Jonathan Urges Nigerian Leaders to Emulate Gov. Otti’s Transformative Leadership

Former President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, GCON, has urged leaders across the nation to emulate the leadership style and governance model of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti.

The call was made during the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni 80s Reunion Dinner and Award Ceremony, held in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital.
The event, themed “Celebrating Excellence & Service to Humanity,” gathered dignitaries from across Nigeria to celebrate outstanding leadership and service.

Although unavoidably absent due to his engagement in Seoul, South Korea, where he was honored with the prestigious 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize, Dr. Jonathan was ably represented by H.E. Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, CON, who served as Chairman of the occasion.

Delivering Jonathan’s message, Amb. Igali said:

“The presence of Alex Otti in Abia State shows intentionality in leadership. He came prepared. Before, in Abia State, once they said ‘Aba made,’ people would laugh. But today, people are scrambling for Aba-made products. Let governance in Nigeria take a cue from what you are doing in Abia State – the intentionality of leadership, leadership that was voted to make a change. Nigerian leaders should strive to make a change as Governor Alex Otti is making in Abia State.”

Highlighting UNIPORT Alumni’s remarkable impact, Amb. Igali praised the institution for producing six state governors and a Vice President who later became President in the person of Dr. Jonathan himself.

This glowing endorsement of Governor Otti’s administration comes barely a day after former President Olusegun Obasanjo also lauded him. During the commissioning of the 46.36-kilometre Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Alayi–Abiriba Road on April 11, Obasanjo described Otti as a “good leader” and proof that bad governance in Nigeria can indeed be turned around.

Governor Otti, addressing the UNIPORT alumni, expressed deep appreciation for their choice of Umuahia for the reunion, the second since their first meeting 12 years ago in Port Harcourt under the administration of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi. He encouraged the group to meet more frequently and hinted that Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, another alumnus, would be willing to host them next year.

In a passionate call to action, Governor Otti urged his fellow alumni to consider active political participation:

“The political space is not as bad as you think. It offers a unique opportunity to impact society on a larger scale than the corporate world.”

He informed guests that the ongoing reconstruction, renovation, and upgrading of over 200 Primary Health Centres and 221 schools across Abia’s 184 wards would be showcased during their next visit. Otti emphasized that his administration’s commitment to dedicating 20% of the annual budget to education and 15% to health—totaling 35%—remains non-negotiable.

As part of the reunion activities, the alumni toured several ongoing projects and expressed pride in the massive infrastructural development seen across the state in less than two years of Governor Otti’s leadership.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, also praised Otti’s impactful strides in areas such as power, road infrastructure, waste management, and education. He particularly highlighted Governor Otti’s contributions to UNIPORT itself, including the construction of a new Faculty of Social Sciences building, and appealed for continued support to address the institution’s pressing accommodation challenges for its over 45,000 students and staff.

Chairman of the UNIPORT 80s Reunion Steering Committee, Mr. Benjamin Owuapu Willie, traced the reunion’s origins to the compassionate efforts led by Governor Otti and others following the death of their distinguished colleague, Mr. Eze Alomefuna (RICO) in 2019. This humanitarian initiative eventually evolved into the vibrant alumni network celebrated today.

The event also featured the presentation of Excellence & Service to Humanity Awards to a select few outstanding alumni.

Dignitaries at the high-profile event included:

His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, Executive Governor of Bayelsa State

Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transport

Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

Other top Abia State government officials

The 2025 UNIPORT Alumni 80s Reunion Dinner was a resounding celebration of excellence, leadership, and service, shining a bright light on the transformational leadership happening today in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti.