Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has commissioned the newly built ultra-modern Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church building at Umuehim – Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The Church building was constructed through contributions from Governor Otti and members of the SDA Church, Umuehim – Nvosi, both at home and in the diaspora.
Commissioning the edifice on Saturday, September 19, 2026, Governor Otti commended members of the Church for their commitment and collective efforts towards the completion of the project.
The Governor urged the Church leadership and members to ensure that the new edifice is properly maintained and preserved for the glory of God and the benefit of generations to come.
Governor Otti expressed satisfaction with the completion of the project and encouraged the congregation to continue to uphold the values of faith, unity and service to humanity.
Earlier in his sermon, the President of the Aba North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Henry Emeka Nwankwo, charged members of the congregation to use the dedication of their new Church building as an opportunity to abandon their old ways and embrace a new life that reflects Christian values.
Pastor Nwankwo, who spoke on the topic “Old People in the New Church Building, How Will You Cope?”, drawing inspiration from Psalm 92:13-14 and Ephesians 4:22, urged the congregation to understand that the new building should signify more than a physical change.
He challenged members to reflect on how they would conduct themselves differently as they move into the new Church building, stressing that the new edifice should be accompanied by a transformation in the lives of the worshippers.
According to him, negative behaviours associated with the old life should be left behind in the old building, while members should enter the new edifice with renewed hearts, attitudes and commitment to Christian living.
He urged the worshippers to desist from backbiting, quarrelling and other behaviours capable of causing division, and to appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of those who contributed to the construction by living lives that would justify the investment made in the church.
Pastor Nwankwo commended Governor Alex Otti and his wife, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for their immense contributions to the building project and prayed God to bless them.
The highpoint of the dedication ceremony was prayers offered for the Governor and members of his cabinet, for God’s protection and favour, including in his re-election bid.
The Governor was accompanied to the Church Service and Ceremony by the First Lady of the State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla C. Otti, the Labour Party Senatorial candidate, Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokeocha, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Hon. Ikechukwu Monday, SA on Media and Publicity, Hon.?Ferdinand Ekeoha, SSA Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, SA on Investment Promotion, High Chief Green Amakwe, DG – Bureau of Public Communication, Bar. Onyebuchi Ememanka among other officials of the Government.
