RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Dr Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has described Abia State Governor Alex Otti as a leader of integrity, saying his achievements will speak for him as he seeks another term in office in 2027.
Echema made the remarks on Sunday at the Christ the King Cathedral, Asa Road, Aba, during a ceremony marking his 40th anniversary as a Catholic priest.
The bishop also commended Otti for agreeing to support the construction of a retirement home for priests in the diocese, noting that he had raised the matter with the governor about three months earlier.
According to Echema, Otti’s response to the request demonstrated his commitment to integrity and service.
He stressed that his remarks should not be interpreted as campaigning for the governor, maintaining that Otti’s record in office would speak for itself ahead of the 2027 election.
“I am not campaigning for you, and I don’t need to campaign for you. The work that you have done so far will campaign for you,” the bishop said.
Echema expressed appreciation to the governor for agreeing to support the retirement home project, saying the initiative would help reduce the burden on the Catholic diocese.
The bishop also thanked God for sustaining him throughout his four decades of priestly service and appreciated fellow bishops, priests, Catholic faithful, friends and other guests who attended the celebration.
OTTI PLEDGES PRIVATE FUNDING FOR RETIREMENT HOME
Responding, Otti congratulated Echema on his 40th priestly anniversary and prayed for continued divine strength and good health for the cleric.
The governor described the bishop as a “rare gift to Nigeria” and said the retirement home project would be financed by private individuals and foundations rather than the Abia State Government.
Otti said the project would be jointly supported by the Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, the Ide John Udeagbara Foundation and other private individuals.
He said the initiative followed the bishop’s disclosure of the need for accommodation for retired Catholic priests, bishops, reverend fathers and religious sisters.
“We want to take that problem off you. We will fund it. So, work will start very soon,” Otti said.
ABIA AIRPORT RUNWAY NEARS COMPLETION
The governor also disclosed that work on the Abia Airport project at Nsulu had progressed, with the runway nearing completion.
The anniversary celebration was attended by the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji; bishops from different parts of the country; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; local government mayors; members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
Also present were the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, and other dignitaries, including Chief James Ume.
