Ruby Group Wins ASLA Cohort 2 Capstone as Otti’s Youth Leadership Agenda Gains Wide Praise  

_Governor approves ₦50,000 transport support for all participants ahead of Aug. 29 graduation_

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Governor Alex Otti’s investment in youth leadership development received fresh commendations on Friday as the 2026 Abia State Leadership Academy, ASLA, Youth Leadership Bootcamp, Cohort 2, ended at Government College, Umuahia, with *Ruby Group* emerging overall winner of the capstone project.

The week-long bootcamp brought together young Abians selected from thousands of applicants for intensive training in leadership, enterprise and civic responsibility.

    In his address, President of ASLA, *Prof. Kenneth Kalu*, said the Academy reflects Governor Otti’s deliberate commitment to human capital development.

He noted that ASLA was created to complement formal education by equipping young people with leadership values, integrity and civic responsibility needed to transform society.

“Leadership begins with personal discipline and service rather than political office,” Kalu said.

“You didn’t come here by accident. You were selected because we believe you can become transformational leaders. The real test begins when you leave here. You don’t have to become a governor before you can lead. Leadership starts with self-leadership and with making the right choices every day.”

Kalu announced that all participants would automatically become members of the *ASLA Fellows*, an alumni network for mentorship, leadership development and continuous engagement beyond the bootcamp.

He also disclosed that Governor Otti approved ₦50,000 transport support for each participant to enable them attend the graduation ceremony scheduled for August 29 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia.

Following presentations, questions and evaluation, Prof. Kalu announced Ruby Group as winner of the Cohort 2 capstone competition. Gold Group emerged 1st runner-up while Emerald Group came 2nd runner-up.

The ASLA President also announced cash prizes of ₦200,000 for first position and ₦100,000 for other participating groups, with a recommendation that the funds be invested in research and development of their projects.

In their vote of thanks, government officials including Mr. Dodoh Okafor, SSA on Public Communication; Mr. Odinaka Eric Eme, SSA on Multilateral and Donor Agencies; Ms. Elizabeth Chijioke, SA on Digital Economy; and Camp Commandant Sub Lieutenant Chukwubueze Ugochukwu, commended Governor Otti for creating a platform that exposes young people to practical leadership and enterprise development.

They described the participants as future innovators, change makers and development professionals, and urged them to exhibit good leadership mentality and apply all they have learnt.

Facilitators from the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Uchendu Egbuna and Dr. Nwanneka Ghasi, also acknowledged Governor Otti’s investment in youths and other sectors.

They applauded the participants for developing practical solutions to real-life problems, noting remarkable growth in confidence, teamwork and communication.

“The participants demonstrated a clear understanding of problem-solving despite the pressure of public speaking,” the facilitators said, urging them to validate their ideas through further research and engagement with intended beneficiaries.

In valedictory speeches, representatives from various groups — Uche Favour (Platinum), Awaibe Richard (Gold), Okorochi Divine (Diamond), Iheonunaekwu Onyinyechi (Emerald) and Okafor Jennifer (Ruby) — praised Governor Otti for establishing the Academy.

“This Academy taught us to stop complaining and start leading. We thank Governor Otti for that,” they said. “Governor Otti believed in us and invested in our future. We promise to uphold the values of integrity, accountability and servant leadership that this Academy has taught us.”

They also expressed appreciation to Prof. Kalu and the ASLA team for hospitality, fairness and equity, concluding: “We are leaving here determined to make Abia and Nigeria better.”