Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has charged youths to embrace selfless service, innovation, excellence and integrity, urging them to become active drivers of the New Abia project and contributors to the development of the State and Nigeria.

Governor Otti gave the charge at the graduation ceremony of the 2026 Abia State Leadership Academy Youth Leadership Boot Camp, organised by the Abia State Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, held at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.
The Governor, whose address was titled “The Leadership Vocation,” congratulated the 1,086 graduates of the four-week programme, reminding them that their graduation marked not the end, but the beginning of a greater responsibility to their communities and the State.
He urged the graduates to deploy the knowledge and leadership skills acquired during the programme to create practical solutions to societal challenges, establish mentoring clusters and mobilise their peers to become active partners in building the New Abia.
“You are not going home as regular people anymore. You now belong to a special community of young minds with a responsibility to act with distinction and carry the light of excellence into your communities, schools, and wherever the future takes you,” Otti said.

The Governor described the New Abia project as a transgenerational journey requiring patience, resilience, teamwork and commitment, stressing that the graduates could no longer afford to remain passive citizens.
He charged them to “remove the cloak of lethargy” and embrace the responsibility of selfless service, noting that they would eventually occupy positions of influence and must begin now to bridge the gap between the aspirations of the State’s founding generation and present realities.

Otti also expressed confidence in the capacity of the young leaders to contribute meaningfully to the State, describing them as “bearers of solutions, drivers of innovation, and agents of transformation.”
He expressed particular interest in seeing ideas developed during their capstone presentations translated into practical solutions, assuring them that the State Government was prepared to support ventures capable of contributing to Abia’s development.
“We are far more interested in seeing them come to fruition,” the Governor said, directing the Academy to maintain a directory of participants and track their progress as part of efforts to sustain their leadership development.

The Governor also urged the graduates to remain steadfast in the face of opposition and challenges, stressing that their daily choices would ultimately determine the future they help to build.
“It is either you are voting for a prosperous future through your daily choices or you are undermining it by refusing to stand for your conviction,” he said.
Governor Otti commended the President of the Abia State Leadership Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, and his team for their dedication, as well as the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, led by its Director, Dr. Nneka Okekaru, for their commitment to the successful delivery of the programme.

He also appreciated the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, the management of Government College Umuahia and the Nigerian Naval College of Accounts and Finance for their partnership and support, while thanking parents for entrusting their children to the State Government.
The Governor noted that about 10 per cent of the participants were young people of Abia origin living in different parts of the country, describing the development as evidence that his administration’s inclusive policy of recognising everyone who lives in Abia as an Abian was yielding results.

He specifically acknowledged one of the outstanding participants, Ms. Rosely Farida Abdusalam, who lives in Aba with her parents, saying her success demonstrated the effectiveness of the policy that “if you live in Abia, you are from Abia.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr. Eno Jerry Eze, said the Academy graduated 1,086 young people selected from more than 7,000 applicants.
She said the selection demonstrated the potential and commitment of the graduates to leadership and urged them to become transformational leaders, innovators and change-makers who would contribute meaningfully to the development of Abia and Nigeria.

According to her, the theme of the 2026 boot camp, “Raising Transformational Leaders, Innovators and Change-Makers,” reflected the vision of the Otti administration to invest not only in physical infrastructure but also in the State’s most valuable asset — its young people.

She noted that the administration was investing in roads, schools, climate-friendly transportation, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises and hospitals, while equally investing in the human capital required to sustain the State’s development.
She explained that the programme exposed participants to real-life scenarios and encouraged them to think critically, appreciate diverse perspectives and develop practical solutions to challenges in their communities.

Earlier, the President of the Abia State Leadership Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, commended Governor Otti for establishing the institution as a deliberate investment in the future of Abia State.
Prof. Kalu said the Academy was founded because the Governor dared to ask what would happen if government invested not only in what Abia had today but also in what Abia would become tomorrow. He observed that while roads, buildings and hospitals were important, developing a generation shaped by values, integrity, compassion and purpose would produce an impact that would outlast physical structures.
“Roads, buildings and other structures are important, and Your Excellency is already doing a lot in those sectors. But a generation shaped by values, a generation taught to live with integrity, serve with compassion and build with purpose, that generation will outlast every structure one can ever erect,” he said.Prof. Kalu thanked the Governor for his support and vision, describing the Academy as an investment whose impact would extend across generations.He urged the graduates to return to their communities and put their training into practice by leading, solving problems and modelling the values acquired at the Academy.
“Go back to your communities and lead. Go back to your schools and solve. Go back to your families and model the values you have learned during your time at the Academy,” he charged.
He also urged them to remain committed to integrity when confronted with pressure or temptation, reminding them to draw strength from the values instilled in them at the Academy

The event featured goodwill messages from the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D., the President of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, among others.

Governor Otti prayed for the safe return of the graduates and guests to their various destinations and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to raising a new generation of principled, innovative and service-oriented leaders for Abia State and Nigeria.

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A landmark joint venture project of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and the Abia State Government has been formally launched in the state.

This Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Technology University Innovation Pod (Manu-Tech UniPod) was officially launched  at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Vice President, His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf OlaTunji Alausa said the establishment of the Manu-Tech UniPod reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment to repositioning higher education as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialisation, and job creation.

Describing it as a “strategic investment in Nigeria’s future,” the Vice President noted that Universities must evolve beyond traditional teaching and research to become hubs for enterprise development, technology transfer, and industrial competitiveness.

In his keynote address titled “Science Meets Enterprise,” Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, said the siting of the UniPod in Abia speaks to the institutional faith the UNDP and Federal Government have in the State’s potential as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

He noted that, the faith and efforts the partners have in Abia is yielding tangible results, adding that the event is a demonstration of that, and appreciated the siting of the project in Abia.

“The siting of the Manu-Tech UniPod in Abia speaks eloquently to the institutional faith UNDP and the Federal Government of Nigeria have reposed in our dear State and the potential it holds as an engine of growth and economic prosperity in the region.

The Governor who disclosed that his government supported the UniPod project because it aligns perfectly with the economic development outline of his administration, noted that,

“With the launch of the UniPod, a new interest in qualitative research will develop as scientists, students and everyone connected to the University ecosystem begin to look beyond random and hurried publication of academic papers just to score points for the next promotion cycle.

“The expectation is that research efforts henceforth will be directed at answering questions with practical, everyday applications” Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor thanked all the stakeholders and partners including the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund and the UNDP for their efforts and willpower that gave birth to the transformational project.

“Over the last 3 years, we have found them to be reliable partners which explains our expanding body of joint ventures projects targeting entrepreneurship development, job creation and similar initiatives aimed at opening new layers of economic and social opportunities for our women and young people in particular,” Gov. Otti stated.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, described the launch as part of a broader national innovation ecosystem being developed across Nigeria through the UniPod initiative.

She explained that the programme aims to connect education, research, innovation, enterprise, and manufacturing, enabling Universities to become drivers of economic growth and global competitiveness.

Ms. Attafuah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for their commitment to innovation-driven development. She particularly extolled Governor Alex Otti for his vision of transforming Abia into Nigeria’s leading hub for manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Earlier in her speech, the Vice-Chancellor of MOUAU, Professor Ursala Akanwa, described the commissioning as a defining moment in the University’s history.

She said the project represents the fulfilment of the institution’s mandate to deploy science, technology, and innovation in advancing agricultural development, manufacturing, and enterprise.

Prof. Akanwa expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Education, UNDP, TETFund, and the Abia State Government for choosing MOUAU to host Nigeria’s first Manufacturing Tech UniPod.

The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribeole, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders. The Manu-Tech UniPod is expected to provide students, researchers, and entrepreneurs with access to advanced manufacturing equipment, prototyping facilities, and industry mentorship to convert research ideas into market-ready products.

In a bold move aimed at safeguarding lives, enhancing public safety, and strengthening citizen-government engagement, the Abia State Government has commenced comprehensive enforcement of restrictions on commercial motorcycle operations in designated areas of Umuahia, Aba, and Ohafia.

The Abia State government is simultaneously rolling out innovative initiatives designed to deepen security monitoring, improve service delivery, and expand digital connectivity across the state.

Briefing journalists after this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, said the restriction on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, forms a critical component of the administration’s broader security strategy to protect residents and prevent criminal activities.

According to him, the policy, though difficult, was adopted in the overriding public interest, stressing that no economic consideration can outweigh the value of human life.
“The safety and security of Abians remain paramount.

Government has a responsibility to ensure that residents can live, work, and move about in a safe and secure environment,” Prince Kanu stated.
He explained that all motorcycles operating within the state, whether for commercial, private, courier, or delivery purposes, must henceforth be registered and documented under an expanded transportation integration programme initiated by the state government over 18 months ago.

To strengthen accountability and security monitoring, registered riders will be issued colour-coded reflective identification vests based on senatorial districts, alongside unique local government identification numbers.
The Abia State Board of Internal Revenue will maintain a comprehensive database of all registered motorcycles.
Prince Kanu emphasized that motorcycles registered for courier and delivery services would not be permitted to carry passengers under any circumstance, while all commercial operators must wear the officially approved state-issued identification vest while operating within approved jurisdictions.

The enforcement exercise will be carried out jointly by the Abia State Harmonized Task Force and security agencies across the state. Government has also designated loading bays in Aba, Umuahia, and Ohafia for the impounding of motorcycles operating in violation of the policy.
As part of implementation guidelines, penalties for violations will take effect from Monday, June 29, 2026. Previously impounded motorcycles may be reclaimed free of charge after 48 hours, subject to proper verification and registration requirements. Government also announced that any penalties collected before the commencement date would be refunded.
Private motorcycles will continue to enjoy unrestricted movement but must be duly registered and documented. They are, however, prohibited from carrying passengers.Penalty is twenty thousand (20,000) for Violators.

To ensure transparency and accountability during enforcement, government has established toll-free complaint channels through which members of the public can report misconduct, extortion, abuse, or infractions by enforcement personnel.

Speaking on the security implications of the initiative, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd.), noted that the registration and colour-coding system would significantly improve monitoring, identification, and intelligence gathering.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the safety and security of its people. Governor Alex Otti is taking proactive steps to prevent the security challenges witnessed in several other states from taking root in Abia,” he said.

Also contributing, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, noted that the restriction was purely a security-driven measure and not targeted at any group or community, recalling that similar policies had existed in previous administrations.

In a complementary move to strengthen governance and citizen participation, the state government announced that its newly established Citizens’ Engagement Centre is ready for commissioning.
Prince Kanu described the facility as a technology-enabled platform approved by Governor Alex Otti to facilitate real-time interaction between government and citizens. The centre will receive complaints, inquiries, suggestions, and feedback from residents and channel them to relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies for prompt resolution.

Beyond improving service delivery, the centre is expected to serve as a strategic data collection and processing hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and performance monitoring across government institutions.
Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Mr. Gerald Ilukwe, explained that the facility would function as a modern contact centre, enabling citizens to access government services remotely through telephone calls, emails, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms without the need for physical visits.

Further reinforcing the state’s security and development agenda, the government disclosed progress on its strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve 100 percent voice and broadband data coverage across Abia State.
Prince Kanu said the first phase of the network expansion project is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten weeks, bringing reliable telecommunications services to even the most remote communities.

According to him, the initiative will not only promote social and financial inclusion but also enhance access to healthcare and education while strengthening security through improved communication and emergency response capabilities.
Mr. Ilukwe added that the network densification project would ensure that every community in Abia enjoys dependable connectivity, thereby supporting economic growth and effective governance.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to promote cultural identity and creative enterprise, the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy will host the Canvas, Culture and Arts Festival 2026 on June 25 at the Michael Okpara Auditorium under the theme “Defining Us.”
The festival will feature art exhibitions, cultural displays, creative engagements, networking opportunities, and interactions with emerging and established artists, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and creative talents of the people of Abia State.

The government reiterated that the motorcycle restriction policy is solely a public safety and security measure designed to protect lives and property and urged residents, transport operators, community leaders, and stakeholders to cooperate with authorities.
“There is no cause for panic. This policy is about protecting lives, preserving peace, and building a safer Abia for everyone,” the government stated.
With the combined implementation of enhanced transportation regulations, digital citizen engagement, expanded telecommunications infrastructure, and sustained public awareness campaigns, the Abia State Government says it is laying the foundation for a safer, more connected, and more prosperous future for all residents.