Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reminded leaders that the development of the state is a collective responsibility rather than a platform for personal recognition and enrichment.
Speaking at the Public Lecture organised by the State Government to mark the 35th anniversary of the creation of the State, held at the International Conference Center Ogurube layout Umuahia, Governor Otti was of the opinion that the contributions of individuals to the development of the State should never become about them, but should be directed toward improving the lives of the people.
He therefore enjoined all to see the anniversary as an opportunity for Abians to focus on the progress made by the state and the responsibility of the current and future leaders to sustain and improve what they inherited.
The Governor Otti who also used his personal experience to underscore the importance of government investment in education, explained that the essence of building a tuition free Smart Schools across the state is to provide Children from less privileged homes access to the same quality of education with children from privileged homes.
In her virtual goodwill message, the Director General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended the State Government for its efforts to diversifying revenue, improve financial sustainability and prioritise capital investment, noting that the Governor Otti government devoted 77 per cent of its spending to capital projects.
She praised the Otti led administration for upgrading infrastructure, rehabilitating neglected transport corridors, improving electricity supply, clearing inherited salary and pension arrears and reducing the state’s debt burden and Congratulated Abians on the 35th anniversary of the state and the journey towards a better Abia.
In his keynote Lecture, a former minister of Aviation and Areospace Development, Mr Osita Chidoka who spoke on Abia’s political and economic journey, recalled a period when the state exercised considerable influence in national affairs and produced political leaders who made remarkable impact beyond the shores of the country.
He challenged Abia to reclaim its historical position of punching above its weight in national rating, arguing that its future influence should be based not only on the prominence of its political personalities but also on the quality of its institutions, education, enterprise and governance.
The former minister expressed hope that Abia could eventually become a reference point for good governance, saying the state should aspire to a situation where Nigerian governors and international organisations would not need to travel abroad to find examples of effective governance.
The event Themed “The Rise of a New Abia”, featured round table discussions on the Abia development trajectory, prospects and the way forward.
