Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti has called on Abians to embrace the spirit of moderation in all activities during the yuletide.
In a broadcast to the people, Governor Otti encouraged all to be conscious of their choices, appetites and general scheme of activities and avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, over-speeding, undue aggression and any behaviour that smacks of recklessness or carelessness.
“Let whatever we do be moderated by the restraint of wisdom, the bounds of discipline and the consciousness that there will be many more seasons like this in the years ahead. For those of us who could not meet our expectations or had it rough in the passing year, I enjoin you to avoid the temptation of giving in to despair; guided by the traditional wisdom that whence there is life, then hope is never absent. Next year is another opportunity to go again and by leaning on the lessons of failure from the passing year, we shall have a better shot at success. I invite you to remain optimistic, enjoy your time in the company of loved ones and look to the future with the conviction that you are bouncing back stronger,” he urged.
While appreciating that the season comes with extensive social and economic demands, the Governor revealed that his administration has taken extra care to ensure that people can function from any community in the State, pointing at the massive investments that have been made in road infrastructure development.
“Our development efforts have also led to modest improvements in electricity and water supply, robust telephony and internet services, and other amenities that support modern living in some parts of the state. I am proud to announce that we now have a functional primary healthcare facility within reach in several communities to support the basic healthcare needs of our people. We have also made necessary arrangements to guarantee the security of lives and property in all parts of the State so you can travel to wherever you choose, within the State, in the confidence that you are in Abia — one of the safest destinations to live and travel to,” Governor Otti highlighted.
The Abia Chief Executive who observed the dire economic situation many individuals and households are passing through, pointed out that within the limits of the resources available to government, provisions for family support packages have been made to cater for the extremely vulnerable in different communities.
He therefore appealed to individuals, families, groups and organisations to reach out to the less privileged and share whatever little we have for therein is the fullness of joy.
“This Christmas, let us bear the light of Christ’s love wherever we go, encouraging one another with our words, gifts and presence. We may not be able to do much but whatever little we can do with a sincere heart would be sufficient to bring joy and laughter to those in need. I invite us to remember in a special way, our brothers and sisters who may have been incapacitated by the miseries of ill-health and several others who on account of the shipwrecks of life, are unable to independently cater for themselves. Let us be consistently mindful of the fact that we are a family of God’s people where one person’s legitimate anxiety can abruptly steal the sleep from our own eyes,” he noted.
Governor Otti while pointing out that construction and rehabilitation are still on this season within the communities, apologized for the inconveniences these important construction activities may cause and assured that necessary mitigation measures have been put in place to limit obstruction to regular social and economic activities.
He further revealed that the emergency services will remain fully operational this season to address any challenge that may arise, and however, prayed for hitch- free celebrations.
