Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has urged residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and support Labour Party (LP) candidates in the 2027 elections.
Otti, who spoke through his Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, said voters had a responsibility to determine the leadership of the state and country through their votes.
The governor made the call during the centenary thanksgiving and dedication of the St John’s Anglican Church, Itaja/Amuzu Parish, Olokoro West Archdeaconry, where he also sought the continued support of the people for his administration.
He said the achievements recorded by his administration were made possible by the support of the people, urging them to sustain the partnership and participate actively in the electoral process.
Otti specifically solicited support for Labour Party candidates in the forthcoming elections, including the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon Obi Aguocha, whom he urged the people to return to the House of Representatives.
The governor also assured faith-based organisations and other stakeholders of his administration’s continued partnership in efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and united Abia State.
He underscored the role of faith-based institutions in societal development, noting that churches contribute significantly to the promotion of morality, peace, education and community development.
Otti described the church’s 100th anniversary as a testament to the faith, sacrifices, unity and perseverance of generations of worshippers.
He said the contributions of the founding members, many of whom had passed on, continued to bear fruit through the enduring legacy of the church.
The governor urged the congregation to use the newly dedicated church auditorium and vicarage to advance the gospel, win souls, transform lives and provide spiritual strength and comfort to members and the wider community.
He commended the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt Rev Dr Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, the clergy, church leadership, parishioners and families for their sacrifices and contributions to the growth of the church.
Otti maintained that sustained economic prosperity remained essential for the growth of the church and society, assuring that his administration would continue to consolidate its achievements.
He congratulated the congregation on the centenary celebration and prayed for greater spiritual growth and impact as the church commenced another century of service.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rt Rev Dr Geoffrey Ibeabuchi, charged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to the service of God, assuring that genuine labour in the Lord is never wasted.
Speaking on the theme, “Your Labour Is Not in Vain,” drawn from 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ibeabuchi expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among younger generations to question the need to serve God, obey His word and live righteous lives.
He said the development underscored the responsibility of parents and older Christians to provide younger generations with strong foundations of faith.
According to him, the biblical injunction in 1 Corinthians 15:58 calls on believers to remain steadfast, immovable and committed to the work of the Lord, assuring that their sacrifices, acts of love, obedience and service would have eternal value.
Ibeabuchi urged Christians not to allow cultural pressures, doubts and societal changes to weaken their faith, but to remain firmly rooted in their relationship with God.
He stressed that building churches, making donations, rendering services or occupying leadership positions in the church could not replace a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The bishop therefore called on Christians to repent, embrace genuine faith and ensure that their service to God flows from a sincere relationship with Him.
He also appreciated past generations of members who sacrificed their resources, time and efforts towards the development of the church, saying their contributions made the present achievement possible.
Also speaking, the Director-General of Olokoro for Otti, Dr Grant Nnamdi Atuma, said the group identified with the church because of its contributions to development, character building, spiritual upliftment and community advancement.
Atuma said the centenary celebration went beyond marking 100 years, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of generations of Christians to the spiritual and socio-cultural development of Olokoro.
He assured that Olokoro for Otti remained committed to supporting initiatives that promote development and advancement in the community.
