Otti Declares Children ‘Greatest Assets’ at Abia Children’s Day Celebration

Governor Alex Otti has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in the future of children through education, infrastructure development and social welfare programmes, declaring that children remain the state’s “greatest assets.”

He made the declaration on Wednesday at Umuahia Township Stadium during the 2026 Children’s Day celebration as part of activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.

Governor Alex Otti and wife, Priscilla at the children’s day

The Governor noted that you every policy and project executed by his government over the past three years was designed to secure a brighter future for the younger generation.

“Everything we have done in the last three years, every investment, every initiative is connected to the beautiful future we envision for our children and grandchildren,” Gov. Otti stated.

He explained that the government had consistently allocated 20 percent of the state’s annual budget to education while also taking full responsibility for basic public school education across the state.

According to him, more than 5,000 teachers have been recruited to improve the quality of teaching and learning in public schools, while infrastructure upgrades are ongoing to modernize the educational system.

“In Abia, education is our biggest industry and vehicle to a prosperous future. No price, and I repeat, no price is too steep to pay because the children we have here are our greatest assets,” Gov. Otti said.

The governor also urged children to take their studies seriously and strive for excellence in all areas of life.

“In the modern world, only top-tier skills and competencies are rewarded. There is practically no place for mediocrity,” he added.

Gov. Otti further stressed the need for inclusiveness, directing that children living with disabilities should be given equal opportunities to participate in public and educational activities.

“We should give a fair chance to our children who are physically challenged. They may be physically challenged, yes, but that is where it ends. They are just like us,” he said.

In her remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa described children as “the pride of our families, the hope of our future and the leaders of tomorrow.”

She noted that the Children’s Day celebration was not only a moment of joy and entertainment but also an opportunity to renew collective commitment toward protecting and nurturing children in an environment of love, discipline and hope.

“As a government, we remain committed to creating a better future for every child in Abia State through quality education, healthcare, protection of children’s rights and opportunities that will help them grow into responsible citizens,” she said.

In a goodwill message, the Commissioner for Basic Education, Elder Goodluck Chinedu Ubochi, applauded the administration’s investments in the education sector, noting that the reforms had positioned Abia children to compete favourably anywhere in the world.

“Abia State is highly blessed because we have a leadership that places much emphasis on the upcoming children who are, by all indications, the future of this state,” he stated.

Ubochi encouraged students to remain disciplined, obedient and committed to their studies.

“When you follow instructions and remain committed to your studies, the sky will not just be your limit but your stepping stone,” he advised.

Also speaking, Izunna Iwobi of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) raised concerns over reported cases of trafficking involving Abia indigenes and called for collective action to address the challenge.

Iwobi urged residents, security agencies and the state government to work together to protect children and secure their future.

Highlights of the celebration included cultural displays and match past performances by schoolchildren and recognition of outstanding students, including a candidate who scored 367 out of 400 in the recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).