Otti to Igbo Leaders: Be Bold, Speak Out, Give Direction

Igbo leaders have been urged to continue to be bold in speaking out and giving the needed direction for the younger ones to learn and surpass their achievements.

Governor Alex Otti made the call on Friday, when he received a delegation of the Igbo Leaders of Thought, led by Professor Elochukwu Amuchiazi.

Otti commended the Igbo Leaders of Thought for their steadfastness in advancing the Igbo Project, urging them to continue to deploy their wealth of experience in the service of the nation and the Igbo people.

“I want to encourage you to continue with what you are doing. You are our leaders. We need to continue to speak out and give direction, he said.

“People may not actually know the direction to go. The leadership you provide is very, very important.”

The governor restated his commitment to promoting the unity and dignity of the Igbo people while championing a more inclusive national agenda.

He pointed out that beyond infrastructure and social investments, his administration has prioritised security as a critical pillar for sustainable development.

Highlighting his achievements in security, Otti explained that the Abia State Security Trust Fund Luncheon held on Thursday, was aimed at raising substantial funds to tackle crime and ensure a safer environment for all residents.

He pointed out that job creation and an enabling business environment remained at the core of his administration’s strategy to build a crime-free society.

Speaking earlier, Professor Elochukwu Amuchiazi said their visit was aimed to promote a Nigeria where the Igbo man could thrive and fully realise their aspirations.

Amuchiazi called for collaboration among all stakeholders to protect Igbo interests and advance the collective prosperity of the South-East region.

Contributing, a member of the group, Professor Obasi Igwe, applauded Governor Otti for the ongoing Abia Airport City project, maintaining that their overall interest is to achieve a functional seaport linking the South East to the Atlantic Ocean.

“We need that seaport through Opobo, so that ships from all over the world can come into the South-East. That will make a lot of meaning for the reopening of Aba as a business and commercial nerve centre of the South-East,” Prof. Igwe noted.

“Therefore, we are appealing to the Federal Government through the Governor to allow and fund the dredging of the Imo River down to the coast through Opopo, which is an Igbo seaport founded by the Igbos.”