The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has congratulated the government and people of Abia state on the state’s 35th anniversary.

Abia was carved out of old Imo state on August 27, 1991, by the regime of former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. 

In a statement released Friday, Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency, commended the government and people of the state for “sustaining peace, strengthening security, and deepening their trust in a democratic leadership.”

The statement read in part, “Abia at 35 is a story of resilience and progress. I commend the government, present and previous administrations for their efforts aimed at developing our dear state, and I urge us to sustain the momentum of peace, unity and service delivery.”

According to the statement, Abia has remained largely peaceful and safe, describing peace and security as “critical enablers for development, growth, and investment.”