17/09/2026
OOPOLY Holds Annual Prayer As Rector Reiterates Integrity, Unity And Institutional Responsibility
…Applauds Otti’s Support, Assures Staff Of Enhanced Salary Structure
Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, on Wednesday held its annual prayer programme to formally conclude the 2025/2026 academic calendar, with the Rector, Engr. Dr. Christopher Okoro Kalu, calling for greater institutional discipline, integrity and unity as the Polytechnic advances into another academic cycle.
The programme, held at the Polytechnic Auditorium on September 16, 2026, had as its theme, “Divine Backing,” and provided an opportunity for staff and members of the Polytechnic community to offer prayers of thanksgiving and reflect on the institution’s progress during the academic year.
Leading the service, the Polytechnic Chaplain, Rev. Okoro of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, alongside his team, conducted an extended session of praise, worship and prayers for the continued progress of the institution.
Addressing the gathering, the Rector acknowledged the progress recorded by the Polytechnic during the academic year, citing institutional growth, achievements, challenges overcome and opportunities that had emerged under his administration.
“We have experienced growth, we have recorded achievements, overcome challenges and witnessed opportunities that have contributed to the advancement of this institution,” Engr. Okoro said.
The Rector also expressed appreciation to the Abia State Government under Governor Alex Chioma Otti for its interventions in support of the Polytechnic, noting that the administration had demonstrated commitment to the institution’s development.
“I came with the grace of God and we can feel the impact of God's grace in our institution. We want to thank His Excellency for what he has done for us and what he is yet to do. We want to thank the Almighty God for the Governor of the State for being intentional to the citizens,” he said.
Engr. Okoro used the occasion to restate his administration’s insistence on institutional probity, recalling that one of his earliest declarations upon assuming office was that the right thing must be done.
“The first statement I made at the gate of this institution when I became Rector is that the right thing must be done, and I stand for that. Till the time I serve out my tenure as the Rector of this institution at the pleasure of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, I insist and I still maintain that the right things must be done,” he said.
He linked the principle to the need for truth, justice and integrity in the discharge of official responsibilities, urging members of staff to remain diligent even when their efforts may not receive immediate recognition.
According to him, every member of the Polytechnic community has a defined responsibility to the institution, adding that failure to discharge such responsibilities with integrity ultimately affects both the individual and the Polytechnic.
“Every member of this Polytechnic has a responsibility, and when you fail, you've failed God, yourself and the Polytechnic. You must do your work with integrity and justice,” the Rector said.
On institutional cohesion, Engr. Okoro identified peace and unity as essential conditions for sustained progress, urging staff and other members of the Polytechnic community to work collectively toward the institution’s objectives.
“We must be in unity for us to continue to progress, for peace and unity are the essential ingredients for progress,” he stated.
The Rector further disclosed that the process for implementing the 2026 new salary structure was underway, assuring staff that an enhanced salary structure would be introduced.
“In no distant time, we'll start to receive not just a new salary but an enhanced salary structure,” he said.
He also urged the Polytechnic community to continue to pray for those in authority while remaining focused on the institution’s developmental objectives and embracing teamwork.
Engr. Okoro said the aspiration of making Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic one of the leading polytechnics in Africa could not be achieved by management alone, stressing that the responsibility required the collective contribution of staff and other members of the Polytechnic community.
“Becoming the best Polytechnic in Africa is the goal. Achieving this vision is not the responsibility of the management alone; it is for all of us,” he said.
Justice Michael Reporting
For Elephant Radio & TV