…………..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.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Abia State Government is set to host the 2026 edition of AfriCANDO, the U.S.–Africa Trade and Investment Conference and Expo in a move to showcase its economic potential, attract investments and strengthen global business connections.

The programme is slated for November 17 to 19, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

The event is expected to bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, policymakers, development institutions, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders from the United States, Africa and beyond, providing Abia State with an international platform to present its investment opportunities and position itself as an emerging destination for trade, innovation and industrial development.

AfriCANDO 2026 is being hosted by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Diaspora Commission and co-organised by the Foundation for Democracy in Africa (FDA) and the Abia Global Chamber of Commerce.

The conference, which returns to the African continent, is themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA.”

It is designed to strengthen commercial cooperation, promote cross-border trade and investment, and explore opportunities arising from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For Abia State, the conference presents an opportunity to showcase its economic strengths to the international community, establish strategic partnerships and attract investments into productive sectors of the economy.

The three-day event will feature plenary sessions, policy forums, sector-specific workshops, business-to-business matchmaking, exhibitions and the Medal of Glory Awards (MOGA) Gala Dinner.

These activities are expected to facilitate engagement between public- and private-sector stakeholders and encourage partnerships capable of generating sustainable economic benefits.

Key sectors to be featured include agriculture, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, academic science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

Participants are expected to explore practical approaches to accelerating AfCFTA implementation, expanding U.S.–Africa trade and investment, improving the export readiness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promoting innovation, manufacturing and the creative industry.

The conference will also provide entrepreneurs and business owners with opportunities to identify new markets, connect with potential investors, gain insights into international trade regulations and establish commercial relationships with counterparts in the United States and other African countries.

Small and medium-sized enterprises and civil society organisations are expected to benefit from opportunities to develop business linkages and partnerships with U.S. companies, contributing to stronger trade, investment and cultural relations between both regions.

Beyond the conference sessions, investors and business leaders will have opportunities to assess Abia State’s business environment, engage relevant stakeholders and explore potential areas of collaboration.

The event will equally offer sponsorship, advertising and exhibition opportunities for businesses, corporate organisations and development institutions seeking visibility among government officials, investors and industry leaders from Africa and the United States.

With its emphasis on trade facilitation, investment promotion and international partnerships, AfriCANDO 2026 is expected to strengthen Abia State’s engagement with the global business community and create opportunities for local enterprises to access wider markets.

The hosting of the conference aligns with the broader objective of positioning Abia as a competitive destination for business, investment and industrial growth, while demonstrating the state’s capacity to host major international engagements.

As preparations gather momentum, the conference is expected to place Umuahia at the centre of conversations on U.S.–Africa commercial relations and provide a platform for Abia State to demonstrate its economic potential, connect local businesses with international opportunities and deepen its participation in the expanding African and global marketplace.

By Editor, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has flagged-off the reconstruction of the 3.995km old express road and the 3.095km Uratta road in Aba, with a promise to deliver the project in 24 months.

At the Flag-off ceremony of the projects on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Port Harcourt road by Uratta junction, Aba, Governor Otti declared that the infrastructure nightmare that plagued Aba for over two decades was coming to an end.

Governor Otti, who noted that the projects were being executed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development (ABSIID) programme and other partners, assured that the projects would be delivered on schedule, as funding was not a challenge.

“You can take it for granted that the nightmare of roads in Enyimba City, particularly Ohanku, Oboand Old Express, is now coming to an end.

“The projects will be completed and delivered on schedule, particularly because the resources required to finance every phase have long been secured. There will be no delay arising from lack of funds, the money is already in the bank,” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor described the flag-off as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to restore Aba’s economic strength, improve urban infrastructure and reclaim the city’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub in the South East.

According to him, the projects are not merely about road construction, but about restoring neighbourhoods, livelihoods and commercial activities, as well as improving access to schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services.

“Today, we have gathered at the intersection of two major roads that embody the ruins of yesterday. Today’s ceremony is both symbolic and significant.

“It is symbolic because the projects we have assembled to flag off – the reconstruction of Uratta Road and Old Express Road – represent the last frontier in the first phase of the greater Aba road infrastructure restoration effort.

“When these projects are completed and commissioned in about 24 months or less, we can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and a half decades, or even more,” Gov. Otti said.

He said his administration has remained committed to reversing the trend since assuming office in 2023, in line with his campaign mantra, “Help is on the way,” noting that rebuilding Abia and restoring its former glory has been central to his development agenda.

“Our journey is only just beginning, but on the strength of the testimonies shared by stakeholders who have spoken, there is clear evidence that we have crossed the Rubicon.

The phoenix has risen. Aba, the beloved Enyimba City, is back!” he declared.

“As you already know, any project we flag off is as good as completed,” the Governor added, expressing confidence in the capacity of the contractor, CCECC, which has proven itself in previous road projects executed in the State.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, said the two projects will strengthen the internal road network and improve connectivity between major transportation corridors within the commercial city.He disclosed that the roads will incorporate drainage infrastructure, street lighting and bus stops, stressing that modern urban road construction must go beyond smooth carriageways to address pedestrian access, drainage, road safety and other transportation needs.

The Commissioner emphasised that the contracts were not awarded arbitrarily but followed a rigorous and competitive bidding process involving qualified contractors.

Also speaking, the member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Mascot Alex Ikwechegh, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the member representing Aba Central, Hon. Ucheonye Stephen, and the 2027 Labour Party candidate for Aba North State Constituency, Mrs. Florence Ijeoma Ehuchie, while acknowledging the deplorable state of the roads, thanked Governor Otti for rescuing the people of Aba, their visitors and customers, and assured that the Governor’s re-election was sacrosanct.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator of ABSIID, Engr. Ndudim Ononiwu, thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in the project team and appreciated the host communities for accepting the projects.

He assured the Governor that the team would work diligently to ensure successful delivery in line with specifications, and urged residents to cooperate with the contractor.Speaking on behalf of Uratta landlords, Old Express landlords and Aba La Ohazu indigenes, Chief Isaac Emejuru commended Governor Otti for coming to their rescue, noting that previous administrations had neglected the roads.

He assured the Governor of overwhelming support from the people of Uratta, Old Express and the entire Aba La Ohazu.