The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has underscored the pivotal role of education and human capital development in driving sustainable national prosperity.
Governor Otti made the assertion on Tuesday while delivering a keynote address at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference on “Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria,” organised and hosted by renowned economist and former World Bank Vice President and Treasurer, Ms Arunma Oteh.
The event also featured the public presentation of Ms Oteh’s latest book titled “All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity Through World-Class Capital Market.”
Governor Otti urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritise investment in education, describing it as the foundation of national transformation.
“Without education, the largest deposit of precious minerals will only amount to little and could actually trigger undesirable outcomes,” the Governor cautioned.
The Governor reiterated his administration’s focus on human capital development, noting that his government has continued to invest substantially in education and healthcare as part of a broader strategy to enhance productivity and improve citizens’ welfare.
He disclosed that Abia State has consistently set aside 15 per cent of its annual public expenditure for healthcare delivery, a policy he described as a critical component of human capital development.
Governor Otti emphasised the need for leaders to combine discipline, visionary ideas, and courage to achieve progress and prosperity in the society.
“Every society thrives or falls on the strength of the ideas developed and propagated by its thought leaders, the individuals whose opinions direct the ebbs and flows of public conversation, morality, and values,” he stated.
Governor Otti commended Ms Arunma Oteh for convening the conference and for her consistent advocacy for leadership excellence and economic reform.
He described her as “one of the country’s brightest experts,” whose commitment to nation-building continues to inspire many.
According to him, Ms Oteh’s new book not only offers “very incisive thoughts on the pathway to prosperity through the capital market,” but also presents “very important leadership lessons and a new paradigm for national development.”
The Governor, who joined other dignitaries in celebrating Ms Oteh’s 60th birthday, described her as “a shining light to the nation.”
The Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, founded by Ms Oteh, serves as a platform for promoting evidence-based leadership, governance ethics, and economic innovation.
The forum drew several high-profile dignitaries, policymakers, academics, and captains of industries from across Nigeria, and featured deliberations on pathways to effective governance and economic development.
