Gov. Alex Otti Calls for Global Unity, Merit and Dialogue at University of Northampton Racial Justice Conference

…says Bridges of Understanding, Not Walls of Division, Are Key to a Better World

The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called for deeper global conversations on racial justice, urging world leaders, institutions and individuals to embrace dialogue, fairness and merit as the foundation for building stronger and more inclusive societies.

Speaking during the University of Northampton’s Annual Conference on Racial Justice held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, Governor Otti delivered a thought-provoking keynote address titled “Of Bridges and Walls: Finding Common Ground, Rising Above Divisions.” The address formed the first part of his reflections on race, equality, inclusion and humanity.

The Governor began by expressing profound appreciation to the management of the University of Northampton, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Anne-Marie Kilday, as well as the University’s Centre for the Advancement of Racial Equality (CARE) and the Global Ethnic Majority (GEM), for creating a platform that encourages meaningful conversations on racial justice and equality.

He noted that the rapidly changing social and economic landscape demands openness, adaptability and a willingness to learn from one another, stressing that ignorance has no place in an increasingly interconnected world.

Commending the conference theme, “Race in Action: Power, Partnership and Change,” Governor Otti described discussions on race as continuous and necessary, insisting that society must move beyond superficial differences to appreciate the uniqueness and shared humanity of every individual.

According to him, no one chooses where they are born, their race, skin colour or family background, making discrimination on such grounds both unjustifiable and contrary to the principles of equality.

The Governor argued that racial prejudice represents a denial of humanity itself, emphasizing that every person deserves equal dignity, liberty and the opportunity to pursue happiness regardless of racial or ethnic identity.

While acknowledging that racism remains a persistent global challenge, he warned that racial bias should never be treated lightly because ignorance can easily evolve into hatred, violence and widespread social destruction.

Governor Otti maintained that education remains the most effective weapon against racism, advocating sustained engagement with teachers, policymakers, community leaders and other stakeholders to dismantle prejudice through enlightenment rather than hostility.

He also called for race-blind institutional processes in recruitment, scholarship awards, business opportunities and other public and private sector engagements, insisting that fairness and objectivity must guide decision-making.

Addressing the intersection of politics and race, the Governor observed that racial tensions in many parts of the world are often inflamed by politicians who exploit ethnic and racial sentiments for electoral advantage.

Rather than focusing solely on individual political actors, he urged society to confront the systems and institutional weaknesses that enable race-based manipulation, stressing that sustainable solutions require a broader examination of the political environment, voter behaviour and institutional accountability.

Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Nelson Mandela, Governor Otti said the struggle should not be directed against any race but against structures that encourage domination, discrimination and division.

He further advocated a balance between equality and merit, arguing that inclusion should never come at the expense of excellence.

According to him, lowering standards in the name of diversity risks creating a culture of mediocrity. Instead, governments and institutions should ensure that every individual has equal access to quality education, opportunities, tools and resources needed to compete successfully on merit.

Using sports as an illustration, Governor Otti noted that excellence knows no racial boundaries, explaining that success is determined by preparation, discipline, sound strategy and determination rather than skin colour.

He therefore called for the removal of every race-based barrier that prevents individuals from realizing their full potential in education, science, sports, business and public leadership.

The Governor also praised the diversity of speakers and participants at the conference, describing respectful dialogue across racial and cultural divides as essential for overcoming suspicion and building lasting trust.

He urged people to understand the fears and concerns of others rather than approach conversations with pride or prejudice, insisting that meaningful engagement requires empathy, humility and mutual respect.

Governor Otti concluded by reminding participants that humanity’s greatest challenges, including hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, conflict and violence cannot be solved through racial division but through collaboration across cultures and nations.

He stressed that people are not limited by the colour of their skin but by the stereotypes they choose to accept or promote, calling on the global community to replace walls of hatred with bridges of understanding, dialogue and shared purpose.

The keynote address marked the first part of Governor Otti’s presentation at the University of Northampton’s Annual Conference on Racial Justice, where he challenged participants to view humanity as one family united by common aspirations and collective responsibility f or building a more just and inclusive world.