Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has announced that his administration will immortalise the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Nnennnaya Oti, for upholding truth and integrity and refusing to compromise standards during the 2023 general elections.

Governor Otti who was speaking at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba, during a grand civic reception held in his honour by the Old Bende people under the umbrella of the Old Bende Progressive Union, comprising the 8 LGAS of Old Bende including the people of Edda in Ebonyi State wherein Prof. Nnennaya Oti was honored by the Union.

The Governor who described Prof. Nnennaya Oti as a woman of integrity and credibility, noted that her uncommon courage during the 2023 Governorship election earned her the respect of all Nigerians and congratulated her on the honor done her by the Old Bende people.

Governor Otti noted that Abia people have many awards to bestow on the Vice-Chancellor, assuring that his administration would immortalise her at the appropriate time, because she has set a new template for 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 urged public officers across the country to emulate Professor Otti’s example by standing for truth and justice at all times irrespective of personal gains.

On 2027 election, the Abia Chief Executive cautioned political actors against premature politicking ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that 2027 elections is in the hands of God.

“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 cautioned.

Governor Otti stressed that his administration’s priority remains service delivery and fulfilment of the mandate given to him by the people of Abia State.

“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 masses) that would decide who will lead you”, he said.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Old Bende Progressive Union and retired Deputy Inspector General of Police,Chief Azubuike Udah
described the event as a collective endorsement of the Governor’s transformational leadership since assumption of office.

Chief Udah, who lauded Governor Otti’s remarkable strides across all sectors of the state economy, noted that the people of Old Bende, known for their industriousness, hospitality, and support for worthy causes, are united in passing a unanimous vote of confidence on Governor Alex Otti and his administration.

Dignitaries from all walks of life, including the State Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon..Emmanuel Emeruwa, Federal and State lawmakers, Traditional Rulers, Captains of Industry etc graced the colourful occasion.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
November 2nd, 2025.