Abia Set To Host World Igbo-Day Tuesday, September 29, As Gov Otti Provide Platform to Showcase Igbo's Uniqueness, Unity, Traditional & Cultural Accomplishments

- S'East Govs, Distinguished Igbo Sons, Daughters To Storm Event

- Wreaths To Be Laid In Honour Of Fallen Heroes, Heroines, Others

All in this edition of the Good Leadership and Governance Series With Dr. Charles Ogugbuaja (GLGSWDCO 132)

By Charles Ogugbuaja, Ph.D.

The Abia State Government is set to host this year's edition of World Igbo Day next week Tuesday, 29th of September, 2026.

This translates the conviviality, security, enabling environment and peaceful situations prevalent in the state. A few weeks ago, the state hosted South East Security Summit where many serving and retired service and security chiefs congregated in Umuahia to talk on security matters in the zone and Nigeria at large.

To ensure a hitch - free event, His Excellency, Gov. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has directed that all necessary preparations must be made to host Igbo personalities all over the world who would converge on Abia State for the purpose.

The Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure on Tuesday, said the essence of the event is to provide a platform for ndigbo to congregate together and reflect on the unity of purpose, underscoring the uniqueness, indivisibility and unparalleled accomplishments of Ndigbo as a people.

Prince Kanu hinted that this year's edition would feature a keynote lecture, titled: "The Igbo charter and the Development of an Igbo," adding that the cultural event would also feature the laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen Igbo heroes and heroines.

To bring divinity into it, the Commissioner informed that an Inter-denominational church service and a march - past, would be held, adding that the participating states' delegations, are expected to perform traditional dances and speeches.

He disclosed that the South East Governors and notable Igbo leaders would be at the event.

Prince Kanu urged all Abians and residents to give maximum cooperation, care and kindness to the visitors. 

In another development, Gov. Otti has directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to organise his subordinates in the ministry to keep on the tab the poultry production intervention programme, in the 184 wards of the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, adding that it was very important to him in the quest for the state's local economic  growth.

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WRITER'S NOTE: It is an honour for Abia under the watch of His Excellency, Gov. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, to have a hosting right for the World Igbo Day. This shows the conviviality and enabling environment the state has. It is another effort made by Gov Otti over the years. I say a big plus and kudos to him. Abia is now really God's Own State.

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COUNTDOWN TO THE RE-ELECTION OF GOV OTTI, BY THE GRACE OF GOD

His Excellency, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has comfortably and meritoriously enjoyed his seat in the last three years and 116 days.

Evidently, we have 134 days to end governorship campaign exercise, and subsequent re-election of our workaholic and outstanding Abia Executive Governor.

Computed by Charles Ogugbuaja, Ph.D.

September 23, 2026

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WHAT GLGSWDCO DOES

At the Good Leadership and Governance Series with Dr. Charles Ogugbuaja (GLGSWDCO), we are research -based, non governmental, and an apolitical group, committed to serving you reliably, fresh, with insightful, vibrant, investigative, analytical and thought-provoking contents, spanning politics, social issues, giant strides that are going on in Abia State and beyond (pro bono); also, current affairs, and undiluted news, features and opinionated write -ups that shape our community and the world at large. Please stay connected with us.

ABOUT ABIA STATE

Abia, one of the 36 states in Nigeria, meaning the various blocs of Aba, Bende, Isiukwuato, and Afikpo (Afikpo is in Ebonyi State, now), was created in August 27, 1991, by the erstwhile military President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), GCFR, fondly called IBB by his admirers, with its capital in Umuahia, designating Aba as a commercial hub / nerve centre. It was created alongside with Enugu, Delta, Kogi, Taraba, Kebi, Jigawa, Yobe and Osun States.

In the Southeast, Abia shares boundaries with Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Anambra State, while in the South South flank, she shares boundaries with Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

Today, the state has 184 political wards, three senatorial districts (Abia South, Abia Central and Abia North); eight Federal Constituencies, 24 State Constituencies and 17 Local Government Areas.

Since the creation, the state has been ruled by five Military Administrators and five Civilian Governors, a total of 10. Those who have governed the state in the following succession are then Group Captain Frank Ajobena (August 28, 1991); the military ushered in civilian administration, leading to the election of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (January 1992); the military also, took over again, and appointed Col Ike Nwosu ((1993); Navy Captain Temi Ejoor (September 1994); Col. Moses Fasoya (August 1996); and Col. Anthony Obi, who eventually handed over to another civilian, after an election, Sen Orji Uzor Kalu in 1999( he governed for eight years). Sen Theodore A. Orji took over from Kalu in 2007, and served for eight years. He handed over to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in 2015. After eight years in power, the incumbent, Gov. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, took over in May 29, 2023.

The state has moved from the yesteryears of cankerworm, suffering years of heavy infrastructural deficit and policy summersaults, to the present glorious and liberated era under the watch of His Excellency, Gov Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. 

The legion of gigantic infrastructural revolution recorded under the Otti Administration are the construction / reconstruction of about 414 roads (measuring about 1,000 kilometers) spread in the nooks and crannies of the state, including the construction of the over 5km Port Harcourt Road in Aba; the reconstruction of the popular Omenuko Bridge; the reconstruction of Umuahia- Uzuakoli- Abiriba -Ohafia Road; the reconstruction of the Abam- Ndiokereke - Arochukwu Road; the expansion of the Aguiyi - Ironsi Boulevard to Onuimo; reconstruction, retrofitting, equipping and functionalisation of Primary healthcare centres, numbering about 277; building and equipping some General and Specialist Hospitals; construction (ongoing) of the Abia Airport, in Nsulu, Isiala Ngwa North LGA; construction of the expansive modern  Prof. Nnenna Otti Bus Terminal, Umuahia; while that of Aba will be commissioned in December 2026. Workers and Pensioners receive their salaries and pensions, respectively, on or before the 28th of the month, among numerous projects ongoing.

Dr. Ogugbuaja, an advocate of good governance, leadership, and a deep supporter of good governance in Abia State, holds  a B.Sc. (Mass Comm), an M.Sc. (Mass Comm), an M.Sc. (International Affairs & Diplomacy); a Ph.D. (Mass Comm); a PGDE; a Certified Teacher (TRCN); a Dip. (Desktop & Graphics,IMSU), a Cert.(Biz Mgt. & Enterpre., IMSU), a Cert.(Population & Demography studies, IMSU); & a three -year Cert. Prog(Printing, FG sponsored).

*The 10 certifications above 🖕 were earned from four universities in Nigeria.

September 23, 2026