Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Monday, February 23, reaffirmed that the state remains peaceful, assuring residents that no part of the state will be ceded to criminal elements.
Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, during the launch and domestication of the National Community Violence Reduction Programme (NCVRP) in his office, Otti highlighted the importance of security as a foundation for development and democracy.
“This is another noble initiative from the Rotary Club. This is not only important because, without security, nothing succeeds. That is why democracy cannot thrive in places like Somalia, Sudan, or Syria,” Otti said.
The governor stressed that security has been a top priority since he assumed office, adding, “Without security, you cannot comfortably say that the state is peaceful. That is why this noble initiative aligns with the policies of my administration.
“There is security in Abia, and with this, I can confidently say Abia is peaceful. I will support it to ensure it succeeds in Abia State,” formally declaring the initiative domesticated in the state.
Sunny Megwara, Abia State Coordinator of the Rotary Action Group for Peace, underlined the significance of peace for development.
He explained that the NCVRP, launched nationally on August 13, 2025, in partnership with the Federal Government’s National Counter Terrorism Centre and the Grey Child Foundation, seeks to tackle the root causes of violence by strengthening communities, promoting resilience, and preventing conditions that breed conflict.
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“The programme targets communities across all six geopolitical zones, including the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on vulnerable groups such as women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and victims of violence,” Megwara said.
He added that the NCVRP integrates whole-of-government and whole-of-society strategies to address various forms of violence, including terrorism, banditry, organized crime, radicalism, ethno-religious conflicts, and social unrest.
Other key objectives include enhancing community resilience, promoting social cohesion, strengthening local governance and law enforcement, and supporting vulnerable groups and victims of violence.
Megwara noted that the Rotary Action Group for Peace provides a platform that unites Rotarians, Rotaractors, non-Rotarians, and community leaders in a shared quest for peace, aiming to expand its reach through innovative collaborations with local communities.
The programme’s launch in Abia marks a significant step in consolidating peace and promoting security as a prerequisite for development in the state.