ABIA @ 35: OUR POLITICAL DIFFERENCES MUST NOT OVERSHADOW THE ABIA WE ALL CHERISH
- HON. DAME BLESSING NWAGBA, PhD
ABIA @ 35: OUR POLITICAL DIFFERENCES MUST NOT OVERSHADOW THE ABIA WE ALL CHERISH — HON. DAME BLESSING NWAGBA, PhD
Hon. Dame Blessing Nwagba, PhD, a renowned chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former governorship candidate and ‘Odo Abia’, has called on Abians to place the interest of the state above political differences as Abia marks its 35th anniversary.
In a goodwill message commemorating the anniversary, Nwagba described the milestone as a moment for reflection, appreciation and renewed commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous state, stressing that partisan differences should never overshadow the collective aspirations and wellbeing of Abians.
The erstwhile two-time legislator congratulated the government and people of Abia, as well as Abians in the Diaspora, while acknowledging the contributions of successive administrations and the founding fathers whose efforts culminated in the creation of the state.
Describing Abia as a “work in progress,” Nwagba said the state had made progress over the years but still had enormous potential to unlock.
She therefore called for sustained investment in commerce, manufacturing, education, agriculture and other productive sectors capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities and driving sustainable economic growth.
Nwagba, a strong advocate for women’s participation in politics and governance and Chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), Abia State Chapter, also renewed her call for a more inclusive political space for women.
The political Amazon, who made history as the first female governorship candidate in Abia State, stressed that greater representation of women in leadership should be regarded as an investment in the future rather than a favour to women.
The APC chieftain and South-East Coordinator of the International Society of Substance Use Prevention Practitioners (ISSUP) Nigeria also drew attention to the growing challenge of substance abuse, particularly among young people.
She called for a coordinated and sustained response involving government, families, schools, religious institutions, communities and civil society, with greater emphasis on prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and public education.
Reflecting on the state’s 35-year journey, Nwagba said its future remained a collective responsibility. She urged Abians to honour the resilience and sacrifices of generations past by committing themselves to building stronger institutions, and improving the welfare of citizens.
Nwagba expressed optimism that with unity of purpose, responsible leadership, active citizenship and sustained investment in human and physical development, Abia could unlock its full potential and take its rightful place among Nigeria’s leading states.
