Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, attended the 2025 Item Day celebration, where the Co-Chair of Abia State Economic Council and daughter of Item, Professor Arunma Oteh was honoured with Item Grand Merit Award.
Speaking at the ceremony, held at Akanu Item, Governor Alex Otti congratulated the awardee, Professor Arunma Oteh, describing the honour as deeply significant, noting that recognition from one’s own people carries a unique and profound meaning.
The Governor noted that while the honour is remarkable, it was not strange, as she has previously received accolades from Abia State, Nigeria, and institutions across Africa and Europe
“The Bible says that a man is not without honour except amongst his own people. When your people honour you, that is a great honour indeed and that is what has happened here today.
“But then, it is not new because Abia State has honoured her. Nigeria has honoured her. Africa has honoured her. Europe has honoured her. America has honoured her and the whole world has celebrated her. So, she is a great daughter to have” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor highlighted her values, capacity, compassion, creativity, and discipline which he attributed to the strong foundation laid by her parents and used the occasion to stress the importance of parenting, he reminded the audience that values sown in children ultimately determine the outcomes they produce.
He urged parents and guardians to be intentional in investing in the upbringing of their children, noting that, it is never too late to do so.
According to Gov. Otti, such commitment would help raise more exemplary citizens for Abia State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Governor also praised Prof. Oteh’s resilience, courage, and determination, noting her ability to overcome challenges and achieve feats many once thought are impossible.
Reflecting on her appointment as Co-Chair of the Abia Economic Council, Governor Otti said that the decision was made with confidence in her competence. saying, that her contributions since assuming the role, alongside other members, have justified the trust placed in her.
Governor Otti, who expressed gratitude to Item people for their support and gifts, particularly, thanked the traditional rulers for their support, recalling how they conferred on him a chieftaincy title over a decade ago.
In her speech, the Co-Chair, Abia Economic Council, and awardee of Item Grand Merit Award, Chief Professor Arunma Oteh, described Governor Otti as a performing Governor.
She said that, what the Governor has done in 2 years, people that came before him could not do in 24 years, pointing the launching and deployment of electric buses, primary health care centres, education, entrepreneurship and restoration of Aba’s glory among others.
Also, the member representing, Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ekekwe thanked the Governor for all he has been doing for the people, and assured him of continued support of his people.
Earlier, the President General, Item Development Association, Sir Onwuka Orji while thanking the Governor for coming to their event,
said that , Dr Otti’s election is a prayer answered, as God has used the Governor to wipe away the tears of Abians.
He appreciated the Governor for immortalising Late Professor Joe Irukwu by renaming the length of the road from Umuahia to Abiriba after his name as well as thanked him for saving them from being cut off by the menace of erosion among other gestures and assured him that Item people are solidly behind him.
The President General presented Item Grand Merit Award, the most outstanding award in Item to their daughter, Chief Professor Arunma Oteh, for proving herself as a worthy daughter of Item, Abia and Nigeria.
The event also featured the presentation of the Item Grand Merit Award to Archbishop, Dr Sunday Ndukwe Onuoha and attracted many dignitaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
30 – 12 – 2025.
