Governor Otti Congratulates Father Anokwuru on Book Launch, Pledges Partnership on Geriatric Village Project
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has congratulated his Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Father Christian Uche Anokwuru, on the successful launch of his new book titled “Nature and Nurture: Beyond Autobiography.”
The Governor made the commendation during the event held at the JAAC Building Secretariat in Umuahia, where he also pledged government partnership in the establishment of a geriatric village aimed at improving the healthcare and well-being of the elderly.
Governor Otti praised Rev. Father Anokwuru’s selfless decision to channel proceeds from the book launch into building the geriatric village rather than for personal benefit.
“I want to congratulate Father Anokwuru for the courage, the resilience, and the hard work to complete the book. Because you have also integrated a healthcare centre in the home, it’s already a success,” the Governor said.
He announced that the Abia State Government will support the initiative through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), ensuring the project is realized and sustained.
To that effect, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, to work closely with Rev. Father Anokwuru to develop a workable model for collaboration.
“I don’t think, as a government, we should sit by and watch him do this alone. The government will engage with him, support financially, and partly own this project,” Otti added, stressing the importance of government involvement since the beneficiaries are mostly indigent elderly citizens.
The Co-Chairman of the event and member representing Isialangwa North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described the project as noble and urged stakeholders to support it.
Former Minister of Mines and Steel, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, and Chairman of the Greater Aba Development Authority, Ide John Udeagbala, also lauded Father Anokwuru’s compassion and humanitarian drive. Dr. Ogah commended Governor Otti’s leadership, saying, “Light has come to Abia State. Only people made of darkness will deny it.”
In his remarks, Rev. Father Anokwuru explained that his life experiences inspired the book and reinforced his advocacy for good governance. He noted that his vision aligns with Governor Otti’s reform agenda for a better Abia. He reiterated his resolve to use all proceeds from the launch to build the geriatric village for the aged.
The Chairman of the “Back to the Hero’s Past” Charity Organisation and Geriatric Project, Professor Charles Chilekezi, described the initiative as a call to collective responsibility, stressing that caring for the elderly remains a sacred duty in every society.
The event featured the unveiling of the book and the prototype of the geriatric village by Governor Otti, alongside key dignitaries including the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, clergy, and students. Professor Mike Okoro presented a detailed review of the book.
The proposed geriatric village is expected to provide specialized medical care, accommodation, and emotional support for the elderly, setting a new standard for social welfare in Abia State.
