Otti Trains 1,000 Abia Youths in Leadership, AI and Robotics

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration is equipping young Abians with cutting-edge leadership and technology skills to prepare them for future leadership roles in Nigeria and beyond.

Governor Otti made this known at the 75th birthday celebration of an elder statesman and former Chairman/CEO of Pfizer Products Plc, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, which was hosted by the State Government at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Speaking at the event, the Governor revealed that about 1,000 Abia youths, between the ages of 16 and 20, are currently undergoing intensive training at a State-funded leadership academy. The programme, he said, is designed to build leadership potential while exposing participants to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and 3D Printing.

“By the time this holiday is over, we would have trained 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20. As we speak, they are at Government College, former Fisher High School, going through intensive training. Our vision is that in a few years, if you are looking for leaders, you must come to Abia State,” Otti said.

The Governor eulogized Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa as a man of integrity, service, and excellence, noting that his administration places high value on celebrating meritocracy and distinction, regardless of political leaning or State of origin.

Otti also announced plans to establish an independent agency to ensure the sustainable maintenance of public infrastructure executed under his administration, particularly in institutions of higher learning.

The colourful event featured tributes from eminent Nigerians. Member representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Barr. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who unveiled a book authored by the celebrant, described Ohuabunwa as “a man of capacity and demonstrated leadership who has proven that with God, anything is achievable.”

Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), lauded the celebrant’s legacy of hard work and consistency, while commending Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides, especially the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba–Ohafia road.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, expressed gratitude to God and appreciation to Governor Otti for hosting the celebration, describing Abia as the safest State in Nigeria under Otti’s leadership.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Ohuabunwa’s book, “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey Through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” moderated by Dr. Uche Ogah, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development. The occasion also featured the cutting of the birthday cake and other side attractions.

Dignitaries in attendance included the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; Abia First Lady, Mrs. Priscilla Otti; Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Ifeanyi Osai; Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Austin Akobundu; Professor Pat Utomi; former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; the President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata; the Eze Aro of Aro Kingdom, Eze Eberechukwu Orji; among others.