…Celebrates birthday of another statesman
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has hinted that his administration is setting up an independent agency for the maintenance of public infrastructure, especially in institutions of higher learning.
Otti made the disclosure while speaking at the 75th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, organized by the state government. He said the aim was to prevent the collapse of public infrastructure even after he had left office.
The governor also stated that his government is currently equipping youths in the state with leadership skills to prepare them for future leadership responsibilities in Nigeria and beyond.
According to him, some young Abians are undergoing training in a state-funded leadership academy initiative, where the leadership potential of those between the ages of 16 and 20 is being developed.
He noted that by the end of the current holiday period, his government would have trained 1,000 future leaders, preparing them in artificial intelligence, robotics, and other fields to make them suitable for leadership in the computer age.
“By the time this holiday is 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, undergoing intensive training.
“Our vision is that in a few years, if you are looking for leaders, you will have to come to Abia State. We are training future leaders in technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing,” Otti stated.
While eulogizing the character and contributions of Mazi Ohuabunwa, Governor Otti congratulated him on his 75th birthday and commended him for his selfless service to Abia and Nigeria at large.
He said the celebrant deserved to be honored for his integrity and track record of service, adding that his administration has a tradition of celebrating excellence and meritocracy regardless of state of origin or political affiliation.
Appreciating commentators for their positive remarks on the modest achievements of his administration so far, Otti promised to accomplish more in the months ahead.
Speaking at the event, a guest and member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, unveiled and presented a book written by the celebrant. He described Ohuabunwa as a man who had consistently demonstrated leadership.
“At 75, when you look at what Mazi Ohuabunwa has accomplished, I must say it is excellent. He has shown leadership, capacity, and that with God, one can achieve anything,” Onuakalusi said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), congratulated the celebrant, noting that his 75 years had been marked by service, sacrifice, and remarkable achievements. He said Ohuabunwa’s consistency and hard work had brought him to prominence.
Gen. Nwachukwu also commended Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides across the state, especially the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba–Ohafia road, and assured him of continued support.
In his remarks, the celebrant, Mazi Ohuabunwa, thanked God for His grace upon his life and family, describing his journey as one filled with testimonies. He also appreciated Governor Otti for hosting the birthday celebration in his honor.
He described Abia as the safest state in Nigeria and praised Governor Otti as a first-class economist, exceptional leader, and epitome of service.
The event featured the unveiling of Ohuabunwa’s book titled “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” moderated by former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah. Other highlights included the cutting of the birthday cake and various side attractions.
Dignitaries present included the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; development economist, Pat Utomi; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai.
Others were the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Eze Achebe; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Austin Akobundu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata; the Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Orji; and many other distinguished Nigerians.
Governor Otti had also celebrated the birthdays of other accomplished Abians, including former Senate President, Senator Adolph Wabara; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Elder Eme Okoro; and Senator Chris Adighije, among others.
