Gov. Otti Urges Nigerians to Remain Resilient as Abia Marks Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 65th independence anniversary, calling for renewed hope, resilience, and unity in the face of current economic and security challenges.

Speaking during a commemorative ceremony in Umuahia on Wednesday, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to those who have contributed to Nigeria’s progress since independence, acknowledging the sacrifices made by many citizens over the decades.

“We may not have been where we want to be, but the truth is that we are certainly not where we used to be. So while we strive and work hard to get to that ultimate destination, none of us should lose hope,” Otti said.

He reassured Nigerians that brighter days lie ahead despite present hardships, adding, “Tough times don’t last, but tough people do, so I challenge our people not to give up, because the best is yet to come.”

Highlighting Abia State’s achievements under his leadership in the past 28 months, Governor Otti pointed to significant improvements in education and healthcare. “If you look around the state, you’ll definitely agree with us that our schools are wearing new looks, more teachers have been deployed to the schools, and our hospitals and primary healthcare centers are being functionalized,” he noted.

The Governor also emphasized the importance of security, urging citizens to be proactive by reporting suspicious activities. “If you see something, say something. Call the Nigerian Police, the DSS, the Army. Just call security agencies. Or call me. We don’t sleep. And the reason we don’t sleep is so that you can sleep,” he assured.

Dr. Otti commended Abians for their continued support and praised security agencies for their dedication. “I can assure you that the service commanders that God blessed us with in the state are very hardworking and dedicated people,” he added.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Hon. Ginger Onwusigwe, and Hon. Dennis Chinwendu Rowland, who lauded Governor Otti’s achievements and expressed confidence in his reelection bid in 2027.

While the event was primarily a celebration of Nigeria’s independence, it also served as a sober reminder of the challenges still facing the nation and the need for collective determination to build a stronger future.