Abians residing in Oyo State, have expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti, for approving free transportation that enabled many families to return home for the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
Speaking on behalf of Abians in Ibadan, the President of the Ohafia Improvement Union (OIU), Ibadan Branch, Mazi Paul Kalu, said the governor’s intervention brought renewed hope and joy to families who had earlier resigned themselves to missing the festive season due to rising transportation costs and economic hardship.
According to Mazi Kalu, the gesture—implemented on December 23, 2025—saw the provision of four large buses to convey Abians free of charge from Ibadan to Aba and Umuahia in Abia State. He described the initiative as timely, compassionate, and reflective of people-focused leadership.
“On behalf of all Abians in Ibadan, led by Mazi Jude Ekwerendu and his executive members, I want to sincerely thank our amiable Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti. We honestly do not know how to thank him. Many families had lost hope of coming home for Christmas this year, but he made it possible,” Mazi Kalu stated.
He noted that beyond easing transportation challenges, the gesture restored the spirit of togetherness and family bonding that defines the Christmas season, especially for those living far from home.
Mazi Kalu further said that Abians in the diaspora have continued to hear positive reports about the ongoing transformation in Abia State under Governor Otti’s administration, adding that the free transport initiative further reinforced their confidence in the government.
“We have been hearing a lot about the transformation going on in our dear state. After many years of crying, Abians are smiling again. We are solidly behind the governor,” he added.
Abians in Oyo prayed for God’s blessings upon the governor and reaffirmed their support for his administration, describing the Christmas transport initiative as a clear demonstration of responsive governance and genuine concern for the welfare of Abians, both at home and in the diaspora.
The gesture has since been widely applauded by beneficiaries, who described it as one of the most impactful Christmas gifts received this year, restoring hope and strengthening the bond between the Abia State Government and its people.
