We Only Celebrate Meritocracy, Otti Declares, as Ohuabunwa Clocks 75

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has said that the State government under him places meritocracy over party affiliation or state of origin in the choice of who to celebrate.

Otti was speaking during a ceremony organised by the Abia State Government to mark the 75th birthday of Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Ohuabunwa, an accomplished pharmacist and one-time Managing Director and Chief Executive of Pfizer, was a former presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in 2023.

The Governor noted the celebrant’s distinguished career and contributions to Nigeria’s development, describing him as a patriot and man of integrity whose life is worthy of celebration.

“You may disagree with him (Mazi Ohuabunwa), but you can never doubt his patriotism. You cannot doubt his integrity,” Otti said.

“He joined Pfizer in 1978, that was 10 years before I graduated. Fifteen years later, he was the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the multinational corporation. And since then, he did not look back. He continues to make impact and contributions.

“For us in Abia State, we celebrate meritorious people. We don’t care what political party you belong to. We don’t even care where you come from. Once you live here, you are from here.”

The Governor reaffirmed that Ohuabunwa was worth celebrating and prayed for continued strength and God’s blessings on him, his family, and all present.

He used the occasion to explain that his administration was investing heavily in education and youth leadership training noting that 1,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 20 are currently undergoing such training, under the sponsorship of the State government.

“As we speak, they are at Government College, Former Fisher High School, going through intensive training. Our vision is that in a few years, if you are looking for leaders, you have to come to Abia State”, he stated.

Unveiling his book entitled: “Driven by Revelation & Inspiration – My Journey through the 2023 Nigeria’s Presidential Aspiration and Matters Arising,” a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah, said the ceremony was in honour of a man who has distinguished himself in all his endeavours.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, General Ike Nwachukwu, (Rtd) congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone, noting that his 75 years have been defined by service, sacrifice and remarkable accomplishments.

Responding, the celebrant, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, expressed gratitude to God for His grace upon his life and family, stressing that his journey has been one of testimonies.

He thanked Governor Otti for hosting the celebration in his honour, and described Abia as the safest state in Nigeria, blessed with a first-class economist, exceptional leader, and epitome of service.

Many distinguished personalities, including the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, Professor Pat Utomi, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, as well as the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata attended the event.