Yesterday, May 3rd, Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, and his amiable wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla Otti, attended the launch of a book titled “Shadows of the End,” the 7th, and the retirement book written by popular and cerebral Seventh-Day Adventist preacher and teacher, Pastor Dr Dave Nyekwere.
Speaking during the event at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Governor Otti, who disclosed that he had attended all six previous book launches by the author, commended Pastor Nyekwere for his consistency and dedication to reading and writing despite his age and years in Ministry. The Governor emphasised that writing is not an easy task, noting that one must first cultivate the habit of reading before becoming a writer.
“Before you can write, you must read. And this is not passing judgment on anyone. But the truth is that a lot of us have stopped reading. A lot of us have become impatient, even with writing. Even when we are taking notes, the way we take notes is such that it has become difficult to apply hard work,” Governor Otti stated.
Governor Otti encouraged everyone present to obtain a copy of the book, read it carefully, do their personal reviews and also share the reviews.
The State Chief Executive further stated that anyone who refuses to read has no advantage over those who cannot read, regardless of academic qualifications, adding that being busy should never be an excuse for neglecting personal development through reading. He thanked Pastor Nyekwere for his steadfastness, consistency, and impactful Ministry over the years.
The Governor also urged Nigerians not to lose hope because of the prevailing national challenges. He noted that, though the times are difficult, citizens must resist accepting difficulty as the normal order of life and instead contribute positively toward building the society they desire.
“Yes, things are difficult, but should we adjust to the difficulties? The answer is not yes, because that is not the normal order of things. So, we have a responsibility to contribute our own quota to ensure that we get the world that we want,” Governor Otti added.
Referencing the Seventh-day Adventist hymn “Jesus is Coming Again,” Governor Otti reminded the audience that many present-day global events were already foretold in prophetic writings and should inspire spiritual reflection and preparedness.
The 293-page book, Shadows of the End, was reviewed by Prof. Justin Gabriel, who described it as a theological reflection on contemporary anxieties and a spiritual interpretive guide to the modern world. He noted that the book argues that the convergence of geopolitical, environmental, technological, and moral crises is not a mere coincidence but signs pointing toward the culmination of history.
“Nyekwere’s central claim is clear, the convergence of modern crisis;eopolitical, environmental, technological and moral, constitutes not mere coincidence but a discernible pattern…
“The book invites readers to read the present age not as an aberration of history but as its culmination,” Professor Gabriel stated.
In his remarks, Pastor Nyekwere disclosed that he had known Governor Otti since his days at the University of Port Harcourt over four decades ago, and both families have remained very close. He testified to the Governor’s unwavering support for his literary and ministerial work since the 1990s.
Pastor Nyekwere narrated and testified how God has led him and his family in his 40 years of pastoral Ministry, doing the work of God and expanding His Kingdom across Nigeria and the World.
Reflecting on the current global and political realities, including the experiences of Governor Alex Otti and his Rivers State counterpart, Governor Siminalayi Fubara in public service, Pastor Nyekwere stated that “Wherever the truth is standing, the demon will fight the truth,” lamenting that the World increasingly celebrates evil despite its destructive consequences.
Other books previously authored by Pastor Nyekwere include End Time Lectures, Taking Tough Decisions, and Stomaching Nonsense, among others.
The book was unveiled by Mrs Jenifer Ijere, founder and Managing Director of Trucking Land & Sea Nigeria Ltd, who chaired the event.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the author’s wife, Shepherdess Dabotha R. Nyekwere, expressed gratitude to Governor Otti and his wife for their consistent support and for integrating them into their family. Shepherdess Nyekwere, who said that Abians are lucky to have them, described the developmental strides currently being witnessed in Abia State as a reflection of their natural disposition toward service and leadership.
Governor Otti was received on arrival by Abian-born Brigadier General Obinna Uzodinma Eke, Commander 46 Engineer Brigade, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt Barracks.
The Governor was accompanied to the event by the Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, and the Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue, Elder Emmanuel Okpechi.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 4th, 2026.
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