My Successor in 2031 Will Be Better Than Me — Otti

Governor says Abia has entered an era of aggressive development, declares end to years of stagnation

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has expressed confidence that whoever succeeds him in 2031 will perform better than he does, stating that his administration is laying a strong foundation for sustainable development in the state.

The governor made this assertion on Sunday during a grand reception service organised in his honour by the Assemblies of God Church, Okaiuga–Nkwoegwu, in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

According to Otti, his administration is only at the beginning of its journey and the period of rapid transformation for Abia State has just begun.

“We have just started. We are not three years old yet. You can imagine what will happen by the time we are done in 2031,” he said.

“There is a time and a season for everything, and this is the time for the aggressive development of Abia State.”

The governor declared that the long-standing setbacks that hindered Abia’s progress had been overcome.

“The news I have for Abia people is that we have broken that curse that held us down,” Otti stated.

“Whoever is going to succeed me will be better than me. So when people think we are going to go back to the old ways, they must be dreaming. We’ve moved.”

Otti also referenced Psalm 62:11, emphasising his belief in divine timing and authority.

“God has spoken once, twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. You can do everything you want to do, but if it’s not God’s time, it won’t work. And when it is God’s time, even if you are sleeping, God will wake you up.”

Support for Church Projects

Responding to requests from the church leadership, the governor announced that the Assemblies of God Church would receive a Hummer bus for evangelism within the week, courtesy of Prince Dr Arthur Eze, one of the guests at the event.

He also directed the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba (PhD), to engage with the church leadership to work out modalities for allocating land for a proposed prayer camp.

Governor Otti expressed appreciation to churches across the state for their continued support of his administration and thanked the Assemblies of God Church for the honour accorded to him.

Church Praises Otti’s Leadership

Earlier in his address, the District Superintendent, Assemblies of God Church, Jerusalem District, Rev Dr Kenneth Ogbudu, described the reception as a historic moment of gratitude and recognition.

He hailed Otti as a transformational leader whose emergence has redefined governance in Abia State.

“Many administrations have come and gone, but Governor Otti’s tenure represents a clear and commendable departure from the past,” Ogbudu said.

“For the first time in our state’s history, governance is driven by competence, transparency, accountability, visible impact, and verifiable results.”

Ogbudu noted that abandoned roads across Aba and other parts of the state had been reconstructed, reconnecting communities, boosting commerce, and restoring dignity to both urban and rural areas.

He added that the administration’s road renewal projects have revitalised economic activities and repositioned Abia as an attractive destination for investment.

Beyond infrastructure, the cleric commended the government’s fiscal discipline and prudent resource management.

“Salaries and pensions are now paid with regularity and respect, restoring hope and dignity 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.”

He further praised the governor’s resolve in institutional reforms, noting that public systems were being cleaned up and governance structures strengthened to ensure public office serves the people rather than personal interests.

Dignitaries Present

Dignitaries at the reception included the Governor’s wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti; the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon Obi Aguocha; the Deputy Speaker and members of the Abia State House of Assembly; Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba (PhD); Commissioner for Transport, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu; Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to the Governor; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, among others.