By David Onwuchekwa
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness towards promoting peace, security, and stability across the South-East, declaring that lasting development can only thrive in a secure environment.
Otti made the pledge at the First South-East Regional Security Summit 2026, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, and later shared details of the event on his official Facebook page.
Speaking on the theme, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability,” the Governor described the summit as timely, explaining that greater collaboration among governments, security agencies, communities, and stakeholders was essential to tackling emerging security challenges in the region.
“We were honoured to welcome the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.). I thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his goodwill message and remarkable contributions to strengthening security in the South-East.
“I also appreciate the Federal Ministry of Defence and the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East) for partnering with us to make this summit a reality,” Otti said.
The Governor commended the distinguished guests and stakeholders who attended the summit, noting that their presence demonstrated a collective resolve to find lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting the South-East.
Among the dignitaries were representatives of the Governors of Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi states; the representative of the Senate President, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Chairman of the Abia State Security Advisory Council, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.); Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.); Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.); senior military officers, members of the wider security community, and other prominent leaders.
Otti also paid special tribute to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, applauding his leadership and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s airspace.
According to the governor, the summit underscored the urgent need for unity, intelligence sharing, effective coordination among security institutions, and stronger partnerships in addressing insecurity.
“The message is clear: lasting peace and security in the South-East require collaboration, intelligence sharing, effective coordination among security institutions, and a shared commitment by all stakeholders.
“Together, we will continue to make crime unprofitable, strengthen our security architecture, enhance public confidence, and build a safer, more secure, and prosperous region for all,” he stated.
Tags: Abia, Alex Otti, South-East Security, Security Summit, Nigeria
