Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has described former Presidential aspirant and accomplished pharmacist, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, as a patriot and man of integrity whose life is worthy of celebration.
Speaking on Saturday, during a birthday ceremony organised by the Abia State Government in honour of Mazi Ohuabunwa at 75, Governor Otti recalled the celebrant’s distinguished career and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
The Governor emphasised the present administration’s commitment to meritocracy, noting that his government celebrates “meritorious people” regardless of political affiliation or origin.
“You may disagree with him(Mazi Ohuabunwa), but you can never doubt his patriotism. You cannot doubt his integrity.
“He joined Pfizer in 1978, that was 10 years before I graduated. Fifteen years later, he was the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the multinational corporation. And since then, he did not look back. He continues to make impact and contributions.
“For us in Abia State, we celebrate meritorious people. We don’t care what political party you belong to. We don’t even care where you come from. Once you live here, you are from here”, he stressed.
Governor Otti who recalled that Mazi Ohuabunwa had informed him of his presidential ambition during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, commended the celebrant for the courage he demonstrated in stepping forward to contest.
The Governor reaffirmed that Ohuabunwa was “worth celebrating” and prayed for continued strength and God’s blessings on him, his family, and all present.
“My prayer is not that he does 120, but he should at least do 100. And as I pray for 100 for him, I pray for 100 for all of you,” the Governor added.
He used the occasion to explain that his administration was investing heavily in education and youth leadership training adding that by the end of the holiday, the State would have trained 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20, for the future through training in Technology, Artificial intelligence, Robotics, and 3D printing among others.
“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”, he stated.
Governor Otti revealed plans to establish “an independent agency that will ensure the maintenance of government investments to guarantee their sustainability.
Member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Hon. (Barr.) Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, in an interview, described Mazi Ohuabunwa as an outstanding leader and role model whose life embodies hard work, perseverance and capacity to transform the society.
Hon Onuakalusi noted that Ohuabunwa’s contributions span across business, leadership and national development, citing his towering role in the pharmaceutical industry, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, and other professional associations where his name “is written in gold”.
Former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, who unveiled Mazi Ohuabunwa’s new book titled “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration titled; My Journey Through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” said the ceremony was in honour of a man who has distinguished himself in all his endeavours and commended the celebrant’s towering achievements across all strata of society.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, retired General Ike Nwachukwu, congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone, noting that his 75 years have been defined by service, sacrifice and remarkable accomplishments.
General Nwachukwu commended Governor Otti for the infrastructural transformation ongoing in the State and described the Governor as both a performer and a jinx-breaker, urging Abians to continue in their support for the Governor to enable him deliver on his mandate.
In his response, the celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, expressed gratitude to God for His grace upon his life and family, stressing that his journey has been one of testimonies.
He thanked Governor Otti for hosting the celebration in his honour, and described Abia as the safest state in Nigeria, blessed with a first-class economist, exceptional leader, and epitome of service in the person of Governor Otti.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, the 2023 Labour Party Presidential aspirant, Mr Peter Obi, members of the National Assembly both serving and past including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Emma Nwaka, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr Ifeanyi Osai, wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu.
Others include members of the State Assembly , members of the State Executive Council and Labour Party members, members of the academia including Professor Pat Utomi, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Orji, as well as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata among others.
