The Abia State Government has held a Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service to rededicate Abia State to God Almighty.
The service, held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the JAAC Secretariat, Umuahia, with the theme “Remembering the Covenant,” was attended by top government officials, clergy and stakeholders from across the State.
In his address, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, reiterated his unwavering faith in God and called on all Abians to hold firmly to God.
According to the Governor, the essence of the gathering was to seek God and commit to serving Him alone.
“As for me and my family, we shall serve the Lord. So, if you don’t understand why you are here, this is why you are here. And if you have not taken that decision, it is not too late to take it, because there is no other power,” Governor Otti declared.
Governor Otti recounted his journey into politics, including his decision to leave a thriving career in the banking industry in 2014 to serve Abia. He recalled how his father-in-law questioned his decision to leave his position as Chairman of the Committee of Bank CEOs, describing politics as “uncertain territory.”
The Governor also narrated how he survived an assassination attempt in Abuja in the course of his gubernatorial ambition, and thanked God for His mercies and preservation.
The State Chief Executive expressed profound gratitude to men of God from different parts of the country who joined the government and people of Abia for the rededication service, and prayed for God’s blessings upon them.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Solemn Assembly and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, said Abia was in captivity for many years until God raised Governor Otti to rescue the State.
Prince Nwachukwu recalled that after securing electoral victory in 2023, Governor Otti and his team observed a seven-day fasting and prayer to rededicate Abia to God. He noted that three years after, it has become necessary to return in thanksgiving for all God has done and to commit the next political dispensation to Him.
“The Lord has led us these three-plus years, doing marvellous things in our eyes. In the journey of every great nation, State or people, there comes a critical season to pause, look inward and look upward. Today marks that pivotal moment for our dear State as we gather to seek the face of the Almighty God, return to Him in heartfelt thanksgiving, and collectively renew our covenant with our Creator. The foundation of the new Abia is deeply rooted in the sovereignty of God,” Prince Nwachukwu stated.
He “Through seasons of challenges and triumphs, His faithfulness has remained our anchor. In challenging times, He held us, broke the chains of stagnation and moved us to where He has promised. Human effort alone cannot sustain the prosperity and progress we desire. Scripture reminds us that unless the Lord watches over a city, the watchmen watch in vain. As we stand on the threshold of a new dispensation, this service is a sacred altar of rededication.”
Delivering the exhortation, the Lead Pastor of Transforming Church International, Rev. Dr. Sam Oye, celebrated Governor Otti and his team for recording outstanding milestones within three years in office.
Rev. Oye commended the administration’s achievements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, fiscal responsibility and land reforms, noting that the Governor has done exceptionally well. He however stressed the need for more work.
Citing Joshua 13:1, Rev. Oye said God acknowledged Joshua’s achievements but reminded him that there was still more land to possess.
“The word of the Lord to us on this Covenant Renewal Day is simple: More land to possess. More work to be done. More people to be reached. More systems to be reformed. And more potential in Abia to be released. Whereas we celebrate all the great things we have accomplished, we are saying we still have so much left undone. Our vision must survive personalities, political parties and election seasons. The vision must redefine the productive future of each of the 17 Local Government Areas, outlining industrial and agro-processing corridors. Our focus must be on strengthening institutions,” Rev. Oye stated.
The solemn assembly featured intercessory prayers, praise and worship, with ministrations by renowned clerics including Prophet Isa El-Buba and Apostle Ofo Nzimiro, and gospel artiste, Bro. Cornelius Benjamin.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and other top government officials were in attendance.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
September 24, 2026.
