Governor Alex Otti highlights meritocracy in Abia, stressing free education and inclusive leadership at Sam Ohuabunwa’s 75th birthday celebration
Meritocracy in Abia took center stage as Governor Alex Otti used the 75th birthday celebration of former presidential aspirant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to honouring excellence over mediocrity.
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Speaking at the colourful ceremony held in Umuahia, Otti praised Ohuabunwa as “one of the best this country has produced,” and used the opportunity to emphasise his administration’s merit-first approach, which he said transcends ethnic or state origins.
“For us in Abia State, we celebrate meritorious people,” Otti said. “We don’t even want to know where you come from — once you live here, you are one of us.”
He revealed that the appointment of an Edo-born civil servant as Head of Service in Abia drew praise from outside the state, to which he responded: “I didn’t even know he is an Edo man. As far as I’m concerned, he’s one of us.”
Governor Otti noted that Abia now provides free education, aimed at developing young people into responsible future leaders, regardless of their background.
“We are training future leaders. We want to make sure everybody has access to free education,” he said, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to education and inclusive governance.
Otti also celebrated Ohuabunwa’s integrity and lifelong contributions to nation-building, describing him as a patriot whose values continue to shape institutions.
“He will disagree with you, but you can never doubt his patriotism,” Otti added, recalling Ohuabunwa’s rise from joining Pfizer in 1978 to becoming its CEO 15 years later.
The celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, unveiled his new book titled Driven by Revelation and Inspiration – My Journey through the 2023 Nigeria Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising.
In it, he shares how divine prompting, despite self-doubt, drove him to run for president and confront systemic challenges in Nigeria’s politics.
He expressed concern that real political reform may not happen until 2031, given how early the 2027 race has already begun.
“The real change will likely start in 2031,” he said, warning against entrenched political structures and calling for leaders unburdened by godfatherism.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including Governor Peter Mbah (represented), Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Foreign Affairs Minister Ike Nwachukwu, and other political and traditional leaders.
Mazi Ohuabunwa praised leaders like Otti and Mbah, saying they embody a new vision of politics.
Also read: Abia State infrastructure loan boost excites Otti
“Otti has no need to steal government money. He was wealthy before becoming governor,” he stated, pointing to the dangers of loyalty to “shrines and godfathers” in leadership.
