Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has acknowledged the contribution of Cherubim and Seraphim churches to the emergence of his administration, saying the churches supported the Labour Party through prayers, advocacy and votes during the 2023 elections.

Otti spoke on Sunday at the 2026 Umuahia Province Annual Adoption Thanksgiving Service of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS), held at the Church Auditorium in Umuahia.

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor said the story of what he described as the “New Abia” would not be complete without recognising the role played by the Cherubim and Seraphim churches in the state.

According to him, the churches prayed and preached for change ahead of the 2023 election and subsequently voted for the Labour Party. He added that their support for his administration had continued through prayers, encouragement and moral support.

Otti also attributed part of the progress recorded by his administration to the prayers of Abians, noting that salaries and pensions were being paid regularly while road construction and other development projects continued across the state.

The governor urged Christians in Abia to remain steadfast, saying the forthcoming general elections would be important in determining the future direction of the state.

He described the Labour Party as the platform through which Abia was delivered from its previous challenges and appealed to members of the Cherubim and Seraphim churches, as well as other Christian faithful, to continue supporting the party and vote for its candidates.

Otti also assured the church that his administration would continue to accommodate people of different faiths, stressing that his government remained one for all Abians.

Earlier, the President of Voice of Evangelism International, Houston, Texas, USA, Senior Apostle Dr. Emeka Agwu, delivered a sermon titled, “Chosen, Adopted and Called for His Glory.”

Agwu encouraged Christians to remain committed to faith, prayer and service to God. Referencing passages from Jeremiah, Galatians and John, he said believers who have been chosen and adopted by God should live in accordance with the purpose and calling of Christ.

The cleric further encouraged the congregation to combine faith with action, emphasising prayer, commitment and obedience to the word of God.

He said challenges should be viewed as opportunities for believers to demonstrate their faith and recognise the strength God had placed within them.

In his remarks, the Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna, described the thanksgiving service as an opportunity to appreciate God for His faithfulness to the church, government and people.

The event featured prayers for the Abia State Government and the presentation of a gift to the government representative.

Other dignitaries at the service included the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini; member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe; Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief David Ogba Onuoha; Chief Medical Director of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu; Labour Party stalwart, Chief Emeka Charles Kalu; and Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Activities, Apostle Kenneth C. Wiper, among others.