“Development is not accidental, it is the primary function of leadership”—Governor Otti

…………..urges technology driven reforms for sustainable development

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on public sector leaders, the political elite and other influential stakeholders to embrace purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and technological innovation to drive economic growth, improve public service delivery and promote sustainable development.

Governor Otti made the call on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the 2026 Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTTI) Leadership Conference, with the theme: “Leadership for a Prosperous Future,” held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, while delivering the Public Sector Keynote Address titled, “Putting Our Best Foot Forward.”

He said that development did not happen by accident but required deliberate planning, effective execution and long-term partnerships.

“Development has never been accidental, it is the primary function of leadership – the result of deliberate planning, dynamic execution and the cultivation of long-term partnerships that expand the frontiers of opportunities for sustained prosperity,” Otti said.

The Governor maintained that leadership must be measured by its ability to create opportunities, stimulate productivity, strengthen institutions and improve the living conditions of citizens, rather than by the preservation of personal interests.

The Abia State Chief Executive observed that corruption, institutional decay, policy implementation failures, inadequate skills and persistent infrastructure challenges are interconnected problems that required fundamental reforms in public sector governance.

According to the First-Class Economist, the political and economic elite have a responsibility to make informed decisions, uphold accountability and demonstrate the courage to implement necessary reforms, even when such decisions may be difficult, unpopular or threaten their positions.

Governor Otti warned that when leaders failed to create an environment that rewarded productivity and enterprise, the consequences extended beyond government to businesses, households and the wider society.

He noted that effective public utilities could reduce the burden on individuals and businesses who were compelled to provide essential services for themselves.

Governor Otti, a corporate guru also called for greater citizens participation in democratic governance.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young and educated citizens, to become more actively involved in elections, demand accountability and contribute to decisions affecting their communities.

Highlighting his administration’s reform initiatives in Abia State, Gov. Otti said his government was adapting public institutions to changing realities through technology, innovation and improved management systems.

The Governor cited the transition towards smart schools, investments in renewable energy for public institutions, the procurement of electric buses for inter- and intra-city transportation, and the digitisation of land administration and official document processing as examples of his administration’s efforts to modernise public service delivery.

The Governor explained that implementing reforms often attract resistance but maintained that his administration remained committed to changes aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening institutions and delivering better services to the people.

Governor Otti further challenged participants at the conference to explore how artificial intelligence could help combat corruption, improve civil service training and operational efficiency, strengthen public revenue management and restore citizens’ confidence in government institutions.

Gov. Otti described the conference as an opportunity to reassess development priorities and identify practical ways of applying emerging technologies and innovative ideas to address governance challenges across Africa.

“We may have derailed but the advantage of conferences like this, is the platform it provides for the reassessment of priorities and the opportunity to turn a new leaf. Our assignment at the end of today’s event is to return home, chew on what we have learnt and identify how technology can help us in our roles as elders in the African community square setting,

”This event, as I understand it, has been set up to awaken us to the opportunities we are currently missing for reasons of inattentiveness. The impact of this conference would therefore be measured by what we do with the awareness we have acquired within this period,” the governor said.

Governor Otti expressed appreciation to the founder and convener, Professor Arunma Oteh, OON, and the organisers of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference for bringing together leaders, policy experts and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between leadership, institutional performance and sustainable development.“I am particularly impressed with the focus on leadership for that is at the heart of our frustrations,” Gov. Otti stated.

He urged participants to translate the knowledge gained at the conference into practical action, stressing that the impact of such engagements should ultimately be measured by the reforms implemented and the improvements recorded in people’s lives.He further stressed that individual achievements, however remarkable, could not compensate for collective failure, urging Nigerians to work together to overcome poverty, strengthen public institutions and unlock the country’s vast development potential.The conference’s keynote address was delivered by the immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, CON.Unlocking Africa’s prosperity dividends through Artificial Intelligence was one of the key issues that dominated discussions at the conference.

The event also featured the launch of the OGTTI AI Virtue Center.Other highlights of the programme-packed event included panel discussions featuring eminent Nigerians such as the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; founder of ANAP Foundation, Mr Atedo Peterside, CON; Mr Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank; Dr Osasuyi Dirisu, Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and Coordinating Institution of the Nigerian AI Collective; former Governor of Ekiti State and founder of Amandla Policy and Leadership Institute, His Excellency, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Dr Armstrong Ume Takang; and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, among others.

Several panellists referenced the ongoing transformation in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti’s administration while discussing the role of purposeful leadership in public sector governance and development.