Otti renames Abia Poly after Dr Ogbonnaya Onu …Says late politician left indelible marks in Abia
From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State’s premier polytechnic located in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, has been renamed after the first civilian governor of the state, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on November 7, 2024 renamed the institution hitherto known as Abia State Polytechnic to start bearing the name “Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba,” describing the fallen academic and politician as a patriot, scholar, a man of vision and pathfinder.
Governor Otti made the announcement during a state-organised inter-denominational Commendation service held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia,.in honour of the departed former Abia State Executive Governor.
Dr. Otti recounted the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of late Dr. Onu in Abia State and the nation at large. He said the impacts of his achievements in Abia were still being felt today.
The Governor said: “Dr. Onu did not only lay a foundation for the dynamic and structured development of all parts of the State, he set up major administrative and service delivery structures that are still functioning up till today.”
“Dr. Onu’s administrative ingenuity inspired the setting up of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu, the National Ambassador Newspapers and Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State”.
“It is also important to recall that it was under Governor Onu that the Federal University of Agriculture, Umudike, now Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, was established.”
Governor Otti, who said that the better way to reflect on Onu’s contributions was to preserve his legacies of public service and called on all to embrace the ideals of patriotism, consistency and commitment the Late Dr. Onu was known for.
“The task before us as his children and associates is to preserve his legacies of public service by rededicating ourselves to the important assignment of working for the good of the present and future generation.
“The time has come for us to collectively embrace these ideals (consistency, commitment, etc.) and live them out just like our patriot and our father did.
“His was clearly a life of impact, excellence and commitment to servicing humanity.” Gov. Otti said.
He extended his condolences to his immediate family, the State and the entire nation and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Umuahia Catholic Diocese, His Lordship Michael Ukpong, stressed the need for all to live responsibly in the society and know that death was a reminder to all of what the end of life looks like.
Bishop Ukpong said that the former Governor affected lives positively, left indelible which he would be remembered.
marks in Abia, for
He listed such contributions as attracting the present Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, building of the Abia Tower of Peace, establishment of BCA and National Ambassador among others.
The church service attracted the presence of notable personalities, including the chairman, National Burial Planning Committee, Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, among others.
