2nd September 2025, NewsOrient, Opinion, Column, News, Governance And Development Business And Economy, News
By Emeka Nwosu, PhD.

Since the emergence of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as the governor of Abia State in 2023, he has continued to take actions that promote unity, bi-partisan understanding and good governance. They are gestures that appear little but to all discerning minds, have gone a long way in promoting inclusiveness, common brotherhood and convivial atmosphere. The administration has made it a point of duty to celebrate iconic statesmen and women from Abia who, in course of their life odysseys, have brought honour to the State. The governor has been very intentional about it. It seems obvious that the whole idea is to inspire the younger generations to aspire to be better versions of themselves following in the footsteps of these great Abians.

In the last two years, Governor Otti has organized state banquets to celebrate some outstanding personalities from the State, namely Senator Adolphus Wabara, a former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Eme Okoro, a former Secretary of the State Government under a PDP-controlled administration, Senator Chris Adighije, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, a former Deputy Governor of the State and the most outspoken Senator from the South East at the National Assembly. He belongs to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a rival political platform to Otti`s Labour Party.

Otti organized an elaborate reception for Senator Wabara in Umuahia when he was elected the BoT Chairman of the PDP. He also used the occasion to celebrate Wabara on his 76th birthday. It was a grand event that attracted many important guests from different parts of the country, including serving governors. That enviable gesture clearly underscores Otti`s commitment to politics of civility, tolerance and inclusiveness. The message was clear: in spite of political differences, we are one people of common destiny as Abians.

Similar gestures were extended to Eme Okoro and Adighije on the occasion of their 80th birthday, respectively and Abaribe when he recently turned 70. The eminent personalities were singled out and honoured because of their outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of the State. The governor used the opportunity to appreciate them on behalf of the people of Abia for being great ambassadors, worthy of emulation. Similarly, he has expressed the intention of his administration to honour a legendary musician from the State, Bright Chimezie of the Zigima fame who, through his God-given talents has brought immense honour and pride to Abia.

But very recently, the Government organized a major programme in Umuahia to celebrate Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, a national icon and one of the great sons of the State, on his 75th birthday. The event which drew a large crowd of distinguished Nigerians and admirers from within and outside the State was held at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. Some of the personalities that graced the programme included Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election; Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned Political Economist; Senator Abaribe; Dr. Uche Ogah, a former governorship candidate in Abia State; Senator Austin Akobundu; and Sir Celestine Omehia, former Governor of Rivers State. The Royalty was also fully represented with Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, and Eze Aro, HRH Eberechukwu Kanu Oji, present, .

The Governor poured encomiums on Ohuabunwa, describing his life as that of service, integrity and leadership. The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of Ohuabunwas latest book, “Driven by Revelation and Inspiration-My Journey through the 2023 Nigerias Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising.”

Ohuabunwa who hails from Arochukwu in Abia State is a respected technocrat and Pharmacist who has held key positions at the national level. Until his retirement, he was for several years the Chief Executive Officer of Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc. He also served as the President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). He holds the national honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR).

Celebrating men of such stature and pedigree like Ohuabunwa sends strong signals to the younger generation that character, integrity and excellence are enduring values that are required to build a better society. The youths who are leaders of tomorrow would be inspired by the fine examples of these icons from our dear State.

The decision to honour Abia statesmen who have excelled in their various callings is a commendable initiative that deserves encouragement. It promotes unity, inclusiveness, peace, amity and concord. It is also essentially a reward of excellence, service and exemplary leadership. It is a good initiative that would put the State in good stead.

May Abia continue to prevail!

Dr. Nwosu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Umuahia.
Email: cdnwou2@gmail.com

~ Published By NewsOrient Network

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