Tag: Otti

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has called for peace, understanding and tolerance among Nigerians as the Muslim faithful across the globe celebrate this year’s Eid El-Fitr.

Governor Otti was speaking yesterday evening at his Nvosi country home while receiving members of the Muslim community who paid him Sallah homage.

He said that his administration does not discriminate along religious, gender or tribal lines.

 It is lack of understanding that leads to discriminations, he said.

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“I think it is lack of  understanding that makes people begin to kill each other and to discriminate.

“If we understand clearly that God created us equally, then some of the problems we are seeing, we won’t see them,”

“So, if you discriminate, you will shortchange yourself. You will make it difficult for you to reap the full benefits that was deposited in every human being.

“That is why our administration does not discriminate. I am sure you are aware that our Head of Service is from Edo State.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has named renowned FA licensed football agent, UK, Mrs Dora Okoro, as the state’s sports ambassador.

He made this known through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba.

According to the commissioner, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, on behalf of the state government, ‘’is happy to associate with you in your effort in showcasing your state by bringing recognised scouts to come and witness our budding players from our teams, Enyimba Football Club of Aba and Abia Warriors FC that are endowed with unique skills in soccer.’’

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“Dora, as our ambassador, we look forward to working with you as we wait to welcome you and your guests to God’s own state.”

The appointment is a testament to her contributions to the sports industry. Dora’s impressive career is a reflection of her hard work, resilience and commitment to excellence.’’

As an FA licensed football agent, UK, Dora has represented top clients like former Manchester City and Shaktar Donetsk forward, Olarenwaju Kayode, and has been instrumental in shaping his successful football career.

The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that appointments to public offices are made solely based on merit. 

Governor Otti made this declaration while hosting the Old Boys Association of Ngwa High School, Aba, primarily composed of the 1982 and 1983 cohorts. 

In response to congratulations from the Ngwa High School Old Boys for appointing their members to various public offices to serve the community, the Governor asserted that appointments in his administration are strictly based on merit and not influenced by “who you are or where you come from.” 

Turning to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Nwaigwe Cyril Chibuike, the Governor remarked, “Let me inform the Permanent Secretary that I was unaware he attended Ngwa High School. Our appointments are exclusively based on merit. 

“You will recall that you undertook an exam, and because you passed, you proceeded to an oral interview that concluded with me, and you succeeded. 

“If you had not passed, irrespective of being from Ngwa High School, you would not have been appointed as Permanent Secretary. Everything we do is firmly grounded in merit, and we do not discriminate. 

“Once you have something to offer, the State needs you.” 

Governor Otti, who politely declined an award presented to him by the Class of 1983, reiterated his position that he will not accept any awards, including chieftaincy titles, honorary doctorate degrees, or others, until he concludes his term, as stated in paragraph 44 of his inaugural speech in May 2023. He revealed that towards the end of last year, his administration initiated the rehabilitation of several iconic buildings at the school, such as Pollard House, the Engineering House, and the Administrative Block. 

“We intend to engage with the Anglican Church for collaboration as a government to ensure effective management of the school. If the school is not well managed, people will look to us and ask, what are the old boys doing?” 

The Governor explained that although the school has been handed over to the Anglican Church, this does not imply that the old boys or the government cannot assist in its proper management. 

“There are a few aspects that I found unsatisfactory. I contacted the leadership of the Anglican Church to propose that either the government resumes control of the school or we collaborate,” the Governor stated amidst applause from the old boys. 

“They are pleased with the collaboration, and I am awaiting the Bishop so we can hold discussions,” he added, encouraging the Old Boys to assist the school if they are able, as the school needs their support. 

The Ngwa High School Old Boys expressed their gratitude to the Governor for granting them an audience despite his busy schedule and commended him for his effective leadership and visible achievements across the State, as evidenced by completed projects and numerous ongoing initiatives at various stages of completion. 

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The old boys described Governor Otti as “a superstar governor,” noting that, for the first time, knowledge and skills are being effectively utilised in governing the State, as he has appointed suitably qualified individuals to help deliver the benefits of democracy to Abians and residents. 

In their vote of thanks, delivered by the immediate past Mayor of Aba South, Hon. Uche Nwogu, a member of the class of 1983, they informed the Governor that his bid for a second term in 2027 is no longer solely his decision, as the people have determined that he must run, given that his positive contributions across the State will make it challenging for anyone to oppose him in the 2027 gubernatorial election. 

Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, a member of the class of 1985, joined Governor Otti in receiving his fellow Old Boys. 

Chief Boniface Alozie Uche, the Chairman of the State-owned Abia Comets FC, who hails from the class of 1979 and was formerly the Games Prefect, was among the Senior Old Boys in attendance.

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has advised students that developing competitive and innovative skills holds more value than earning first or second-class degrees.

Speaking at the second matriculation ceremony of the Nigerian British University (NBU) in Asa, Abia State—through his Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche—Otti urged the 162 newly matriculated students to approach their studies with diligence, discipline, and a thirst for knowledge.

He emphasised that success in today’s world is no longer determined solely by academic grades but by practical skills, leadership abilities, and innovation in an increasingly competitive global environment.

He said: “I will advise the matriculating students to not only focus on acquiring academic knowledge but also develop the essential sub skills, innovative thinking, leadership skills that prepares you for the competitive global landscape.

“Time has gone when people ask wether you have a first class or second class now people judge you based on what you can do.Success is no longer determined by grades alone, but by what you can do.”

Otti affirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education and driving sustainable development, saying that 20% of the state’s ₦700bn annual budget had been dedicated to the education sector.

He reiterated the administration’s policy of free education for all children to eliminate barriers to learning and equipping young people with the tools for future success.

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He said: “If you follow the government well you will notice that they allocated twenty percent of the annual budget of seven hundred billion naira to the education sector that shows how Abia state government is committed to ensuring that our children have quality education. 

“We equally have heard that this government has given free education to all children so that every child will have access to quality education. We will continue to invest in quality education so that our young ones can have access to better education”.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, the Nigeria British University (NBU), Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, warned its 162 matriculating students to desist from cultism, drugs and other vices saying its management has zero-tolerance for anti-social behaviours.

He advised the students, who were admitted into the 23 undergraduate programmes across five faculties, to use the internet wisely.

Prof Fawehinmi emphasised the importance of responsible internet usage, urging the students to desist from the inordinate use of social media. 

Addressing the students, he said: “As you navigate through the vast expanse of cyberspace, remember to use the internet wisely. Avoid excessive social media usage and focus on leveraging digital resources to enhance your academic pursuits.

“Your actions or inactions could make or mar you now or in the future. I enjoin you to be law-abiding and uphold the university’s values of academic excellence, integrity, and social responsibility.”

He said 30 students gained admission to study Law, 30 students; 17, Management & Social Sciences; 36, Computing & Information Technology; 69, Basic Medical & Allied Health Sciences and 10, Engineering & Applied Sciences.

He revealed that the NBU was established to develop global competitiveness by employing technological innovation and offering a unique blend of British and Nigerian educational practices.

He added that the university was formally licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC) in May 2022 and officially inaugurated in February 2023.

The VC encouraged the students to approach their studies with determination, enthusiasm, and a hunger for knowledge.

He said: “Remember, the future belongs to those who dare to dream, and I have no doubt that each of you possesses the potential to shape the world with your brilliance and dedication.

“As you navigate through the corridors of academia, always hold your heads high with courage and confidence. Believe in your abilities, persevere in the face of adversity, and never underestimate the power of resilience.”

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has stated that the agitation for a sovereign Biafra extends beyond Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Speaking at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Umuahia during the 70th birthday celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Otti emphasized that the Biafra struggle today is rooted in the quest for Ndigbo to gain recognition and equal opportunities in Nigeria.

He noted that the agitation resonates deeply with the average Igbo person, saying, “The Biafra fight is not about Nnamdi Kanu. If you read the book we unveiled today, you will understand what the struggle is truly about.”

“The Biafra of old cannot happen anymore, but the Biafra of the mind;

“We want to be equal citizens, we want to be treated alike and that is a challenge to Sen. Akpabio. So, what we just demand is equal opportunity, that is all,”

Also speaking, the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti while congratulating Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on the milestone achieved, thanked God for his life and described him as a man of courage, fearless and one who is worth being celebrated.

The Governor explained that the celebration of Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has no political attachment, saying that he is committed to celebrating Abians who are worthy of being celebrated.

“We are here to celebrate a man that is courageous, a man that is selfless, a man that is unafraid to say the truth to power.

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“Sometimes, some of us were afraid for him but God preserved his life up till today. It is not because of him, it is grace.

“So, when I’m celebrating people that are worthy of being celebrated, I am not interested in politics, I am not even a regular politician anyway.

“I believe that people who are worthy of being celebrated should be celebrated and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe is worth being celebrated.

He added that he would host similar ceremonies for some distinguished Abians including Senator Chris Adighije, Bright Chimezie, Paulson Kalu and posthumous birthday of Jaja Wachukwu among others.

Speaking at the event, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti for celebrating the Senator representating Abia South Senatorial zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on his 70th birthday.

Akpabio described Senator Abaribe as a man of integrity who loves his people and can take risk for his people. 

“Abaribe is a man who can sacrifice. He is a man who loves his people, Ndi Igbo.

“Senator Abaribe, when you signed the bail bond for Nnamdi Kanu, people were shocked and questioned why a Senator would take such risk?

“When I asked you why you did it? You said that you believe strongly that even if he runs away, you can go to prison on his behalf because of what he stands for.

“We are celebrating a man of astute integrity. We are celebrating a man of grace. it is God’s grace that has seen him through,” Akpabio stated.

The Senate President described Governor Alex Otti as a generous man whose generous heart is impacting on the welfare of Ndi Abia. 

He reiterated that, Governor Otti’s decision to host Senator Abaribe despite political party differences is a pointer to the fact that he understands politics and have endeared himself to Abia people.

“Governor Alex Otti is like me. He will be generous to the people of Abia State because he is a man who is generous in his heart.

“I want to urge Governor Alex Otti, who has decided to honour you (Abaribe), that you (Otti) are not just honouring him, you are doing good politics, because through Abaribe, you have won the heart of the whole of Abia South Senatorial Zone.

“When you are going for your second term, you will see that this was money well spent.

“What you are doing today, Oh my God! If you know the way we rate Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe in Nigeria, you would know that you are celebrating a man that you cannot regret.

“This is why you see me here today, not necessarily for Abaribe, I have celebrated Abaribe in the Senate but I came to join you (Otti) to give glory to God for the life of a man that is worth emulating, for a role model of Ndi Igbo and the youths of Nigeria, for a great man of integrity,” Sen. Akpabio concluded.

The celebrant Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe while thanking God for His uncommon grace upon his life, said that his frankness was a product of the virtues inculcated in him by his late father.

He stressed the need for those in position of trust to strive to put in place favourable policies and programmes that would raise the living standard of the people and increase life expectancy and thanked Governor Alex Otti for honouring him.

Earlier in a sermon, the Abia North Central Conference President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Pastor Chimezie Iheoma noted that the celebrant, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has remained politically relevant for many years counting due to his exceptional services to the state and nation at large.

The event which attracted many dignitaries from all walks of life featured presentation of a book titled “Unbundled” written by Senator Abaribe and cutting of birthday cake.

Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has handed over five newly refurbished and retrofitted  Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles to the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking while handling over the vehicles in Government House Umuahia, Governor Otti said that his administration on assumption of office 20 months ago met the vehicles in terrible states of disrepair.

“When we came in exactly 20 months ago, on the 29th of May 2023, we saw littered here these vehicles in very terrible states of disrepair,” Gov. Otti stated.

The governor said that he took the bold step of repairing the vehicles knowing that they have long been abandoned and rendered unusable, adding that the last one has been taking to Abuja in furtherance of the repairs and refurbishing process. 

“Being that I know that these vehicles have a long staying power, we took a very principal decision to refurbish one or two of them, by the time we started, we found out that it was not too difficult and therefore I authorized that about six of them be repaired.

“Five of them are ready, while we are still struggling with the last one, five of them have been completely retrofitted and they’re as good as new. 

“It’s all about maintenance and our believe is that never again would we allow our assets to dilapidated to this state, a lot of things that we throw away can be easily fixed and we have demonstrated it,” Gov. Otti stated.

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Governor Otti while stressing on the need for all to cultivate maintenance culture, vowed that never again would public assets be allowed to deteriorate as such, take a lot of money to be repaired.

He charged those the vehicles would be entrusted to their hands to ensure that the vehicles are judiciously used with regular maintenance.

“So, I will charge the men that would use it to ensure they’re used carefully and anything that needs to be repaired, to be repaired quickly because if you don’t, you will spend two to three times more to repair it and I am glad that we’re here today to return five of them to the police,” Gov. Otti stated. 

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner of  Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi Isa thanked Governor Alex Otti for his numerous support  to the Nigerian Police, saying that it is glaring in the public.

He said that the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) would help them improve on their security duties and promised that the police would make judicious use of the Vehicles.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his determination to transform Abia into a model state, free from discrimination based on geographical origins. 

According to him, anyone who resides, works, and pays taxes in Abia is entitled to enjoy the same rights as others in the state.

Speaking at a wedding ceremony in Aba, Governor Otti commended Mazi Clement Owunna, CEO of STARLINE, for his unwavering commitment to Aba’s development, despite facing numerous challenges. 

The governor revealed that individuals like Mazi Owunna, who share his vision for a rebuilt Abia, inspired him to leave his lucrative banking job and lead the charge for Abia’s liberation

“You know, in the old structure where they say you are from Imo, you are from Anambra, etc, in that structure, he (Clement Owunna) believed in Abia. 

“I said to myself, so, I have stayed here and become a very successful Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, but by the time you retire, there would be no home to go to. 

“So, I sacrificed that job and started struggling for almost ten years, and today, we are here,” the Governor stated while encouraging the people to prayerfully stick to and work on their dreams, saying that if it does not happen today, it will happen tomorrow or next.

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He described his achievements in the last 19 months as a dress rehearsal, assuring that greater things are coming.

“What you see in Abia State in the last 19 months is actually what I will call dress rehearsal. You ain’t seen anything yet.  I’m not boasting, I know what this State can do. 

“The first thing we abolished is State of origin. If you stay here, if you live here then you are from here”, the governor asserted amidst applause from the audience

He explained that when he said he was going to appoint Ide John Udeagbala as the Mayor of Aba North, people doubted him, but he appointed him, and he went on to transform Aba North’s local government headquarters in just a year. 

He said the same thing happened recently when he appointed Edo-born Benson Ojeikere as the Head of Service of the State; some people said he’s from Edo, hence, should not be appointed. 

He said that he conducted an examination and oral interviews for the prospective candidates; Mr. Ojeikere came top and was appointed. 

“The other day, I appointed somebody as the Head of Service of the State; some people say he is from Edo; I don’t know about that. 

“He came here in 1999 and he has been here. He didn’t come on his own volition. 

“God brought him here through Youth Service, and he distinguished himself as the best corper, and he was retained in the Civil Service… And somebody wants to tell me he’s not from Abia State”‘, he stated.

“What we are building here is a model State. No matter what anyone says, we are focused and determined. If you come to Aba in the next year, you will probably not recognize Aba.

“Very close here, there was an abandoned project called Enyimba Hotel. You would probably see a Radisson Blu sitting on it. 

“And then you see a conference center by the side and you see another leisure park opposite it. This is our place, we must fix it”, the Governor declared.

He thanked the people for being supportive of his administration and assured them that he would never tamper with the State’s resources but would use them to fix the State.

The marriage ceremony attracted very important personalities from all walks of life, including the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti, who attended with her husband.

Chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Emeka Kalu, has endorsed Governor Alex Otti.

He said there was no vacancy in Abia State in 2027.

The politician from Bende Local Government, in Abia North, gave the endorsement while addressing reporters, after a visit to Otti at his home in Isiala Ngwa South council.

Kalu, chair of E.C.K. Foundation, gave reasons for endorsing Otti: “What he is doing in Abia, nobody has done that.

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“This is the only person that revived Abia…”

He queried what other governors did with their money?

“What happened? Does it mean the allocation he gets, others did not get it’’?

“Look at what he is doing. Today, we have an airport…

“God brought him for ‘Abians’ to see His goodness in this state. And, we are seeing it,” he said.