Prominent leaders of thought across Bende North Area of Abia State have unanimously pledged their continued support for the administration of Governor Alex Otti OFR, citing what they described as visible, transformative, and people-centered governance.
The declaration was made during a one-day colloquium held in Igbere and organized in honor of the Governor. The event drew participants from Item, Igbere, Alayi, Ugwueke, and Ezeukwu communities in Bende LGA. Themed “Good Governance as a Worthy Legacy to the Next Generation,” the gathering attracted top traditional rulers, community leaders, policy advocates, women leaders, and clergymen from across Bende North and Abia State.
A TESTAMENT TO VISIBLE DEVELOPMENT:
Chairman of the occasion, Architect Chima Ucheya, while welcoming guests including the Mayor of Bende LGA, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey, praised Governor Otti’s transformative strides. He described the administration’s achievements in less than three years—particularly in agriculture, education, and infrastructure—as both extensive and visible.
According to him, the scale of infrastructural renewal, agricultural revitalization, and educational reforms demonstrates purposeful leadership committed to laying sustainable foundations rather than cosmetic improvements.
THE HEALTHCARE PERSPECTIVE: GOVERNANCE THAT DELIVERS:
Delivering the keynote address titled “The Impact of Good Governance on Healthcare Delivery,” renowned medical expert Professor Maduka Awa emphasized that leadership devoid of fairness, transparency, and effective service delivery erodes public trust.
He stressed that good governance must go beyond rhetoric and translate into measurable improvements in people’s lives. Citizens, he argued, judge leadership not by campaign promises but by enduring outcomes that outlive electoral cycles.
He further outlined the pillars of sustainable governance—transparency, accountability, effectiveness, job creation, and inclusive participation—stating that when these principles guide public administration, society experiences stability, harmony, and sustainable growth. Conversely, weak governance widens inequality, slows development, and diminishes trust in public institutions.
A CLEAR DEPARTURE FROM THE PAST:
Adding his voice, retired Permanent Secretary, the Very Reverend Ernest Onyeukwu, described the present administration as outstanding. He observed that while previous administrations often settled for temporary fixes and superficial renovations, the Otti-led government is engaging in comprehensive reconstruction and modernization of the state’s foundational structures.
He noted that the strides recorded in Abia represent a clear departure from governance patterns seen in many other states, asserting that when compared with past administrations, the current leadership stands tall as a model of purposeful governance.
GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE AND THE ROAD TO 2027:
Responding on behalf of Governor Alex Otti, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House Umuahia, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, conveyed the administration’s deep appreciation to the organizers and participants.
He highlighted key achievements of the administration, noting that the reinvigoration of the economy has brought improved power supply, revived education, enhanced security, and prompt payment of salaries. According to him, when the economy is properly restructured and liberated, the benefits inevitably cascade down to the people.
He urged citizens to continue contributing their quota to governance and to sustain their support for the Governor, especially as 2026 signals preparations toward the 2027 electoral cycle.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the event included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; and prominent businessman and philanthropist Dr. Chima Anyaso, among others. Each speaker underscored the importance of sustaining reform-driven leadership to consolidate ongoing progress.
ADOPTION FOR 2027:
The colloquium concluded with a renewed call for civic engagement that not only supports leadership but also holds it accountable. In a unanimous voice vote, participants adopted Governor Alex Otti as their preferred candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Similarly, they endorsed Hon. Ibekwe Nnamdi Chimdi (OziomaChi), the Honourable Member representing Bende North State Constituency, as their candidate for the 2027 House of Assembly election.
The event closed on a note of optimism and collective resolve, as the leaders of thought in Bende North reaffirmed their belief that good governance, when anchored on transparency, accountability, and people-focused policies, leaves a legacy that future generations will be proud to inherit.
“Alex Otti – OziomaChi: TAM TAM”
OziomaChi Media: We choose to be salt and light.