Governor Otti Thanks Abians For Support As Government Holds Christmas Carol
Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has thanked Abia people and residents for their sustained support to his Governernment.
Governor Otti was speaking at the 2024 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons organised by the Abia State Government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour.
He described Christmas as a period of sober reflection on the love of God to mankind which brought about the birth of Christ and a time to thank God.
According to the Governor, the arguments about whether Christ was born on 25th December or not is not very important, rather what is important is that Christ was actually born.
“It is just an opportunity for us to meet together and thank God”.
“There have been arguments about whether Christ was born on the 25th December or not. Forget the arguments, he was born”.
“So, if you agree that he was born, then we have taken out 25th of December to celebrate him”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor declared that henceforth, Abia State Government Carol of Nine Lessons would be an annual event.
“Last year, we struggled with it, we thought we should wait until we have done one year”.
“So, having done it today and it turned out a successful one, it has become an annual event”, Gov. Otti declared.
Governor Otti, appreciated the organizing committee led by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Mathew Ekwuruibe, also thanked the fathers of faith, various choirs and singing groups as well as Abians for coming out en masse to join the State Government in celebrating the birth of Christ and wished everyone a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year in advance.
Speaking also, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Calab Ajagba while welcoming everyone to the event noted that as God brought Christ to restore man, so did He send Governor Alex Otti to restore the lost glory of Abia State. He said that within 18 months of Governor Otti”s administration, Abia State is being celebrated all over the world and is taking her position as God’s truly Own State.
Earlier in a sermon, the Archbishop of Methodist of Church Nigeria, Umuahia Arch-Diocese, Most Rev. Chibuzor Opoko highlighted the essence of Christmas.
He likened Governor Otti to what the Lord did in bringing Christ to be the Saviour of mankind and described Governor Otti as a liberator of Abia State. He said that God brought light to Abia through the election of Governor Otti and declared that darkness cannot overshadow light in Abia State again.
The nine lessons were read by Governor Alex Otti, his wife, Mrs. Priscila Otti, Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong among others while many choral groups led in the carols.
The event which attracted many dignitaries across the State also featured cutting of celebration cake as well as the cutting of the birthday cake of the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscila Otti whose birthday coincided with the programme.
Divine Nwankwo
Govt. House Press Umuahia.
22 – 12 – 2024.
