Methodist Bishop Tasks Otti to Sustain Fight Against Insecurity, Hunger, Poverty
By Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Methodist Bishop of the Diocese of Nneochi, Rt. Rev. Ikechukwu Taise, has called on Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to sustain his administration’s ongoing fight against insecurity, hunger, and poverty in the state.
Speaking during a special service marking the 30th anniversary of the diocese on Sunday, the bishop noted that the security situation in Umunneochi Local Government Area had deteriorated before the governor assumed office in 2023, but that peace is gradually returning due to the government’s proactive measures.
He attributed the reduction in criminal activities to Governor Otti’s focused security interventions and emphasized that unemployment remains a major driver of insecurity. To complement the government’s efforts, the bishop revealed that the church has initiated a job creation project for local youths through the establishment of a water factory that will produce bottled and sachet water.
He further disclosed that the diocese is venturing into large-scale farming and has already acquired a ridge-digging machine, training operators to support the project.
The bishop appealed to the governor to support these initiatives, noting that they would go a long way in reducing youth unemployment, insecurity, and poverty.
“What we are seeing now regarding insecurity is not what it used to be in the past. This place was so dreaded that even indigenes were afraid to return home,” he said.
“It was in this local government that our former prelate was kidnapped. We went through a lot at the time, you can imagine what it meant for the number one Methodist in Nigeria to be abducted. It took a ransom before he was released.
“But the governor has been able to checkmate the situation through a sustained fight against criminals. This place is now safe for people to live. The fencing of the cattle market at Lokpanta is commendable. If you’re traveling to Enugu now, you’ll hardly see people loitering around the area.
“Security operatives have been confronting the criminals, and though it’s a gradual process, we believe that more will be done. We still experience occasional attacks, which we suspect are caused by hunger and idolatry among some misguided youths.”
The bishop added, “Security is returning, and we commend the governor. We urge him to sustain the fight so that our mothers can go to their farms without fear again.”
Responding during the service, Governor Otti, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Mr. Ukpabi Ukeje commended the church for its evangelism efforts and contributions to community development.
He expressed gratitude for the church’s support during the 2023 general elections and urged continued prayers for the state’s leadership and executive council.
“The bishop’s prayer for the governor and the government is appreciated. The work the governor is doing is resonating across the state,” Ukeje said.
“We encourage the church to continue its good works and to keep praying for those in authority, as the scriptures command. When Nehemiah was rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, some people stayed behind to pray. It’s by God’s grace that Abia today has visionary leadership.
“The governor is also committed to reviving the state’s water infrastructure. Plans are underway to restore pipe-borne water across Abia, just as it was many years ago. The state water board is being revitalized to make clean water accessible again in our communities.”