Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerian governors and aspiring leaders to visit Abia State and draw inspiration from the impactful governance style of Governor Alex Otti.
The endorsement came shortly after former President Olusegun Obasanjo commended Otti’s efforts during the commissioning of a 46.3-kilometer reconstructed road, further solidifying the Abia governor’s growing reputation for purposeful leadership.
Speaking through Ambassador Godknows Igali at the 80s Reunion Dinner and Award Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association in Umuahia, Jonathan appluaded Otti’s performance as exemplary.
“The presence of Alex Otti in Abia State shows intentionality in leadership. He came prepared. Before now, when people heard ‘Aba made,’ they would laugh. But today, people are proudly embracing it,” Jonathan said.
“Governance in Nigeria should take a cue from what is happening in Abia State—the intentionality of leadership that is focused on delivering real change. Nigerian leaders should emulate Governor Otti’s example.”
Jonathan, who was in South Korea receiving the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize, emphasized that Otti’s achievements in less than two years in office reflect a leadership model anchored in vision and readiness.
He also praised the UNIPORT alumni body for its role in national development, noting its unique distinction as Nigeria’s only university to have produced six state governors and a Vice President who rose to the presidency.
In his remarks, Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the alumni for choosing Umuahia as the reunion venue—12 years after their last gathering in Port Harcourt under then-Governor Chibuike Amaechi, also an alumnus.
“The political space allows you to positively impact the broader society, often in ways that surpass what’s possible in the corporate world,” Otti said.
He highlighted his administration’s focus on human capital development, revealing the ongoing renovation of 200 primary health centers and 221 schools across Abia’s 184 wards. According to him, 20% of the state’s annual budget goes to education and 15% to health—a combined 35% investment he described as “non-negotiable.”
Guests at the reunion toured various ongoing projects across the state, witnessing firsthand the transformation under Otti’s leadership.
UNIPORT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, applauded the Governor’s developmental strides and appealed for continued support to address the institution’s pressing accommodation needs for over 40,000 students and 5,000 staff.
The event also featured the presentation of “Excellence & Service to Humanity Awards” to outstanding alumni.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, former Governor Chibuike Amaechi, and NDDC MD, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku.
