Governor Otti to Constitute Abia Pilgrims Board, Names Agomuo As Chairman

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans to establish the Abia State Pilgrims Board, appointing the immediate past State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Emmanuel Agomuo, as its Chairman.

The Governor made this announcement during a meeting with a delegation of the Abia State chapter of CAN and other Christian faith leaders at the Government House in Umuahia. He noted that additional board members would be named soon, with the state set to resume participation in pilgrimages starting in 2025.

Dr. Otti reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his campaign promises, revealing that the ecumenical center he pledged to build for the Christian community is already in progress. He assured attendees that the center would be completed and commissioned before the end of his first term. Significantly, the Governor disclosed that he would fund the project personally, adding that the land has been secured, paperwork completed, and the design finalized.

On fiscal discipline, Governor Otti emphasized that his administration has not borrowed any money to fund its projects despite receiving loan offers from commercial banks. He assured the public that any borrowing in the future would be limited to critical capital expenditures and would align with the 2025 budget.

The Governor thanked the Christian community for their unwavering support before and after his election. He urged them to sustain their prayers and partnership with his administration, noting that their involvement in the state’s religious programs would deepen. He also invited them to participate in upcoming government events, including the flag-off of the Nsulu Airport construction project in Isialangwa North LGA, scheduled for next Tuesday.

Earlier, the State CAN Chairman, Rev. Ojo Ojo Uduma, tendered an apology to the Governor for a private letter he had written, which was reportedly leaked and published by online media without his consent. Rev. Uduma commended Governor Otti’s significant achievements within 18 months in office, particularly in road infrastructure, environmental cleanliness, and security.

Christian leaders, including representatives from the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, and others, praised the Governor’s financial prudence and impactful governance. They assured him of their continuous prayers and support to ensure his administration’s success.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Religious Matters, Apostle Kenneth Wiper; and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr. Eno Jerry-Eze, among others.