Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has commended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for her support to the State Government, particularly the donation of an MRI machine to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba.
Otti described the gesture as a demonstration of genuine partnership and love for humanity, on Sunday, May 10,, during a visit to the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at the Premises of the Temple in Okpulo-Umobo, Aba, on the occasion of the Church’s conference.
Governor who worshipped with the congregation for the first time, expressed delight at the orderliness, serenity and spiritual atmosphere of the Church, noting that he was leaving the service uplifted spiritually.
He said, “This is the first time I’m worshipping here, and I can assure you that I’m leaving with loads of blessings. I have enjoyed the service and if you invite me again, I will come again.
“Any time you see this Church, you see something different. The environment is always inviting, the Churches are well-built and you see class, if you look very well.
“I have always looked at this Church with admiration, not only here in Aba, but also in Lagos and elsewhere.”
Governor Otti noted that the Church, which has existed for almost two centuries with nearly 18 million members worldwide, has continued to distinguish herself through discipline, organization and impactful contributions to society.
He particularly appreciated the Church for donating a fully-paid MRI machine to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba, saying, the intervention would greatly enhance healthcare delivery in the State.
“I want to thank the Church for supporting the State Government. We received an MRI machine for our teaching Hospital in Aba from you. I understand the machine is on its way, but it has been fully paid for by the Church.
“One of the reasons I insist on saying thank you, is because when you appreciate people for doing something good, they are encouraged to do more,” Gov. Otti added.
Speaking on religious harmony and unity in Christendom, Governor Otti stressed that the core teachings of Christianity remain the same across denominations.
“Clearly, there are no major differences between what you believe in and what other Churches believe in. We all believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.
“I worship in every Church because I do not discriminate. I have come to understand that the majority of Churches uphold the teachings and values of Jesus Christ,” Gov Otti stated.
He used the opportunity to speak about his administration’s journey since assuming office in 2023, and described the ongoing transformation across Abia State as a divine mission driven by the desire to restore the dignity and pride of the Abia people.
“What is happening in Abia today is just a tip of the iceberg. In a few days, we will be three years in office and some people forget that we are still under three years.
“Some of the things we have achieved within this period, show clearly what Abia will look like after eight years. We are on a divine journey and we cannot stop pushing,” Gov Otti declared.
The Governor assured that his administration would continue to extend development projects to the rural communities and hinterlands across the State.
“There are still many roads and streets that have not been touched, but we are getting into the hinterlands now and it will continue like that,” Gov. Otti assured.
Governor Otti further stated that beyond infrastructural development, the greatest achievement of his administration has been restoring the confidence and dignity of the Abia people.
“The most important thing we have done is restoring the dignity of the Abia man and woman.
“There was a time when people from other parts of the country sympathised with Abians because of the condition of the State. I said to myself that, we can not continue to be unlucky; we had to come and rescue the situation.
“Today, when you introduce yourself as coming from Abia, people no longer react with pity. The challenge now is that we must sustain the progress and ensure that nobody takes the State backward again,”
Governor Otti said.
Governor Otti called on the people of the State to continue supporting the present administration while praying for future leaders who would sustain the vision and continue advancing the State.
Earlier in his remarks, the Aba Stake President of the Church, brother Sunny Ibe, emphasised the need for Christians to remain steadfast in preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and upholding the teachings of forgiveness, faith and righteousness.
Ibe stated that true elevation, salvation and fulfillment could only come through Jesus Christ, urging believers to maintain a direct relationship with God through prayers, obedience to His commandments and studying the scriptures.
“It is only through Christ that we can receive elevation from our sins and obtain the blessings we seek in life. God has given us the privilege to speak directly to Him through prayers, and His promises, though they may seem delayed, will surely come to pass,” he said.
The church conference attracted worshippers, Church leaders and dignitaries from different parts of the State.
