By Charles Eyuwoko Pemu 
Former President urges Nigerian leaders to emulate Governor Alex Otti’s transformative governance as Abia emerges a model state.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerian governors and political leaders to visit Abia State and take lessons in effective leadership from Governor Alex Otti, commending the governor’s remarkable strides in less than two years in office.
Jonathan’s endorsement came just a day after former President Olusegun Obasanjo also lauded Otti’s administration during the commissioning of a 46.3-kilometer reconstructed road—a major infrastructural feat that drew national attention.
Speaking at the 80s Reunion Dinner and Award Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association in Umuahia, Jonathan—represented by Ambassador Godknows Igali—described Governor Otti as a “shining example” of visionary and results-oriented governance.
“The presence of Alex Otti in Abia State shows intentionality in leadership. He came prepared,” Jonathan noted.”Before now, when people heard ‘Aba made,’ they would laugh. But today, people are proudly embracing it.”
Currently in Seoul, South Korea, receiving the 2025 Sunhak Peace Prize, Jonathan used the opportunity to applaud Otti’s focus on development and inclusive governance, urging other Nigerian leaders to emulate the Abia governor’s proactive and people-centered approach.
“Governance in Nigeria should take a cue from what is happening in Abia State,” he emphasized. “It’s leadership that is deliberate and focused on delivering real change.”
“Aba Made” Now a Badge of Pride
Once a phrase met with derision, “Aba made” is becoming a symbol of pride under Governor Otti’s watch, as the state repositions itself through massive infrastructure renewal, educational reforms, and human capital investment.
In response to Jonathan’s commendation, Governor Otti thanked the UNIPORT alumni for choosing Umuahia for their reunion—12 years after their previous gathering in Port Harcourt during the tenure of alumnus Chibuike Amaechi.
Otti used the platform to encourage fellow alumni to step into public service, stressing the power of political leadership to create meaningful, large-scale impact
“The political space allows you to positively affect broader society, often in ways that go beyond what’s possible in the corporate world,” he said. “investing in People is Building the Future
Governor Otti also unveiled ambitious ongoing initiatives under his administration, including the renovation of 200 primary healthcare centers and 221 schools across Abia’s 184 wards.
“Our 2025 budget commits 20% to education and 15% to health,” he said. “That’s 35% of our total budget dedicated to human capital development—because for us, that is non-negotiable.”
As part of the reunion event, attendees toured multiple ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, offering firsthand glimpses of the transformation happening under Otti’s leadership.
UNIPORT Alumni Celebrate a Legacy of Impact
Highlighting the role of the University of Port Harcourt in shaping Nigeria’s leadership, Jonathan praised the institution’s legacy, noting that it remains the only university in the country to have produced six governors and a Vice President who became President.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Owunari Georgewill added his voice, praising Governor Otti’s developmental strides and calling for continued support, especially in resolving the university’s pressing accommodation challenges for over 40,000 students and 5,000 staff.
The reunion also featured the presentation of Excellence & Service to Humanity awards to distinguished alumni. Among the dignitaries in attendance were Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi, and Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),