The Abia State Government has graduated the second batch of trainees from the Abia Leadership Academy, a flagship initiative designed to build a new generation of transformational leaders in the state and across Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, emphasized that the programme was conceived to redirect young people toward positive citizenship and charged participants to embrace continuous learning, mentorship, and influence.

“Leadership is the ability to influence and drive outcomes. What we set out to do is to redirect our people—redirect our young ones, their vision, and their thinking. Gone are the days when youths are left to become thugs or indulge in drugs, cultism, and other vices,” Otti stated.

The Governor explained that the Leadership Academy is tied to his administration’s social reorientation agenda, adding that every graduate will be required to mentor at least one person monthly for the next 12 months. He further disclosed that a digital platform has been created to sustain networking and dialogue among alumni.

Chairman of the Abia Leadership Academy and Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, described the vision as one of raising leaders who can create meaningful impact. Also speaking, Pastor Mrs. Eno Jerry-Eze, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, noted that the academy is becoming a youth-driven movement aligned with the Governor’s “New Mind Economy” initiative.

Earlier, Lead Consultant and Programme Director, Mr. Johnson Abali, outlined the training methodology, which included group-based learning and practical sessions. Participants testified to the life-changing nature of the programme, describing it as a blueprint for Abia’s transformation.

The graduation ceremony was attended by parents, senior government officials, and well-wishers.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has called for an organised system to support reverse migration, saying that such policy would build confidence of Nigerian returnees from foreign countries.

Governor Otti stated this while receiving the Chief of Mission for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, who called on him at his office.

The State’s Chief Executive said that he has plans to collaborate with relevant Ministries to provide reintegration support for returnees, noting that many who wish to come back are often discouraged by uncertainty about where to begin their lives.

“Some of them may want to return, but they are afraid of where to even start from.

“If there are organised systems to receive them, I am confident it will encourage their return. The initiative is a form of reverse migration”, Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking and related crimes, maintained that his government has zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity.

“We have zero tolerance for any kind of criminal activity. Those who have decided to engage in crime have found out that this place is not comfortable for them.

“We are very focused on ensuring that all forms of crime and criminality are wiped away from this State. And human trafficking is one of them,” Gov. Otti stared.

While appreciating the International Organisation for Migration, Governor Otti underscored the significance of diaspora remittances, saying that it plays a vital role in supporting education, healthcare, and economic stability, among others.

He stressed the need for the IOM to collaborate with the Abia State Diaspora Commission, which regularly convenes stakeholders across America, Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond, in their annual December homecoming, and directed the Executive Secretary of the Commission to ensure he invites the IOM to the annual event.

Governor Otti mandated the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu to provide a temporary office space for the organisation immediately while a permanent office accommodation would be made available sooner than later.

Earlier, the Chief of Mission, International Organisation for Migration, Sharon Dimanche said that her organisation is interested in four immediate focus areas, including combating human trafficking, harnessing diaspora potential, supporting returnees through sustainable reintegration, and improving data management for migration governance.

While assuring that she is committed to working closely with Abia State in line with the government’s priorities, she commended Abia State Government for pioneering Diaspora Commission as as well as addressing the challenges of human trafficking, illegal migration among others and assured of technical support to the government.

“We are here to work. That work should start immediately.

“I want to see how we can consider establishing structures and mechanisms that would facilitate diaspora sending back money home and investing that in community infrastructure initiatives,” Dimanche stated.

The SSG, Commissioners for Finance, Budget & Planning, Poverty Alleviation, DG, PPP & IP, SA on Policy & Intervention, the Chief Strategy Officer, the Deputy Chief of Staff, the DG Gada and the SSA on Multilateral and Donor agencies among others were present in the meeting.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to leveraging technology in streamlining government operations and improving service delivery.

Speaking during a meeting with top executives of the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc at Government House on Tuesday, Governor Otti emphasized that digitalisation is a non-negotiable tool for building an efficient, transparent, and future-ready public service.

“We must continue to innovate and integrate systems. Truth be told, if you don’t embrace technology, it will leave you behind. Even technology companies become irrelevant if they don’t move with the times,” the Governor stated.

Governor Otti highlighted some of the state’s ongoing reforms, including the complete digitalisation of Abia’s land administration system, from application to Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issuance. According to him, approvals are now processed electronically from his desk without reliance on paper files.

“This aligns perfectly with where we’re headed,” he added.

The Governor welcomed CSCS’s proposal to support Abia with an Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) and called for a technical follow-up session involving key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, Chief Information Officer, and the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation.

Earlier, Alhaji Haruna Jalo Waziri, CEO of CSCS, commended Governor Otti’s visionary leadership and expressed CSCS’s readiness to partner with Abia in deploying digital solutions across government processes.

“We have moved from just handling settlements to building tech infrastructure that enables seamless document digitisation and market integration,” Waziri said. “We believe the time is right to work with Abia State to digitalise operations and support the people.”

Beyond automation, Waziri also revealed CSCS’s plan to engage Abia’s business community on succession planning and sustainable investment, noting that many Nigerian businesses struggle to transition beyond one generation.

“Our goal is to bring the exchange community and advisors to Abia to help local entrepreneurs build scalable, sustainable enterprises,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr. Adeyinka Shonekan, Executive Director at CSCS, referenced successful digitisation projects executed for institutions like Edo State Government, FIRS, NTA, Polaris Bank, and several Nigerian universities.

He introduced M-Files, the digital platform CSCS deploys to manage workflows and data, assuring Governor Otti of the company’s commitment to delivering impactful results in Abia.

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building an inclusive and opportunity-driven Abia, where businesses can thrive regardless of background or origin.

The Governor made this known on Sunday, July 27th, while receiving a delegation of Aba-based businessmen and entrepreneurs led by Mr. Justine Obiajunwa, CEO of SJW Entertainment and a major investor, who paid him a thank-you visit at Government House, Umuahia.

The group applauded the Governor for transforming Aba’s business environment, which has encouraged many former residents to return and invest in the state.

“We are building an Abia that has opportunity for everybody,” Governor Otti stated. “We have just hired 5,394 teachers, and many of them are not from Abia. One applicant from Akwa Ibom told me he simply tried and got lucky. I am more interested in what you have to offer, not where you come from.”

Governor Otti emphasized that his administration’s appointment and recruitment policies are based on merit, competence, and inclusivity, noting that openness to fresh ideas and capital is critical to development.

“Cities like New York, London, and Paris were not built by indigenes alone. They developed by welcoming new people and new ideas,” he added.

Addressing the business community, the Governor called on those still hesitant to return to “think home”, assuring them that Abia is now safe, stable, and business-friendly.

“If you returned in December and are still here, then you’ve truly come back home,” he told the group. “The environment is now conducive. You see vehicles from across Nigeria and even Cameroon and Benin Republic coming to Ariaria daily because we have what they need.”

He praised the delegation for voluntarily coming to express gratitude, noting that such appreciation is rare and deeply valued.

“No Place Like Home” – Obiajunwa

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Justine Obiajunwa recounted how he left Aba ten years ago due to insecurity and poor governance. He revealed that since returning in December 2024, he has not gone back to Lagos because of the positive transformation under Governor Otti’s leadership.

“Aba is now a place I can stay out till 4 a.m. without fear. It feels like Lagos now. You’ve made us proud, and we came only to say thank you,” he said.

Obiajunwa and his colleagues pledged continued support for Governor Otti beyond 2027, citing his competence, accessibility, and sincerity in governance.

Support from Lawmakers

Also speaking, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North/South in the House of Representatives, described the Governor as a man of integrity and vision. He said Dr. Otti’s accessibility and commitment stand in stark contrast to past administrations.

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, lauded the businessmen for recognizing the Governor’s impactful leadership, which he said has positively touched all parts of the state.

“We urge you to be ambassadors of this progress and spread the message of what this government is doing across Abia,” the Speaker said.

Also present at the event were members of the State House of Assembly and Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe, Hon. Commissioner for Culture and Creative Economy.

The visit marks another milestone in Governor Otti’s ongoing engagement with the private sector and reaffirms his administration’s commitment to restoring confidence, stability, and prosperity across Abia State.

By Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State – July 28, 2025

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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of Abians through sustained investments in healthcare and other social programmes.

Governor Otti made the assurance on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA), who are in the state for their 48th Annual Conference and National Elections.

Addressing the delegation at the Government House, Umuahia, the Governor said:

“The average Nigerian is struggling. Whatever we can do to make life more meaningful and easier for them, this government will support you in doing that. The major point is that everything the government does should be about the welfare of the people. When citizens are complaining, the government must reassess its vision.”

He emphasized that welfare encompasses both security and healthcare, stressing that “if you’re not secure or healthy, then welfare is absent.”

Governor Otti lauded the NOA for its longstanding impact in Abia and commended the choice of the conference theme, “Optometry in a Changing World,” describing it as timely and relevant. He pledged continued support to the association and assured them of a comfortable stay in the state.

Highlighting his administration’s progress in the healthcare sector, Governor Otti cited the establishment of the Abia State Eyecare Management Bureau — the first of its kind in the country. According to him, the Bureau has conducted free eye screenings, treatments, and surgeries for thousands of residents across all 17 Local Government Areas.

Responding to the association’s request for support on the decentralization of the National Vision Centre, Governor Otti expressed readiness to engage with the bill currently at the National Assembly. He also encouraged the delegates to explore Aba, the state’s commercial hub, during their stay.

Earlier, NOA President Dr. Chimezirim Anderson acknowledged the Governor’s commitment to healthcare reforms and praised the state’s transformation under his leadership.

“Abians got what they ordered in Governor Otti,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for appointing optometrists to key positions, including Dr. Maureen Aghukwa as Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi as Administrator of the Eyecare Management Bureau.

Dr. Anderson revealed that Abia now has the highest number of vision centres in Nigeria, and requested the Governor’s support in securing a legislative framework for the decentralization of vision care services. He also appealed for a parcel of land to establish a regional office in the state.

In her vote of thanks, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi expressed appreciation to the NOA for choosing Abia as its national conference venue, attributing the decision to Governor Otti’s investment-friendly environment.

“As His Excellency always says, capital is like a woman — it goes where it is attracted,” she remarked, noting the economic impact of the conference, which has filled hotels across Umuahia.

The event was attended by top government officials including Dr. Maureen Aghukwa and Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, among others.

— Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State
July 23, 2025

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