Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has commenced the upgrading of the Government House in Umuahia with reconstruction of the governor’s Office and lodge.

Speaking while inspecting the ongoing reconstruction, Otti explained that he delayed the commencement of work in government house because it was not a priority at the beginning of his administration.

He said although the government house was important, it was not as important as many other things that have direct impact on the people of the State.

He said, “Government is about the people and if the people do not give their support, then leadership will not be able to work.

“So, the challenge was, which one do we do first? As a student of economics, we have brought with us a scale of preference. And, we sat down and said, okay, everything is important, some are more important than others.

“We didn’t think this place (government house) was more important than workers’ salaries.

We didn’t think this place was more important than the primary healthcare centres.

“We didn’t think it was more important than our schools. We didn’t think it was more important than making education free at basic level so that our children and those who cannot afford to pay will have the opportunity that you and I had.

“We didn’t think this place was more important than the roads that were dilapidated, the offices that were decrepit.

“So, we started with what we listed as the most important things. Having eliminated a lot of them (challenges). So, right now, I’m sure if you look around, you will see work has started around here”.

Otti noted that work has started with the reconstruction of Michael Okpara auditorium, which he said would be completed before the end of June and further said that, that of  the Secretary to State Government’s office is at furnishing stage now while work is on at the government house, clinic.

He added that the governor’s lodge, which is more or less like a makeshift place would also be reconstructed alongside the Unity Chapel in government house.

Otti who also attended a church service at the government house chapel encouraged believers to continue to have faith in God, as well as pay attention to their health, families and children and thanked the church for her support and sustained prayer to his administration.

He said that in few days’ time, the administration will be two years, being half of the first term in office and assured that the momentum would increase to ensure Abia people and residents reap more dividends of democracy.

Earlier in his sermon titled, “Facing The Giant”, an elder of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Elder Ezekwem Odigbo, who took his text from 1 Samuel 17 :32-37, narrated how all the Israelites were afraid because of the threats of Goliath and how David picked courage, challenged him and became victorious.

He pointed out that David was able to win Goliath because he remembered that he is a child of God, knows who God is and depended on God’s deliverance. He therefore, charged christians to do the same, assuring them that whatsoever be the challenge, God would grant them victory.

The service, which featured prayers for Gov. Otti, his family and people of the state was attended by the wife of the governor, Priscilla, the Deputy Speaker Abia State House of Assembly. Hon. Okezie Nmeregini, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and Commissioners among other dignitaries.