Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated the government and people of Abia State on the 35th anniversary of the state.
Abia was created from the old Imo State on August 27, 1991, by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
In a statement on Thursday, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia, commended the people and successive governments of the state for sustaining peace, strengthening security and deepening confidence in democratic leadership.
He said Abia had remained largely peaceful and secure, noting that peace and security were critical enablers of development, economic growth and investment.
The Deputy Speaker also commended successive military and civilian administrations for their contributions to the development of the state, stressing that the progress recorded over the years was the result of the collective efforts of past and present leaders.
Kalu particularly praised the administration of Governor Alex Otti for prioritising security and good governance, including the establishment of an Air Force office in Umuahia, the state capital.
He also commended the state government for promoting bipartisan political cooperation, citing the approval of Certificates of Occupancy for federal projects and initiatives, including the National Industrial Court, Renewed Hope Housing Projects and newly approved federal educational institutions in the state.
According to him, the initiatives, alongside other developments expected in the state, would attract investment, create jobs and expand infrastructure.
Kalu stressed that Abia stood to benefit significantly from sustained cooperation between the federal and state governments.
He also commended ongoing efforts to pay pensions and gratuities owed to workers, describing the responsibility as an obligation government must continue to uphold in honour of those who served the state meritoriously.
“Abia at 35 is a story of resilience and progress. I commend the present and previous administrations for their efforts aimed at developing our dear state and urge us to sustain the momentum of peace, unity and service delivery,” he said.
Kalu wished Abians a successful celebration of the state’s 35th anniversary.
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