The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has described Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, as a governor of integrity, saying his achievements will speak for him as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Bishop Echema made the remarks on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Christ the King Cathedral, Asa Road, Aba, during celebrations marking his 40th priestly anniversary.
While appreciating Governor Otti for attending the celebration, the bishop recalled that he had recently discussed with the governor the need for a retirement home for Catholic priests in the diocese.
According to him, Otti’s decision to support the project demonstrates his commitment to keeping his word.
> “I am telling you, I have said it before, I am not campaigning for you and I don’t need to campaign for you. The work that you have done so far will campaign for you,” Bishop Echema said.
He further described Otti as a man of integrity and expressed confidence that the governor would continue to make progress in the state.
Responding, Governor Otti congratulated Bishop Echema on his 40th anniversary in the priesthood and described him as “a rare gift to Nigeria.”
Otti also announced that he and some private individuals and foundations had resolved to fund the construction of the proposed retirement home for priests without using government funds.
The governor said the project would be supported through the Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, Ide John Udeagbara Foundation and other private individuals.
> “We want to take that problem off you. We will fund it. So, work will start very soon,” Otti said.
He emphasized that the project would not be financed by the Abia State Government, adding that it would be executed to a high standard.
The governor also used the occasion to provide an update on the Abia Airport project at Nsulu, saying work on the runway had progressed significantly and would soon be completed.
The anniversary celebration was attended by Catholic bishops and priests, members of the Abia State House of Assembly, mayors, members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials and other dignitaries, including the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, and Chairman of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume.
