABIA?

At the silver jubilee dedication anniversary of the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, yesterday, something remarkable happened beyond the celebration of 25 years of faith. Abians witnessed a moment of deep reflection and renewed pride as Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, declared that the last 30 months have been about one thing: restoring the dignity and pride of the Abia person.

From the pulpit of the cathedral, Governor Otti reminded the congregation that governance is not just about projects — it is about restoring the soul of a people. And in 30 months, Abians have begun to see the difference.

The Governor’s message was clear and bold:

“Never again will someone hear that you are from Abia State and ask, ‘What is wrong with your State?’ Those days are over. If anybody challenges you, tell them what the Bible says — ‘Come and see.’”

This is more than rhetoric. It is the lived experience of Abians who can now point to cleaner streets, working infrastructure, transparent governance, and a renewed confidence that their State can compete with the best.

Governor Otti emphasized that the achievements of the last 30 months are only the beginning. His administration is building a lasting foundation for good governance — a structure strong enough that no future leader can afford to derail Abia’s new direction.

In a rare moment of unified endorsement, the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucious Ugorji, speaking on behalf of Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, applauded Governor Otti’s transformational leadership and affirmed what many Nigerians are now observing — that Abia can be different; that Abia is attracting investors; that Abia is rising.

For years, Abians endured ridicule, neglect, and stagnation. Today, conversations around the State have changed. People no longer murmur apologies when asked where they are from — they say it with chest.

Abia is working. Abia is respected. Abia is becoming a model.

And that is why everyone is suddenly proud to say:

“I am from Abia.”

multiplefingersnews.com.ng