NEWS
GOV. ALEX OTTI URGES NIGERIANS TO EMBRACE ALTERNATIVE REVENUE SOURCES AT FUTO CONVOCATION LECTURE, HIGHLIGHTS ABIA’S DEVELOPMENT MODEL
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has charged Nigerians to rekindle a shared sense of responsibility and embrace innovative revenue pathways to build a more sustainable and prosperous national economy. Governor Otti made this call on Thursday, 4th December, during the 37th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he delivered a keynote address themed “Economic Development and Sustainability: Beyond Oil, Exploring Alternative Revenue Potential for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.”
Addressing dignitaries, academia, graduating students, and the university community, Governor Otti emphasized that Nigeria’s economic transformation depends on a collective commitment to shift from dependency on oil to diversified revenue sources driven by strong political will, institutional reforms, and massive human capital investment.
According to him, “Part of the reason for Nigeria’s lingering development crisis, is the propensity to trade blames; not many of us are willing to accept responsibility for the challenges we face.
“So, everyone assumes that someone else is responsible for the failure of our institutions. I am also of the conviction that our development would require the collective commitment of all of us.”
Governor Otti further turned his speech into an inspirational charge to the graduating class, urging them to deploy courage, innovative thinking and the confidence to pursue greatness beyond the university gates. He reminded them that their success in academic and extracurricular life at FUTO is evidence of their resilience and readiness for the realities of life ahead.
He stated that, “The fact that you successfully scaled through the rigorous academic routines and extra-curricular programmes that defined your experiences here in FUTO is a proof that you are equal to whatever life may throw at you.”
Drawing a connection between his message and his governance philosophy, Governor Otti disclosed that Abia State is intentionally investing in its people through strategic allocations and reforms. He stated that his administration consistently channels 15% and 20% of the state’s annual budget to health and education, adding that these sectors form the foundation of a prosperous society. He highlighted measurable reforms, particularly in electricity, infrastructure, and tertiary education support.
He noted that “the reforms in the electricity sector are already yielding tremendous results with steady improvements in power supply, especially in the Aba ring-fenced area.”
According to him, Abia’s road network was recently ranked among the best in Nigeria, while the state has “finally got a handle on the security situation that once threatened to derail the infinite promises of our communities.”
He also affirmed his commitment to strengthening technical education across the state, adding that his government has invested generously in new hostels, lecture theatres, digital libraries, technical workshops, and laboratories in institutions ranging from Abia State University Uturu to Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic Aba and the College of Education Technical, Arochukwu.
In an emotional tribute, Governor Otti commended the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti, describing her as an enduring symbol of justice, integrity and moral courage. He recounted her unwavering stance during the 2023 governorship election collation in Abia, where she rejected intimidation and upheld the people’s mandate.
He charged Nigerians to emulate her, declaring: “Whatever our encounter becomes, may we learn from the courage of Prof Nnenna Oti, the Vice Chancellor of this University and through our judgment, inspire generations unborn to think beyond self when making decisions that are tied to the destiny of our communities.”
Governor Otti expressed heartfelt appreciation to the institution for the honour of delivering the convocation lecture. In a rare gesture of solidarity, the Abia People’s Forum in FUTO hosted the Governor, commending him for restoring the dignity of Abia citizens and went further to endorse him for the 2027 election, pledging to register and return home to vote for him.
Governor Otti attended the event accompanied by his Deputy Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu and other senior political aides and top government officials, marking a memorable engagement that not only celebrated academic achievement but also charted a path for Ni
geria’s economic rebirth.