Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has called for collective commitment towards achieving the needed development of Nigeria’s economy.
Governor Alex Otti made the call on Thursday December 4th, at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri while delivering the 37th convocation lecture of the University with the theme, “Economic Development and Sustainability: Beyond Oil, Exploring Alternative Revenue Potential for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria”
He stressed the need for Nigerians to collectivlely embrace alternative revenue sources, backed by strong political will, institutional reforms and large-scale investment in human capital in order to secure the nation’s economy.
“Part of the reason for Nigeria’s lingering development crisis, is the propensity to trade blames; not many of us are willing to accept responsibility for the challenges we face.
“So, everyone assumes that someone else is responsible for the failure of our institutions.
“I am also of the conviction that our development would require the collective commitment of all of us” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor charged the graduating students to remain courageous and go after their dreams with the winners’ mindset, saying that,
‘The fact that you successfully scaled through the rigorous academic routines and extra-curricular programmes that defined your experiences here in FUTO is a proof that you are equal to whatever life may throw at you” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor noted that In Abia, he prioritises human capital development by consistently allocating 15% and 20% of the annual budgets to the health and education sectors respectively and has been committed to building and expanding the frontlines of prosperity for the people.
The State Chief Executive further noted that, “the reforms in the electricity sector are already yielding tremendous results with steady improvements in power supply — especially in the Aba ring-fenced area.
“Our road network was recently rated as one of the best in the country and we have finally got a handle on the security situation that once threatened to derail the infinite promises of our communities.
“We are also keen on improving the intellectual and technical capacities of the products from our tertiary institutions.
“From the State University in Uturu to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba and the College of Education Technical in Arochukwu, generous sums have been invested in the building of new hostel facilities, lecture theatres, digital libraries, technical workshops and laboratories”, Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who used the opportunity to thank the University for being an integral part of the New Abia story, recalling the role played by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mrs Nnennaya Oti to uphold justice, truth and the integrity of our electoral process in the face of pressure and intimidation during the announcement of the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
The Governor called on all to learn from the Vice Chancellor, “Whatever our encounter becomes, may we learn from the courage of Prof Nnenna Oti, the Vice Chancellor of this University and through our judgment, inspire generations unborn to think beyond self when making decisions that are tied to the destiny of our communities” Gov. Otti stated.
He expressed his gratitude to the management of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) for the privilege given to him to deliver the 37th convocation lecture.
Governor Otti congratulated the graduating students on the successful conclusion of their various academic programmes in the University. The Abia People’s Forum in Federal University of Technology, Owerri hosted the Governor and thanked him for restoring the dignity of Abia people. They also endorsed him for the 2027 election, promising to all register and come home to vote for him.
The Governor was accompanied to the 37th Convocation Lecture by all senior political appointees.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
