Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, today joined the family, friends and well-wishers to pay his last respects to late Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti (Ugwu Atani), who was laid to rest in his hometown of Atani, Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State.
Late Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti died at the age of 65. While he lived, he held several leadership positions, including President, Atani Welfare Union, Abuja Branch; First Vice President and later President-General, Atani Welfare Union Worldwide; and National Secretary, Association of South East Presidents-General (ASEP), among other leadership roles.
Speaking during the burial service held at the Atani Primary School field, Governor Otti said God does not make mistakes, and urged those who may question why the deceased died at 65 to accept the will of God.
The Governor said it was not about how long a person lived, but how well the person lived. He noted that God calls people home whenever He chooses, adding that there is nothing anyone can do about it because God knows the beginning from the end.
The State Chief Executive urged everyone to emulate the deceased’s exemplary lifestyle, describing him as a man who always delivered whenever his services were needed.
In his condolence letter to the family, Governor Otti described the death of late Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti as a personal loss and a huge loss to the family, the Atani community in Arochukwu, and everyone whose life he impacted through his uncommon leadership.
“Ugwu Atani, as he was fondly called, was a bridge-builder, a consummate family man, a distinguished community leader, and a man whose wisdom, humility, and generosity earned him the respect and admiration of all,” Governor Otti stated.
While stating that words might not be enough to console the family, he urged them to “find comfort in the fact that he led an exemplary life and belonged to a rare generation of men who measured success not by personal acquisition but by the positive impacts they made on the life of others,” Governor Otti added.
Governor Otti expressed hope that he would see the late Mazi Chekwas Albert Oti again on resurrection morning, when the dead in Christ shall rise again.
The burial ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the State, including top government functionaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
August 21, 2026.
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