Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, says he is committed to bequeathing a better future for Abia children and to ensuring that they become responsible citizens.
Governor Otti stated this on Wednesday, May 27, at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia State, during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, organised by the State Government for Abia children.
The Governor, who titled his speech, “A Responsibility to Dream”, noted that children remain the foundation of society and the clearest representation of the future, stressing that government must consistently prioritise their development agenda.
Governor Otti restated his administration’s commitment to building a better future for children through sustained investment in education, infrastructure, and social inclusion.
“While it is conventional to celebrate our children on this date, our disposition is to dedicate every work hour to the duties and demands of making our community better for those coming after us.
“We are investing generously in education, because of the significant role it will play in shaping the future you shall inherit.
“No price, and I repeat, no price is too steep to pay because the children we have here are our greatest assets,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti noted that every policy direction and investment decision of the administration over the last three years has been deliberately designed to secure a better future for the next generation.
The Governor further urged the children to remain disciplined, hardworking, and focused, while encouraging teachers and parents to continue to play active roles in shaping responsible citizens.
The Governor urged teachers and school heads to give equal opportunity to all children, including those with disabilities and special needs.
“So please, let’s not marginalise them (children of the school for the deaf and blind). Let them perform like other students. So, they should have participated in the math class as they have done in the last two years.
“So, Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, please take note. They should be given a fair chance to perform. And like we saw yesterday in Aba, you may not have physical sight, but you know what is happening.
“So, we should give a fair chance to our children who are physically challenged. They may be physically challenged, yes, but that is where it ends. They are just like us,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor commended the First Lady of Abia State, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, and her team for organising the celebration, which featured performances, exhibitions, and presentations by pupils and students across the State.
In their speeches, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, and the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, noted that the celebration was not only for entertainment but also a reaffirmation of collective responsibility to raise children in love, discipline, and security.
The Commissioners reaffirmed the government’s commitment to child protection, quality education, healthcare, and the promotion of opportunities that enable children to grow into responsible citizens.
They described Abia as fortunate to have leadership that prioritises children’s development, emphasising that the Otti-led administration has demonstrated consistent concern for the welfare of children and families in Abia State.
In his remarks, the Abia State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mr Izunna Iweobi, commended Governor Otti for supporting their work and expressed the desire of the agency to partner the State government to sustain the fight against human trafficking.
He raised concerns over rising cases of human trafficking and related abuses in the country, and noted, “We are here to stop human trafficking because these children are the future of Abia State, and we must join hands to protect them,” Mr. Iweobi stated.
The Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, members of the Federal and State House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, traditional rulers, members of the clergy, among others, were present at the ceremony.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 27th, 2026.
