By CHARLES IWUOHA

Most Rev. Dr Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Abia-born Catholic Archbishop and current Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Section for the First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, says that Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has 'cured' the stomach upset that tormented Aba for many years, through the reconstruction of the strategic Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

Nwachukwu, former Chief Protocol Officer for the Vatican Secretariat of State, disclosed that he had pleaded with former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to fix the road, but he failed to do that, hence the road, which he described as "Aba's stomach upset," got deteriorated, bringing so much hardship to the people. He appreciated Governor Alex Otti for fixing the Port Harcourt Road, thereby opening the Aba corridors for businesses to thrive.

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu was speaking during his thanksgiving mass to mark the 13th anniversary of his episcopal ordination as Archbishop at the Vatican City by Pope Benedict XVI and the Profession of Perpetual and Temporary Vows of 3 Sisters into the Marrian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei, held at the Archbishop's home Church, Sanctuary of Mary Immaculate Egbelu-Etiti Ntigha, Isialangwa North LGA.

The Archbishop, who is also the Father, Founder of Marrian Missionary Sisters Ad Regnum Dei, saluted the Governor for fixing the Abia Tower Road through Umuahia town and other infrastructure scattered across the State.

The priest used the opportunity to request the Governor to fix their road as well as prevail on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the Umuoso-Imo River Road linking to Mbaise in Imo State, to ease the hardship faced by residents, and improve access to the area.

The Most Rev. Nwachukwu had in his homily, which centred on seeking to encounter Christ, emphasised that Christian life, particularly religious vocation, is a call to seek Christ and serve him, leaving everything behind, and accepting to serve with obedience, poverty, and chastity.

He recalled that he was ordained an Archbishop by Pope Benedict XVI and made Apostolic Nuncio 13 years ago, stressing that Rev. Fathers and Sisters are not going into the service for riches but for dedication to the service of God.

Speaking, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, reiterated that he is in government to affect lives positively and informed the gathering that the road the Archbishop requested him to fix and others he did not request are all captured in the 2026 budget of the State Government.

Governor Otti further assured that he would prevail on the NDDC to do the needful in the road linking Umuoso to Imo River, informing the revered priest that he would soon meet with the NDDC boss, adding that he is going to construct the road leading to the place the Archbishop is building the Skills Acquisition Centre in Umuocheala, around Owerrinta.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by Otti's Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

"I want to acknowledge the request that the Archbishop has made. And even the one that he didn't make, we've already provided for it in the budget.

"It already made it to the budget of 2026. So, we'll do the rest. The one that NDDC is on, I'm going to put them under pressure. In fact, I'll invite the MD of NDDC very soon, and that will be one of the requests I'll be making", Gov. Otti assured.

The Governor equally thanked Ntigha, the Church, and all Abians for their support for his government and congratulated both Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu and the 3 Sisters inducted into the Rev. Sisters order on their sacrifices to God and assured them of God's blessings.

"I want to thank all of you for all the support you've been giving this government. I Thank the men and women of God for their consistent prayers.

"And there's nothing we can do without God. And the whole essence, as I was ruminating over the induction of the sisters, I told myself that this is one of the greatest sacrifices that anybody can make", Gov. Otti stated.

The event attracted many dignitaries including the Acting National Secretary of the Labour Party (LP), Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North & South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Hon. Ugochukwu Iheonunekwu, representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, Chief Reagan Ufomba among others. The event also featured the cutting of the anniversary cake and choir renditions.

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