Otti Flags Off Construction of Ecumenical Centre in Umuahia

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged off the construction of an Ecumenical Centre in Umuagu, Umuahia, the state capital.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the groundbreaking ceremony forms part of activities marking the third anniversary of the present administration in the state.

Performing the foundation-laying ceremony of the 1,000-capacity worship centre alongside Bishop Chikezie Elekwa, Governor Otti described the project as a fulfillment of a promise he made to the Christian community before assuming office in 2023.

“Like I said earlier, this centre was one of the commitments we made before coming into office.

“This land where we are standing was acquired in 2009 and has remained undeveloped, waiting for a time such as this,” the governor stated.

Governor Otti further emphasized that the Ecumenical Centre would not be financed with public funds, stressing that the project is entirely a personal undertaking.

“The Ecumenical Centre will not be built with government funds. Not one dime belonging to the Abia State Government will be spent on this project.

“I personally acquired this land in 2009, about 17 years ago, and I have also committed to funding the construction privately,” Otti said.

Speaking during the ceremony, the contractor handling the project, Architect Onuka Ukwa, described the Ecumenical Centre as an ultra-modern multipurpose worship facility designed to accommodate over 1,000 worshippers.

According to him, the centre is intended to serve Christians across all denominations in the state and will also function as a venue for major religious and interdenominational activities.

“It is a multipurpose and highly functional edifice designed to meet contemporary standards, and we are optimistic that the project will be completed within 18 months.

“I thank His Excellency for the confidence reposed in us, and we assure him that we will deliver a project that meets his expectations and reflects the vision behind this initiative,” Ukwa stated.

The event was attended by members of the National and State Assemblies, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, commissioners, and other top government officials, as well as members of the clergy led by Bishop Chikezie Elekwa.