Tag: Abia State

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Tinubu, Obasanjo, Otti call for National Unity as Abia honours Aguiyi-Ironsi

President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other eminent Nigerians have called for renewed commitment to national unity and patriotism as Abia marks the 60th memorial anniversary of the country’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The leaders made the call in Umuahia, Abia State, during a memorial ceremony to commemorate the late military leader, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966, urging Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of history and work collectively towards building a more peaceful, united and prosperous nation.

President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a courageous and disciplined officer who assumed leadership at a critical period in Nigeria’s history.

He said although the late Head of State’s tenure was brief, his commitment to preserving national unity, restoring stability and safeguarding the integrity of the country remains worthy of emulation.

The President said the values of patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service exemplified by Aguiyi-Ironsi remain relevant to Nigeria’s development, urging citizens to embrace the nation’s diversity as a source of strength.

He also commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as visionary leadership and quality governance in Abia State.

Governor Alex Otti said the memorial was not only to honour a fallen leader but also to remind Nigerians of the importance of unity, merit and sacrifice.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s willingness to lay down his life for the country should inspire leaders and citizens alike to place national interest above personal or ethnic considerations.

He maintained that appointments in his administration are based on competence and integrity rather than state of origin, stressing that Nigeria stands to gain more as one united nation.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), and former First Lady Patience Jonathan described the late Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic Nigerian whose sacrifice should never be forgotten. They commended the Abia State Government for preserving the nation’s history and urged Nigerians to continue promoting peace, unity and selfless service.

Presenting the citation of the late military leader, his daughter, Mrs. Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the commemoration was intended to preserve the legacy of a leader who made the ultimate sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and not to reopen old divisions.

She called on present and future leaders to embrace justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good in nation-building.

The ceremony featured prayers and the consecration of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tomb by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony led by the President’s representative, Governor Alex Otti, representatives of other state governments, Dame Patience Jonathan and several distinguished guests.

The event attracted serving and former public officials, military officers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the diplomatic community and the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, who all paid tribute to the late Head of State’s contributions to Nigeria’s unity and nation-building. (Channels)

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Tinubu, CAN, others mourn Rev Ukpai

President Bola Tinubu, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have joined  the Christian body to mourn the death of the founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association and co-founder of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr Uma Ukpai, who died on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80.

In a personal tribute issued on Monday, Tinubu described the late evangelist as “an anointed crusader of the faith and a firebrand,” whose life and ministry shaped generations across Nigeria and beyond.

“With a heavy heart, I mourn the passing of one of God’s generals, Dr Uma Ukpai,” the President said. “Reverend Ukpai was not just another preacher; he was an anointed crusader of the faith, filled with fire and ice for the gospel, restoring humanity to discipline, love, and good neighbourliness.”

Tinubu recalled that the renowned evangelist, born in Asaga, Ohafia, Abia State, overcame humble beginnings and many challenges to answer God’s call, leading powerful revival movements in Nigeria and parts of Africa.

“He was one of the leaders in the Lord’s army who brought the fervour of revival sweeping across Nigeria in the 1980s. I recall his Greater Ibadan for Christ Crusade in 1982 and Greater Lagos for Christ Crusade in 1985, two phenomenal events in proportion and impact,” he said.

The President praised Ukpai’s lifelong efforts to unite the Christian fold, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged through schools, hospitals, and charitable foundations.

“Dr Ukpai’s mission was clearly to unite the Christian fold and spread harmony. He was a builder—of men, bridges, and faith,” Tinubu added. “He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.”

Tinubu extended condolences to Ukpai’s widow, Pastor Philomena Uma Ukpai, their children, and the entire ministry, praying that God grants them strength and solace.

The Christian Association of Nigeria described Rev Ukpai as “a towering figure in the Church in Nigeria,” whose evangelistic ministry spanned over six decades.

In a statement signed by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said Ukpai’s life was dedicated to preaching the gospel, nurturing faith, and advancing the cause of Christ across denominations and regions.

“His unwavering commitment to the work of God and his passion for the salvation of souls left an enduring mark on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond,” Okoh stated. “Generations of believers have been inspired by his message of faith, healing, and hope in Christ Jesus.”

CAN extended its condolences to his wife, family, the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, and the global Christian community, praying that “the Almighty God will comfort them and grant the strength to bear this great loss.”

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the late evangelist as “a soldier of Christ who has gone to be with the Lord,” noting that his death created a massive vacuum in Christendom, the state, and the nation.

In a statement by his media aide, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti said Ukpai was “a revered man of God and one of Abia’s most celebrated religious ambassadors,” recalling their long-standing father-son relationship.

“Our father in the Lord, Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, has, to the joy of the heavens and celebration of angels, gone to be with the Lord,” Otti said. “He was a generational teacher who yielded himself to Christ and became a potent instrument for healing the sick and salvation of souls.”

The governor described his passing not as death but as “a journey to higher glory,” praying that God would strengthen his family and uphold the enduring fire of faith he ignited in the vineyard of the Lord.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria also paid tribute to the late cleric, describing him as “a father of faith, a trailblazing evangelist, and one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria.”

In a statement signed by its National President, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Fellowship said Ukpai’s passing came at a sensitive time, as preparations were underway for the PFN’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

“Pa Uma Ukpai was not only one of the founding voices of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria but also a unifying force in the Body of Christ,” Bishop Oke said. “His tireless labour in soul-winning, revival crusades, and interdenominational harmony remains an eternal legacy.”

He added that the forthcoming PFN @ 40 Thanksgiving and Celebration would be officially dedicated to Ukpai’s memory “as a national thanksgiving unto God for the gift he was to our generation.”

Bishop Oke extended condolences to Ukpai’s family and ministry, praying that “the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, strengthen us all at this time.” (Punch)

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Ex-gov Ikpeazu’s former deputy defects to Labour Party

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ude Chukwu, on Saturday formally joined the Labour Party (LP) at his country home in Nkoro, Ohafia Local Government Area.

Chukwu, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he served under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, described his move as the beginning of a new political era for him and his constituents.

“All Nkporo people are here today. The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party,” Chukwu declared.

Explaining his defection, the former deputy governor lauded Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style. “I decided to join you because you treat governance as a personal mission.

“You have done well. Today, we can proudly say we are Abians. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today,” he said.

Governor Otti, while receiving Chukwu into the Labour Party, praised his decision and described him as a principled leader. According to him, Chukwu is “a man who will give you your due respect.”

The governor further assured that ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Nkporo road, would be of the same standard as those in Aba and Umuahia.

Also speaking, the Abia LP Chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, said Chukwu’s entry would “awaken the people of the area to new opportunities.”

In the same vein, the Ohafia LGA LP chairman, Godwin Kalu, pledged unity and development for the zone, while the PDP LGA chairman, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his defection alongside Chukwu. (Vanguard)