Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, 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 spoke 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) at its Provincial Headquarters in Umuahia.

The service, themed “Chosen, Adopted and Called for His Glory,” with Galatians 4:4–7 as its scriptural foundation, brought together church leaders, worshippers, government officials and other stakeholders to celebrate God’s faithfulness and pray for Abia State and its people.

Representing the governor, Emetu conveyed Otti’s appreciation to the church for its prayers and support for the administration. He described the Church as an important institution in promoting spiritual growth, moral values, peace, family stability and responsible citizenship.

He stressed that the Church and government have complementary roles 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 said.

The Deputy Governor also highlighted the administration’s progress in infrastructure, urban renewal and economic development, assuring the church that the government remained committed to sustaining its transformation efforts.

He urged the congregation to continue praying for the state, its leaders and residents, while calling for greater cooperation among stakeholders to build 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 added.

Emetu thanked the ESOCS Umuahia Ecclesiastical Province for the invitation and warm reception, and prayed for continued blessings upon the Church, Abia State and Nigeria.

Also speaking, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu, member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, described the thanksgiving service as an opportunity to appreciate God’s faithfulness to the Church, government and people.

He acknowledged the Church’s continued prayers and support and encouraged worshippers to maintain a spirit of gratitude.

Earlier, the Provincial Chairman of the ESOCS Umuahia Ecclesiastical Province welcomed the governor, represented by his deputy, and commended the administration’s development efforts, particularly in road infrastructure, urban renewal and economic growth.

He said continued cooperation between the Church and government was important in serving humanity and promoting the common good, while assuring the administration of the province’s prayers for peace, prosperity, development and opportunities for young people.

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

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

The event featured prayers, praise, worship and thanksgiving as members and guests celebrated the annual Adoption and Grand Reception Thanksgiving Service.

Among those in attendance were 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.