Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced plans by his administration to immortalise the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Oti, for her exemplary role in upholding truth and integrity during the 2023 general elections.
Governor Otti made this known at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, during a grand civic reception held in his honour by the Old Bende Progressive Union, comprising Isuikwuato, Ohafia, Umuahia North and South, Bende, Arochukwu, Ikwuano, Umunneochi, and Edda in Ebonyi State, wherein Prof. Oti was also honoured by the Union.
The Governor described Prof. Oti as “a woman of integrity and credibility,” noting that her uncommon courage during the 2023 polls earned her the respect of Nigerians.
“I want to use this opportunity to congratulate Professor Nnenna Oti, who was honoured here this evening.
“I was a bit emotional when her representative came to receive the award, and I want to join our fathers of faith and our traditional rulers to thank her for the great job she did. Abia people are very grateful,” he said.
Governor Otti noted that Abia people have many awards to bestow on the Vice-Chancellor, assuring that his administration would immortalise her at the appropriate time.
“This is still early morning; we will invite her at the appropriate time and immortalise her. I want to tell her that she has set a new template for Nigeria. Anytime people are talking about integrity and credibility, they are looking her way. She may not have collected the money, but she collected something greater than money,” Governor Otti said.
He urged public officers across the country to emulate Professor Oti’s example by standing for truth and justice irrespective of personal gains.
Governor Otti cautioned political actors against premature politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that the 2027 elections are in the hands of God.
“The only remark I would like to make about 2027 is that it is in the hands of God.
“Those who boast, I want to advise them to stop boasting. You may not be here in 2027. If you want to play God or speak like God, I will leave you in the hands of God,” he cautioned.
Governor Otti stressed that his administration’s priority remains service delivery and fulfilment of the mandate given to him by the people of Abia State.
“Let us not distract ourselves. We have a lot of work to do. Let us focus on the mandate that has been given to us. At the appropriate time, it is you (the masses) that would decide who will lead you,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union, Chief Azubuike Udah, described the event as a collective endorsement of the Governor’s transformational leadership since assumption of office.
Chief Udah, who lauded Governor Otti’s remarkable strides across all sectors of the state’s economy, observed that Abia had long “stood at the crossroads of potential paralysis,” and expressed delight that, under the present administration, the state is now experiencing a new dawn marked by purposeful leadership and visible development.
The former Police DIG noted that the people of Bende, known for their industriousness, hospitality, and support for worthy causes, were united in passing a unanimous vote of confidence on Dr. Otti and his administration.
The event, attended by the former Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, also featured goodwill messages from the immediate past Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Okochukwu; the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah; Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Member representing Abia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Alex Ikwuecheghi, among other dignitaries.
