FIC REPORT (ABIA STATE) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has called on Nigerians to embrace the responsibilities of citizenship, participate actively in the democratic process and remain vigilant in protecting the nation’s freedom and unity.
Governor Otti made the call in his 2026 Independence Day broadcast titled “Citizenship, Freedom and Vigilance,” delivered on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The Governor paid tribute to the men and women who championed Nigeria’s independence, noting that while the country had recorded significant achievements since 1960
He also added the challenges including inadequate infrastructure, poverty, unemployment, limited access to education and healthcare, and insecurity remained areas of serious concern.
He, however, urged Nigerians not to allow current difficulties to degenerate into despair, stressing that the country still possesses enormous human and natural potential capable of driving sustainable development.
According to him, every Nigerian is a stakeholder in the Nigerian project, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or place of origin, and must contribute to national development through responsible citizenship.
Otti identified voting, participation in civic and political conversations, payment of taxes, obedience to laws, diligence at work and protection of public spaces as simple but important ways citizens can contribute to building a better Nigeria.
He also emphasised the importance of democracy, urging Nigerians to take advantage of their democratic rights and responsibilities by participating meaningfully in elections and resisting vote-selling and primordial considerations.
The Governor noted that Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic experience over the past 27 years represented an important achievement, stressing that the quality of leadership remains critical to the nation’s development.
He commended the nation’s security personnel for their sacrifices and recognised the contributions of teachers, health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, farmers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, professionals, artists, sportspeople, scientists and other Nigerians contributing to national development.
Addressing the people of Abia, Governor Otti thanked them for their faith in Nigeria and support for his administration, reaffirming his commitment to the rapid socioeconomic transformation of the State.
He pledged that the security and welfare of Abia residents would remain a foremost priority, while his administration would continue to build systems and institutions that respond to the State’s development aspirations.
The Governor urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient and vigilant, stressing that the gains of independence must be protected by every generation.
“Do not give up; keep pushing and never surrender to the vicissitudes of the time,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a peaceful Independence Anniversary and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC FIC Umuahia, Abia State.
1ST October, 2026.
