My Voyage In Abia State Government: A Journey of Growth and Learning
By Godwin Okore
Sequel to a painstaking selection process and interview session, my voyage into the Abia State Government as the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor came to the fore on the 29th of May, 2023 at the Umuahia Township Stadium, the venue of the official inauguration and Swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti OFR as the 4th democratically elected Governor of Abia State.
The atmosphere of joy and excitement that heralded this moment was a palpable reflection of the unquenchable thirst of the Abia people for a departure from the old order into an era filled with great hopes. While the massive turnout of excited Abians demonstrated great confidence in the vision and capabilities of Dr. Alex Otti OFR, there was no ambiguity in the fact that redemption had indeed been ushered.
It was such a moment of great pride and responsibility, offering me an opportunity to contribute to the security and overall development of our state. Little did I know that this role would become a transformative experience, shaping my perspective and skills in ways never imagined.
A WALK WITH THE LEADER: INVALUABLE LESSONS IN PERSEVERANCE
Leaders, they say are primed for a season and purpose as recorded in the Holy Book. It is indeed my time to have a walk with one leader, whose resilience speaks across sectors perhaps not imagined by many, a leader with the deployable accuracy of an eagle and one whose appetite for results offers no respect for age, status or creed.
Beyond the precision of the intellectual polymath of our state, I have been touched by a leader who embodies exceptional vision, integrity and compassion. Privileged lessons in governance, leadership and enterprise are invaluable expository of a life of intentional strides, focused investment of time and resources such that even naysayers struggle to dismiss.
When a leader’s door is wide open, wisdom on various aspects of life freely shared, a generation of fortunate disciples with lofty ideological bases is birthed for the overall good of our state. For onlookers whose faith in the New Abia was feeble, the dawn of an inter-generational shift in leadership with unwavering commitment, accountability and innovative service to the people of Abia State is evident across several sectors of Abia State.
MY EXPERIENCE: A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE
In the words of Martin Luther King Jnr. ‘All Men Can Be Great Because All Men Can Serve’. It is indeed an era of confirmation that greatness derived from service and enterprise is the only sure path to sustainable prosperity and all men can indeed achieve this. The exemplary value of knowledge-driven action as the only acceptable response to any given situation speaks to the zeal of His Excellency to raise the bar of development and replace sustainable progress for the good of all.
Need I say that serving under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti OFR was an absolute privilege which proved that hard work does no one no harm. This experience honed my skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork to a level never imagined in my career. I had the opportunity to work with a talented team, and together, we contributed to the state’s progress. The Governor’s trust in me allowed me to take on challenging tasks, and his guidance helped me navigate complex situations.
Under the Governor’s leadership, Abia State has seen significant transformations. I witnessed firsthand the impact of the policies on healthcare, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. The growth of the state has been tangible, and I feel so proud to be part of the team rolling the wheel of this progress. The Governor’s vision for a “New Abia” is indeed a reality, and I was honoured to have contributed to this journey.
A contact with the undisputable matriarch of the Alex Otti empire offered a benefit so priceless that will continue to resonate within my sub-consciousness. Gracious, intelligent and humble, qualities which put Her Excellency, Mrs Priscillia Chidinma Otti among obvious women of means yet so accommodating. Evidence of her vast heart-prints of love and compassion repletes the length and breadth of the state through numerous charity and scholarly initiatives and this is a lesson in humility for many in their application of state powers.
Great people and lovely men who elect to hold your hands through success are indeed difficult to come by, hence the contributions of several members of the cabinet, friends and acquaintances remain indelible.
PUSHING THE FRONTIERS OF KNOWLEDGE; THE PURSUIT OF MY PHD: A NEW CHAPTER
After an incredible experience in the Abia State Government, I have decided to pursue my PhD in the United States. This decision stems from my passion for academic growth and development. I am eager to expand my knowledge, explore new research interests, and contribute to my field. Though I am moving on to a new chapter, the lessons and experiences gained while serving the Governor and the people of Abia State will remain invaluable.
In his leadership style he doesn’t just inspire growth through hard work, he holds you by the hand through the path where success only is the prize. Amidst very tight schedules, multiple deadlines and disparate interests, His Excellency didn’t lose his scholarly curiosity and never failed to contribute to intellectual discourse with high-end articles.
Any wonder why his adherents will seek to deepen the roots of development through scholarship and sacrifice beyond the expectation of rumour mongers. Therein lies the motivation to engage the intellectual world through scholarship as exemplified by His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti OFR. Even his traducers do not controvert the fact that Dr. Alex is an intellectual powerhouse dating several decades ago. And like he always says ‘Godwin, read and don’t you ever stop reading because when you stop reading, you start dying’.
I am indeed grateful for the opportunity to have served, learned and grown under the Governor’s leadership. His impact on my life and career has been profound and I will always cherish the memories, lessons, and experiences from my time in the Abia State Government.
Godwin Okore, Fmr. ADC to Dr Alex Otti OFR writes from Abuja.
