Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to working with the Church and other stakeholders to promote peace, development and the wellbeing of residents across the state.

Otti stated this on Sunday through his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who represented him at the 2026 Adoption and Grand Reception Thanksgiving Service of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (ESOCS) in Umuahia.

The service, held at the ESOCS Provincial Headquarters, was themed “Chosen, Adopted and Called for His Glory,” with reference to Galatians 4:4–7. It brought together church leaders, worshippers, government officials and other stakeholders to celebrate God’s faithfulness and pray for Abia State and its people.

Delivering the governor’s message, Emetu conveyed Otti’s greetings to the congregation and appreciated the Church for its prayers and support for the administration.

He acknowledged the role of the Church in promoting spiritual growth, moral values, peace, family stability and responsible citizenship, noting that government and the Church have complementary responsibilities in advancing the common good.

“The narrative of the New Abia cannot be told without the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church. You have been our intercessors, praying tirelessly for a new Abia,” Emetu remarked.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted developments recorded across the state, particularly in infrastructure, urban renewal and economic development, assuring the Church that the administration would sustain its efforts toward transforming Abia.

He called on the congregation and other residents to continue praying for the state, its leaders and its people, stressing the need for cooperation among stakeholders in building a peaceful and prosperous Abia.

“Let me assure you that this Government will continue to carry all churches and all faiths along. We are a government for all Abians,” he said.

Emetu expressed appreciation to the ESOCS Umuahia Ecclesiastical Province for inviting the governor and for the warm reception accorded to his delegation. He also prayed for continued blessings upon the Church, Abia State and Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu, representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, described the gathering as an opportunity to appreciate God for His faithfulness to the Church, government and people.

He also acknowledged the Church’s continued prayers and support and encouraged worshippers to maintain the spirit of gratitude throughout the thanksgiving service.

Earlier, the Provincial Chairman of the ESOCS Umuahia Ecclesiastical Province welcomed Governor Otti, represented by his Deputy, and commended the administration for its development efforts in road infrastructure, urban renewal and economic growth.

The chairman also spoke on the partnership between the Church and government in serving humanity and promoting the common good, assuring the administration of the Province’s continued prayers for peace, prosperity, development and opportunities for young people.

In his sermon, Senior Apostle Emeka Agwu focused on the theme of the service, urging Christians to embrace their identity as people chosen, adopted and called by God for His glory.

Agwu emphasised the importance of praise, prayer, faith and maintaining a personal relationship with God, while encouraging worshippers to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to fulfilling God’s purposes.

The thanksgiving service featured prayers, praise, worship and other activities marking the annual Adoption and Grand Reception Thanksgiving Service.

Those in attendance included the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini; Member Representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Chimdi Ibekwe; Labour Party candidate for the 2027 Abia North Senatorial Election, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha (Bourdex); Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle K.C. Wiper; Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon. Smart Iheoma; other government appointees and invited guests.