WE ARE EQUIPPING ABIA YOUTHS FOR FUTURE LEADERSHIP, SAYS GOV. OTTI, AS HE CELEBRATES OHUABUNWA AT 75.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, says his government is currently equipping the youths in the State with leadership skills to make them suitable for future leadership tasks in Nigeria and beyond.
Governor Otti stated this at the 75th birthday celebration of an Abia born elder statesman and former Chairman/CEO, Pfizer Products Plc, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa who was hosted by the State government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.
Gov. Otti disclosed that, as he speaks, some young Abians are undergoing training in a State funded leadership academy initiative where the leadership potential of the younger generation between the ages of 16 and 20 years would be developed.
The Governor noted that by the end of the current holidays period, his government must have trained 1000 future leaders, preparing them in Artificial intelligence, and Robotics among others to enable them fit into the computer – age leadership demands.
“By the time this holiday will be over, we would have trained 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20. As we speak, they are at Government College, Former Fisher High School, going through intensive training.
“Our vision is that in a few years, if you are looking for leaders, you have to come to Abia State. We are training future leaders in technology, in artificial intelligence, in robotics, in 3D printing,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti, while eulogizing the character and person of Mazi Sam Ohuabumwa, congratulated him on his 75th birthday and appreciated him for his selfless services to the State and Nigeria at large.
He said that the celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa deserves to be celebrated based on his integrity and track record of service, adding that his administration has a tradition of celebrating excellence and meritocracy, not minding one’s State of origin and political inclination.
The State Chief Executive who used the forum to appreciate all commentators for their positive comments about the modest achievements so far recorded by his administration, announced that his government is setting up an independent agency for the maintenance of public infrastructure being put in place by his administration, especially in institutions of higher learning.
Also speaking, a guest and member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal constituency, Lagos State, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, while unveiling and presenting a book written by the celebrant, described Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa as a man who has demonstrated leadership. He said that,
“At 75, when you look at what Mazi Ohuabunwa has accomplished within these years, I must say, it is excellent. He is a man that has demonstrated leadership, he is a man who has demonstrated capacity, he is a man who has demonstrated that with God, you can attain and achieve what you want to achieve,” Onuakalusi stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), while congratulating the celebrant on attaining the milestone, said that Mazi Sam Ohuabumwa’s 75 years has been marked by service, sacrifice, and notable achievements.
He said that Mazi Ohuabunwa has shown to the world that hard work and consistency brought him to where he is. He commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides across the State, especially the reconstruction of the Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara – Abiriba – Ohafia road and assured that the Governor would be supported continually.
The Celebrant Mazi Sam Ohuabumwa while thanking God for His grace upon his life, and that of his entire family, noted that his life has been all about testimonies and appreciated Governor Alex Otti for hosting the birthday party for him.
He described Abia as the safest State in Nigeria as the State is blessed to have a first class renowned economist, exceptional leader, and an epitome of service in the person of Governor Alex Otti.
The event which featured the unveiling of the book titled “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising” authored by the celebrant and moderated by the former Minister of State for Mines and steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, the cutting of birthday cake among other side attractions.
The event attracted the presence of the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election and former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi, the wife of the Executive Governor of Abia State and first lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Austin Akobundu, Mao Ohuabunwa, Professor Pat Utomi, a former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, the Obi of Onitsha, His Highness, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the President General Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata, the Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Orji and host of other distinguished Nigerians.
Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
16 – 08 – 2025.
