Abia Government to Immortalise Prof. Nnenna Oti for Upholding Integrity and Truth

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has announced plans by his administration to immortalise the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnenna Oti, for her integrity, courage, and steadfastness during the 2023 general elections.

Governor Otti made the announcement at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, during a grand civic reception held in his honour by the Old Bende Progressive Union. The event, which brought together people from the eight Local Government Areas that make up the Old Bende bloc, including Edda community in Ebonyi State, also featured a special recognition for Professor Oti.

Describing her as a woman of integrity and credibility, Governor Otti commended Professor Oti for her rare courage and moral strength during the 2023 Governorship election, noting that her refusal to compromise laid a new standard for honesty in public service across Nigeria.

“This is still early morning. We will invite her at the appropriate time and immortalise her. I want to tell her that she has set a new template for Nigeria. Anytime people are talking about integrity and credibility, they are looking in her way. She may not have collected the money, but she collected something greater than money,” Governor Otti said.

He praised the Vice-Chancellor for becoming a national symbol of truth and urged public officials across the country to emulate her example by standing firm for justice and transparency irrespective of personal gain.

Speaking on political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Otti cautioned against premature politicking, insisting that the outcome of future elections rests solely in God’s hands.

“The only remark I would like to make about 2027 is that it is in the hands of God. Those who boast, I want to advise them to stop boasting. You may not be here in 2027. If you want to play God or speak like God, I will leave you in the hands of God,” he said.

Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s focus on service delivery and development, emphasizing that his priority remains fulfilling the people’s mandate.

“Let us not distract ourselves. We have a lot of work to do. Let us focus on the mandate that has been given to us. At the appropriate time, it is you, the people, that would decide who will lead you,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chief Azubuike Udah, described the event as a celebration of Governor Otti’s transformative leadership. He noted that the Old Bende people, known for their unity, hard work, and commitment to progress, have collectively endorsed the governor for his performance and vision for Abia State.

Chief Udah highlighted the governor’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and governance, stressing that his leadership has restored confidence and pride among Abians at home and abroad.

The event attracted dignitaries from across the country, including the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, federal and state lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and other notable personalities.

The celebration was marked with music, cultural displays, and public expressions of gratitude to Governor Otti for his people-centered governance and commitment to a better Abia.