From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia Governor Dr Alex Otti has felicitated with people of the state at this year’s Christmas celebration.
In a message, Otti said this was the first Christmas as members of the larger New Abia family, united at a time like this in joyful celebration of the anniversary of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ more than 2, 000 years ago in the little town of Bethlehem.
“The 2023 Christmas season is very special and significant for us in the State because in addition to marking the anniversary of Christ’s birth, we have so much to be thankful for.”
He said serving the state at this point in its history is the singular most significant honour of his life and thanked Abians for believing in him.
Otti urged the people of the state to as they celebrate, imbibe the true spirit of Christmas, sharing the joy and blessings of the season with everyone around them.
“There is no better time to love and care for our friends and neighbours than now. As members of the New Abia family, we have a sacred duty to remember the less privileged amongst us, and others who due to no fault of life, may not have much for themselves and their families.
“I call for peace in all the communities. Traditional rulers, leaders of development and age-grade associations, women and youth groups are encouraged to come together in the spirit of Christmas to drive the process of reconciliation in places where there had been disputes as nothing can be achieved in an atmosphere of strife and social anxiety.
“At all times, we must bear in mind that maintaining the peace in our homes and communities is everyone’s responsibility but as stakeholders, we must be at the forefront.”
The governor congratulated every community that would be launching or commissioning one project or the other this Christmas and urged the people to always think of what they can do for their villages and clans all the time.