By Ebinum Samuel
The people of Old Bende, under the umbrella of the Old Bende Progressive Union (OBPU), on Friday held a historic grand reception in honour of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, celebrating what they described as his visionary and transformative leadership in rebuilding Abia within a short time in office.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman of OBPU, DIG Azubuko Joel Udah (Rtd), Esq, mni, expressed profound gratitude to God for the new dawn in Abia and lauded Governor Otti’s achievements, which he said have rekindled confidence in governance and restored dignity to public service.
Udah, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, said the event was more than a ceremony; it was a statement of faith by a united people recognising a leader whose actions have matched his promises.
“For decades, Abia stood at a crossroads of potential and paralysis, rich in history and industrious people, yet weighed down by neglect and systemic decay. Today, under Dr Otti’s remarkable stewardship, Abia is witnessing transformation driven by purpose and vision,” he declared.
He described Governor Otti as a leader who has brought life to the slogan “The New Abia,” through visible reforms in infrastructure, education, health, digital technology, workers’ welfare, and security.
Udah noted that Abians were now experiencing a renaissance in governance that prioritises the people and delivers tangible results.
Highlighting some of the administration’s major achievements, the OBPU Chairman commended the reconstruction of the Umuahia-Arochukwu link road, now named Professor Joe Irukwu Way; the newly expanded six-lane Port Harcourt Road in Aba, commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; and the rehabilitation of Ossa Road, now Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, which has transformed the state capital’s landscape.
He also cited the remodelling of the Dr Michael Okpara Auditorium, the construction of a new International Stadium in Umuahia, and the ongoing Abia International Airport project at Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa, as evidence of the governor’s developmental drive.
According to him, the administration’s recent acquisition of a stake in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to ensure a steady power supply, as well as the digital technology training of 850 Abia youths, reflects Otti’s futuristic vision for economic sustainability and innovation.
Udah stressed that the people of Old Bende were “solidly behind” the governor, noting that his inclusive leadership and equitable distribution of development across all three senatorial zones have earned him the confidence of the entire state.
“Your vision of the New Abia must be sustained. Keep working and never relent. The people of Old Bende stand firmly with you,” Udah said.
The OBPU Chairman, however, appealed to Governor Otti to extend his developmental focus to several key link roads vital to the agrarian economy of Old Bende and Abia North.
He listed among them the Bende–Ozuitem–Igbere–Amaokwe Item–Okai Item–Akaeze Road, the Alayi–Item–Nkporo Road, and the Umuchieze–Uturu–Eziama–Lokpaukwu Road, among others.
He explained that constructing these roads would facilitate the movement of people and farm produce, boost local trade, and enhance connectivity with neighbouring Ebonyi State.
The grand reception drew a large crowd, including senior government officials, legislators, traditional rulers, clergy, and representatives of various ethnic groups resident in Abia State.
In his closing remarks, Udah reaffirmed the total support of Old Bende for Governor Otti’s administration, describing him as “a true son and leader of all Abians.”
He prayed for the governor’s continued success, urging him to remain steadfast in his commitment to building a prosperous and united Abia.
“Today, Ndi Old Bende, our Ukwa la Ngwa kith and kin, and other residents from across the state have trooped out en masse to reaffirm our undivided support for our governor. Jidé ka iji-keep the fire burning,” he concluded.
The event concluded with thunderous applause and a vote of confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership, as the people of Old Bende pledged their continued solidarity with his vision of a New Abia, rooted in progress, integrity, and inclusive growth.