"Nigeria Can Still Rise Again - But We Must Do Better,ÔÇØ Gov. Alex Otti Declares at Oxford Global Leadership Conference
Afnews Editor
Oct 28, 2025
Governor Alex Otti delivered a thought-provoking keynote at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference, calling for leadership reform and renewed investment in education and human capital. Discover his key message of hope and transformation.
https://youtu.be/MuCEOW81hH8
... Abia Governor Calls for Education Reform, Leadership Renewal, and Knowledge-Based Economy as He Hails Prof. Arunma Oteh's Visionary Work
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[caption id="attachment_196388" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Prof. Arunma Oteh and Governor Alex Otti[/caption]
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Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, has said that Nigeria can still rediscover its promise and rise to greatness if its citizens and leaders embrace discipline, innovation, and knowledge-driven leadership.
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The Governor made the call on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, while delivering a keynote address titled "We Truly Can Do BetterÔÇØ at the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference on Better Leadership for a Better Nigeria and the public presentation of Prof. Arunma Oteh's new book All Hands on Deck: Unleash Prosperity through World Class Capital Markets, held in Abuja.
Governor Otti stated that the difference between thriving and failing nations is not mineral wealth but the strength of ideas and the quality of leadership.
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"Development is not about the abundance of natural resources, but the discipline of leadership, the power of ideas, and the courage of execution,ÔÇØ he said.
He emphasized that societies that aspire to progress must prioritize education and human capital development. "Without a critical mass of people who can harness the resources around them, even the richest nations will remain poor,ÔÇØ he noted.
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Governor Otti praised Prof. Arunma Oteh, OON - Founder of the Oxford Global Think Tank, former Vice President of the World Bank, and ex-SEC Director-General - for her brilliance, global service, and commitment to development.
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He described her new book as "an excellent treatise on economic freedom and national sovereignty,ÔÇØ noting that it provides practical insights on how to leverage the capital market to address Nigeria's economic challenges.
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"What makes Prof. Oteh's book exceptional is that it was written from deep experience, simplifying complex economic issues and showing how we can mobilize resources without excessive borrowing,ÔÇØ Otti added.
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Otti endorsed Oteh's leadership philosophy anchored on the 4Cs - Character, Compassion, Competence, and Courage - and called for a total overhaul of Nigeria's leadership recruitment process.
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He criticized a system that promotes mediocrity, arrogance, and noise over substance.
"Our problem is not lack of resources, but lack of disciplined and visionary leadership. We have treated leadership development as a distant concern, and that's why mediocrity thrives,ÔÇØ he said.
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The Governor used the occasion to share Abia's ongoing reforms in education, stressing that his administration has consistently allocated 20% of its annual budget to education for two consecutive years - the highest in the state's history.
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He revealed that education is now free and compulsory in Abia State, which has led to a dramatic increase in school enrollment.
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Over 5,000 new teachers have been recruited, with another 4,000 scheduled for recruitment soon.
He said his government is rebuilding schools, improving teacher welfare, and reforming curricula to prepare students for the realities of the 21st century.
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"Our goal is not just to produce job seekers but innovators and leaders who will shape the industries of tomorrow,ÔÇØ Otti explained.
The Governor further disclosed that Abia is also investing heavily in healthcare, allocating 15% of the state's annual expenditure to the sector, in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration.
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He said the objective is to ensure every Abian has access to a functional healthcare facility within walking distance.
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He emphasized that the pursuit of development is meaningless without a healthy and educated population.
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Governor Otti urged Nigerians to rise above mediocrity and embrace a new national consciousness built on knowledge, integrity, and hard work.
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He commended Prof. Oteh as a model of excellence and said her achievements should inspire young Nigerians, especially women.
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"At 60, Prof. Oteh remains a shining light and proof of what we can achieve when leadership is driven by purpose and impact. We can all do better - as leaders, citizens, and institutions - to rebuild our country,ÔÇØ he concluded.
Otti encouraged participants to get copies of Prof. Oteh's book and reflect deeply on its message of reform, innovation, and wealth creation through knowledge.
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— Afnews Editor