New Year: Anyaso Preaches Unity as Otti, Kalu Laud OFUJI Initiative

The OFUJI All-White/Fireworks and New Year Thanksgiving Party marked a colourful, peaceful and impactful start to 2026, as Dr. Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso (CDA) called for unity, peace and collective purpose, while Governor Alex Otti and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu applauded the initiative as timely, communal and devoid of political undertone.

Speaking at the OFUJI New Year Thanksgiving gathering held on January 1, 2026, in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, Anyaso urged the people of Igbere, Bende and Abia North to embrace unity and shared destiny as the foundation for sustainable development.

Describing the event as a family thanksgiving rather than a political rally, Anyaso expressed gratitude to God for life, peace and preservation, stressing that brotherhood must always supersede political differences.

“This gathering is first and foremost a thanksgiving to God. Before politics and party affiliations, we are brothers and sisters bound by blood, history and destiny. Politics must never divide us beyond repair,” he said.

He paid glowing tribute to the Senator representing Abia North, Distinguished Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, commending his resilience, national relevance and sustained commitment to the development of the zone.

Anyaso also lauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as bold, people-centred leadership, particularly applauding the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Umuahia–Arochukwu Road, which he said symbolises restored hope, economic revival and responsive governance.

“Bende has never failed you since 2015, and by the grace of God and the unity of our people, you will not lose a single vote in Bende come 2027. Our support is not because of politics, but because of performance,” Anyaso declared.

He warned against bitterness, jealousy and political violence, insisting that no ambition or election is worth the blood of a brother or the future of the younger generation.

In his speech, Governor Alex Chioma Otti described unity, clarity of purpose and selfless service as critical pillars for sustainable development, urging Abians to remain committed to peace and collective progress.

Governor Otti noted that the symbolism of white reflects peace, sincerity, purity of intention and commended the OFUJI initiative.

“White is not just a colour; it is a statement. It speaks of peace, transparency and clean intentions. These are values we must uphold if Abia State and Nigeria are to move forward,” the Governor said.

He lauded Anyaso for his commitment to community development, youth empowerment and social cohesion, stressing that leadership is not limited to holding public office but the ability to mobilise people for positive change.

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to rebuild Abia through prudent resource management, people-centred policies and infrastructure renewal, calling for partnerships between government and citizens to drive development.

Contributing, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu commended Anyaso for initiating the New Year thanksgiving programme, describing it as timely and reflective of his deep commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Abia North.

Senator Kalu described the celebration as a purely communal and non-political gathering organised to give thanks to God and promote unity.

“There is a time for everything. This was a moment of unity, joy and collective thanksgiving to God, not a political event,” the statement read.

He noted that such communal engagements strengthen social cohesion and foster togetherness, especially at the beginning of a new year.

The event, which featured fireworks, cultural displays and goodwill messages, also witnessed the empowerment of hundreds of Bende youths and sons with a total sum of ₦50 million, underscoring the OFUJI Movement’s commitment to grassroots empowerment.

The event featured prayers for peace, prosperity and progress in Bende, Abia State and Nigeria at large while notable artistes performed live.