Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated the government and people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary of the state, commending successive administrations for their contributions to its growth and development.
Abia State was created on August 27, 1991, by the administration of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, after it was carved out of the old Imo State.
In a statement issued on Thursday to mark the anniversary, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, said the state had sustained relative peace and security while steadily deepening citizens’ confidence in democratic governance.
He described peace and security as essential foundations for economic growth, investment and sustainable development, noting that Abia’s largely peaceful environment remained one of its major assets.
The Deputy Speaker commended successive military and civilian administrations for their efforts to improve the state, stressing that the progress recorded over the years was the product of the collective contributions of past and present leaders.
Kalu particularly praised the administration of Governor Alex Otti for prioritising security and good governance, citing the establishment of an Air Force Office in Umuahia, the state capital, as a significant step toward strengthening security architecture in the state.
He also applauded the Otti administration for promoting bipartisan cooperation, which he said had facilitated federal projects and initiatives across Abia.
According to him, the approval of Certificates of Occupancy for federal projects, including the Industrial Court, Renewed Hope Housing Projects and newly approved federal educational institutions, would further strengthen the state’s development prospects.
Kalu said the projects, alongside other federal interventions expected in the state, would attract investments, create employment opportunities and expand infrastructure.
He stressed that Abia could benefit significantly from sustained cooperation between the federal and state governments, regardless of political differences.
The Deputy Speaker also commended ongoing efforts to pay workers’ pensions and gratuities, describing the settlement of such obligations as a responsibility government must continue to uphold in honour of citizens who served the state.
“Abia at 35 is a story of resilience and progress. I commend the governments, present and previous administrations, for their efforts aimed at developing our dear state, and I urge us to sustain the momentum of peace, unity and service delivery,” Kalu said.
He wished the people of Abia State a successful 35th anniversary celebration, urging them to remain committed to the peace and development of the state.
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