Time After Time”: How Abia’s Governor Alex Otti Embodies Cyndi Lauper’s Promise of Steadfast Progress
For those who rocked Cyndi Lauper’s 1984 anthem Time After Time—a ballad of loyalty, resilience, and unwavering support—the song’s soulful plea, “If you’re lost, I will stand right beside you,” might feel like a distant memory. Yet, in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti’s administration is reviving that timeless vow, transforming lyrics into action for a populace eager for change. Let’s bridge the nostalgic chords of Lauper’s classic with Otti’s modern-day governance.
Verse 1: “If You’re Lost, You Can Look—And You Will Find Me”
Lauper’s lyric: A pledge to guide the lost.
Otti’s parallel: Restoring light to Abia’s darkness.
After decades of infrastructural decay, Otti’s government reignited hope by resolving the Aba Geometric Power Plant crisis, ensuring 24/7 electricity for 9 LGAs. This milestone, detailed in the Abia State Newsletter, mirrors Lauper’s promise: a leader “finding” solutions for communities once left in the dark. For residents who endured years of erratic power, Otti’s fix is a lyrical triumph—time after time.
Verse 2: “Sometimes You Picture Me—I’m Walking Too Far Ahead”
Lauper’s lyric: A fear of leaving others behind.
Otti’s parallel: Inclusive healthcare and education reforms.
Otti’s administration launched the Abia State Telehealth Initiative, connecting rural patients to specialists via digital platforms (Abia Health Report). Meanwhile, over 170 primary schools underwent renovations, and 10 model schools emerged to bridge educational gaps. Like Lauper’s refrain, Otti refuses to let vulnerable citizens fall behind, walking with them—not ahead.
Chorus: “Time After Time” – A Cycle of Accountability
Lauper’s hook: Relentless commitment.
Otti’s action: Fighting corruption, recovering stolen funds.
In 2023, Otti’s audit of past regimes exposed over N10 billion in misappropriated funds (Abia State Financial Report). His recovery efforts and insistence on transparency break the cycle of graft, resonating with Lauper’s chorus: a leader who shows up, time after time, to correct systemic failures.
Bridge: “The Second Hand Unwinds” – Building a Future Beyond the Past
Lauper’s metaphor: Time as both enemy and ally.
Otti’s vision: Road rehabilitations, SME investments, and tech-driven growth.
From the Port Harcourt Road reconstruction in Aba to the Ministry of Digital Economy and SMEs, Otti’s policies rewind stagnation into progress. For artisans and traders who once sang along to Time After Time in the ’80s, these projects offer a new rhythm: economic revival.
Outro: “You’ll Give Me Direction—Instinctively You’ll Know”
Governor Otti’s leadership, much like Lauper’s melody, strikes a chord with those who crave consistency. By aligning governance with the song’s ethos—loyalty, clarity, and grit—he transforms Abia into a state where citizens no longer hum “sad stories” of neglect but anthemns of renewal.
To the readers who once swayed to Time After Time: Abia’s revival is your encore. Stay tuned—@alexottiofr is just getting started.
Dr Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke writes from Yakubu Gowon University Nigeria
