Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR at the weekend led an array of political, business, and cultural leaders to celebrate elder statesman and founder of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, on the occasion of his 75th birthday in Umuahia.
The high-profile gathering doubled as a platform for Governor Otti to reaffirm his administration’s vision of merit-driven leadership and youth empowerment, while also paying glowing tribute to the celebrant’s life of integrity, resilience, and excellence.
Those in attendance included former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia; and ex-Military Administrator of Imo State, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), who chaired the occasion.
Also present were Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; Senator Austin Akobundu; former Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr. Uche Ogah; and oil magnate, Chief Chris Igwe. Cultural leaders such as the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Ohanaeze President-General, Senator Azuta Mbata; and the Eze Aro of Arochukwu, Eze Eberechukwu Orji, also graced the ceremony.
Governor Otti hailed Ohuabunwa as “one of Nigeria’s finest” whose professional rise—from joining Pfizer in 1978 to becoming Managing Director within 15 years—remains an inspiring model for younger generations. He disclosed that his government was setting up a leadership academy to train 1,000 Abia youths in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and 3D printing, as part of efforts to raise a new cadre of future leaders.
“Today, we are not only celebrating a man of principles and values, but also reminding ourselves of the kind of Nigeria we must build—one driven by merit, innovation, and integrity,” Otti said.
In a goodwill message, Governor Mbah praised Ohuabunwa as a patriotic Nigerian whose life represents integrity and excellence, while Gen. Nwachukwu commended Otti’s infrastructural strides, describing the celebrant’s story as one of service and sacrifice.
Responding, Mazi Ohuabunwa attributed his successes to divine grace, thanking Governor Otti and other dignitaries for the honour. He lauded the Governor’s reforms in infrastructure, education, health, and security, declaring: “Abia is blessed to have a first-class economist and an exceptional leader in Dr. Alex Otti”.
His younger brother, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, described him as “a pathfinder and a mentor whose legacy of integrity will outlive generations”.
The occasion also witnessed the public presentation of Ohuabunwa’s new book, “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey Through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” unveiled by Dr. Uche Ogah.
Other dignitaries at the colourful event included former Abia Deputy Governor, Dr. Ude Oko Chukwu; elder statesman, Dr. Eme Okoro; and members of the Abia State Executive Council.
