By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Emir of Kano, His Highness (HH), Mohammadu Sanusi II, has commended the achievements of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, saying that even outside Abia and Nigeria, people have taken note of the great transformation of the last two years of Otti's administration.

The revered, cerebral and outspoken Traditional Ruler from Northern Nigeria spoke on Thursday, December 25th, during the 2025 Atani Day Celebration, at Atani Community School field in Arochukwu Local Area, where he joined his longtime friend, the Governor of Abia State to attend the event.

"I like to congratulate Dr. Otti for all the work he has done in Abia. I'm sure for those of you in Abia, nobody needs to tell you. But you will want to know that even outside Abia and outside Nigeria, everyone has taken note of the great transformation of the last two years.

"I will like to congratulate Governor Otti for his work and to pray that he will continue to deliver for the people.

"And, I'm proud to be a member of his international economic advisory Board (Council)," Mohammed Sanusi II stated.

Speaking further, HH Sanusi II, who arrived Abia State on December 23, commended the cultural displays at the Atani day celebration, expressing the hope that Nigerians will continue to build bridges across the country, holding hands as brothers and sisters and citizens of one great nation.

"Many of you will recall that I was present at the swearing-in ceremony of my friend and brother, Dr Alex Otti. We have had a relationship going back decades. We were friends in UBA and First Bank. We have remained friends. This is not my first visit to Arochukwu. I have come here before to spend time with him.

"This is my first time at this event and I am most impressed by the cultural display. I bring you goodwill and good tidings from the good people of Kano and I hope that we will continue to build these bridges across the Niger, to hold hands and remain brothers and sisters, citizens of one great country," the Emir of Kano added.

Speaking at the event, the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, commended the Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi II, whom he said they've been friends for over 2 decades

"I want to use a few minutes to celebrate my friend and brother from another mother, the Emir of Kano who like he told you, is coming to this community for the third time. We are glad to have him, he just came to celebrate Christmas with us.

"Sometimes, when people are politicising ethnicity and tribalism, it's because they don't have any argument. If you have an argument to make, it shouldn't be about ethnicity and religion.

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

"Just like he has been here several times, Kano is my second home. Sometimes, I go into the palace and spend a weekend even when he's not there and I'm so well received.

"I want to thank him for what he has remained. I am very proud of him. He has gone through a lot of challenges. But, he hasn't let anything affect him.

"So, I don't know what you are going through today, if there is nobody you want to look at, look at him. He was Central Bank Governor, he insisted on the right thing to be done and they removed him. And, I remember his comments then, you can suspend me but you can't suspend the truth.

"As an Emir, they removed him and then later, he was called back," Governor Otti recalled, encouraging the people to remain resilient and steadfast in whatever they are going through so that they will overcome like the Emir of Kano.

Governor Otti used the opportunity to reassure Abians that his Government will not disappoint them because it is a Government that God used them to install, urging them to ignore those screaming to be noticed for negotiation, insisting that his government has no time for such people.

"We are not afraid, the people that brought us to power are still there, and they are the ones that will write the testimonial at the end of the day," the Governor asserted.

The number one citizen of the State apologized to the people for the inconveniences they are experiencing because of the ongoing construction works in the area, informing them that he has charged the contractors to accelerate the pace of work to ensure timely completion.

Otti stated that government is all about making things and life better for the people.

The State Chief Executive reiterated his commitments to the security and welfare of the people and investments in areas that directly impact them like Healthcare, Education and others. He disclosed that his administration has continued to dedicate 15 and 20 per cent of the annual budgets to Healthcare and education in the last 2 years, going into the third year.

"That is why you see schools looking different. You probably haven't visited Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu. If you haven't, please take a walk to that place. That place was forgotten. At the time we came, we found out that the number of teachers was 165, and the number of students was about 120. So, there were more teachers than students.

"We found out that there was no teaching going on. The teachers were not coming to work because they have been owed for over 2 years. So, what we did was to ensure that everybody was paid.

"And then, we went into the curriculum, went into accreditation; they lost accreditation for over 7 years. So, I'm happy to say that about 3 weeks ago, Abia State College of Education Technical Arochukwu, had all its courses accredited. We are retrofitting the hostels, Laboratories and Teachers Quarters," Dr Otti disclosed amidst applause.

The Governor, who stated that he went to public school all through his life and would not be who he is today without education, said that it will be a crime if he fails to pay attention to public education.

The event featured a display of cultural dances among other activities.

The 2025 Atani Day Celebration was attended by the Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, HRH Eze Eberechukwu Oji, illustrious sons and daughters of Atani Community, Arochukwu LGA and dignitaries from all walks of life including appointees of the Federal and State governments.