NEWS
Gov. Alex Otti Unveils ‘Quest for Green’ by Former NLNG Boss, Dr. Godswill Ihetu, Says “Climate Change Debate Is Over“
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, on Friday, September 11, 2026, joined an array of eminent Nigerians in Lagos for the public presentation and formal unveiling of ’Quest for Green’, a thought-provoking book authored by octogenarian and former Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Godswills Sunday Ihetu.
Governor Otti served as the Chief Presenter at the well-attended event, which brought together prominent figures from the public and private sectors, as well as stakeholders interested in environmental sustainability, energy transition and the future of the global climate.
The book, Quest for Green, examines the changing climate and the various adaptation efforts being undertaken globally in response to the growing environmental challenges confronting humanity.
Governor Otti, who also edited the publication, formally unveiled the book at the ceremony, marking the culmination of a literary and intellectual journey that began from a public exchange of ideas between him and Dr. Ihetu several years ago.
In his remarks, Dr. Ihetu, who recently celebrated his 86th birthday, traced the origin of the book to an article authored by Governor Otti and published on the back page of ThisDay newspaper on September 13, 2021.
According to the former NLNG boss, the article, which focused on gas and climate change, prompted him to write a rejoinder. He said Governor Otti graciously published his response in his column two weeks later, setting the stage for an extensive exchange of ideas on climate change and the energy transition.
The intellectual engagement subsequently generated more articles on climate change in the Governor’s column, eventually leading to the publication of an article on the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, titled “Of Glass Houses, Stones and Glasgow” towards the end of November 2021.
What started as an exchange of views in the pages of a newspaper ultimately evolved into a comprehensive publication examining one of the most consequential challenges facing the modern world.
Governor Otti, in his address at the book presentation, stressed that climate change has moved beyond the realm of academic arguments and political debates, insisting that its effects are already being experienced across communities and economies.
“Climate change is already with us. The debate is no longer whether it exists. It is about net-zero targets, climate justice, cost and funding of the transition,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor pointed to changing weather patterns, including the noticeable absence of the traditional harmattan towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, as one of the signs demonstrating the reality of a changing climate.
He used the occasion to highlight Abia State’s efforts towards embracing cleaner energy, particularly through the deployment of electric public transportation.
Governor Otti disclosed that the State has already commenced its transition to clean energy through the deployment of 40 electric buses, while another 30 buses are expected to join the fleet. He said the administration is targeting a total of 100 electric buses by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
The Governor also addressed concerns often associated with electric vehicles, particularly maintenance and charging infrastructure.
He explained that electric vehicles have considerably fewer moving parts compared with conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, making them easier to maintain. He also pointed to emerging technologies such as battery-swap systems as practical innovations capable of addressing some of the challenges associated with conventional charging systems.
Beyond transportation, Governor Otti emphasised the importance of ensuring that Nigeria maximises the economic benefits of its existing natural resources while the country still has the opportunity to do so.
He stressed that deliberate and carefully funded policies would be required to manage the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner sources of energy without leaving vulnerable communities, workers and economies behind.
The Governor called for a just transition that balances environmental responsibilities with economic realities, noting that Nigeria must avoid a situation where its existing natural resources become stranded assets before the country has fully maximised their value.
While commending Dr. Ihetu for his contribution to the climate-change discourse through the book, Governor Otti also recognised the contributions of former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, to the event and the broader conversation.
He encouraged Nigerians to go beyond purchasing copies of Quest for Green, urging them to read, understand and implement the ideas and recommendations contained in the publication.
In a further demonstration of his administration’s commitment to promoting a reading and learning culture within government, Governor Otti disclosed that copies of the book would be distributed to members of the Abia State Executive Council.
According to him, members of the Council would be expected to review the book and discuss their insights during subsequent Executive Council meetings, ensuring that the publication becomes a source of continuous learning and policy engagement rather than merely another addition to government shelves.
The unveiling attracted several distinguished personalities, including the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili; Dr. Imo Itsueli; former Minister Don Etiebet; Chief Tunde Afolabi, Chief Executive Officer of AMNI Petroleum; Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi; Group MD of Nepal Group of Companies, Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Ekeoma among other notable guests.
The presentation of Quest for Green ultimately provided more than an occasion to unveil a new book. It offered a platform for renewed conversations on climate change, energy security, environmental responsibility and the urgent need for Nigeria to prepare intelligently for a ra
pidly changing global energy landscape.