Those responsible for creating Abia State on August 27, 1991, gave it the slogan “God’s Own State,” a name many believed is derived from the Holy Bible. As they say, a name is significant, implying that the name one chooses often reflects the reality that follows. If you claim to be good, you will likely be perceived as good, and the same goes for negative traits. In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we learn about a man named Jabez who faced constant challenges, which he attributed to his name, meaning “pain or setback “. Jabez prayed for a new name, and his fortunes changed, making him the most prominent figure in his family.
This story illustrates the power of a name. When a state is known as “God’s Own,” it suggests divine guidance and prosperity. Currently, many can attest to the positive changes taking place in Abia State. The state now boasts of modern road infrastructure, waste management systems, street lights, water fountains, and other signs of progress. While visitors from more developed areas may not be impressed, those closely following events in Abia can confirm the significant improvements under Governor Alex Oti’s leadership. The state was in a dire situation before his administration took office.
In 2013, I attended a forum for editors and reporters from Anglophone countries in Freetown, Sierra Leone, which promised great insights but ended up disappointing me due to the ridicule aimed at my home state, Abia. Among all states in Nigeria and West Africa, Abia was singled out as a prime example of governmental failure. Statistics on various development indicators painted a bleak picture of corruption among officials, lack of transparency, inadequate social services, electoral fraud, poor sanitation, dysfunctional healthcare, and insufficient support for businesses. My state appeared to be at the center of these issues.
Unfortunately, my family fell victim to the corruption prevalent in Abia at that time. In 2018, there was a publication of a massive employment of graduates in the Abia State Civil Service Commission. We saw the advert online and quickly contacted home to get a confirmation. We were told to pay a certain sum of money to pick a form which we did. One thing led to another; we got connected with a certain man who claimed to be close to the government and could be of help. On the day of the examination, he was the one who took my wife to the examination venue. I was in Lagos. I called my wife and she told me that he took her to the office of a top government official where she and a few other people sad the exam. After the exam, the man told my wife that to secure the job, applicants must pay money and we gave him N80,000 as a part payment to pay up when the appointment letter is delivered. At first, I declined but granted that the examination was written right in the office of the top government officer believed to be among those deciding the employment, I succumbed. We paid him the money. Afterwards, he continued giving us hope until at a point his lines were no longer reachable. When we eventually reached him on the phone, he promised to refund the money since the job did not work out. Despite paying a substantial sum as directed, there was no job offer or refund. Many others were also swindled. The lack of action by the state government to address such scams left Abia in a state of despair.
Today, the situation has changed dramatically with Abia State emerging as a beacon of progress under Governor Alex Oti’s leadership. The saying of the Bible that the people rejoice when a good man is in leadership is playing out in Abia. Like Jabez, Oti is changing the battered name of Abia State.
Recently, in Lagos, Abia participated in a dialogue on battery waste management, showcasing the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon .A. Ogbonna, highlighted Abia’s efforts in waste collection and recycling, aligning with Federal policies on environmental conservation. This proactive approach to environmental issues sets Abia apart and reflects a promising future under Governor Oti’s administration. Only a few states, including Abia, Anambra, Lagos, and Ogun, were present at the dialogue, underscoring Abia’s dedication to environmental initiatives. My day was made. After the meeting, I decided to further engage Mr. Agharanya Godson Chiemela, the State’s Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, who represented the Commissioner at the meeting and his words were soothing. “We are on track to make Abia great,’’ he wrote in a chat.
Governor Alex Oti is like an eagle guiding Abia to new heights. Just as eagles soar higher, Abia is poised for growth under his leadership. Maintaining this momentum is crucial to fulfilling Abia’s potential as God’s Own State.
By Innocent O. Contact the writer via +2348134193193
