We Must Celebrate Our Heroes While they are Alive, Otti says as Madubuike Marks 83rd Birthday 

Governor Alex Otti has said that Abia State will continue to honour her distinguished sons and daughters irrespective of political affiliation.

Otti insisted that societies that fail to celebrate their heroes while they are alive risk losing their values and identity.

The governor stated this on Friday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, during the 83rd birthday celebration and book launch of former Minister of Education and Health, Professor Ihechukwu Chiedozie Madubuike.

The event featured the presentation of two books authored by the former minister alongside a third publication written in his honour.

Describing Professor Madubuike as one of Abia’s finest intellectuals, Otti said the former minister’s record in academia, public service and national development has earned him a place among the state’s greatest ambassadors.

“We believe that we must celebrate our heroes, particularly when they are alive. Any society that does not honour its heroes will be lost. That is why we are gathered here today to celebrate one of our very best,” Otti said.

He noted that serving successfully as both Minister of Education and Minister of Health, despite not being a medical doctor, reflected Madubuike’s exceptional competence and versatility.

The Governor stressed that his administration does not discriminate when recognising deserving Abians.

“We don’t care about political parties. We don’t care where you worship or where you originally come from. If you have contributed to the development of Abia, you deserve to be celebrated,” he said.

Responding to recommendations made by the celebrant, Otti said the government would examine his proposal for a technology-driven institution focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), while continuing efforts to strengthen existing educational institutions.

He highlighted ongoing investments in education, noting that the sector has consistently received about 20 per cent of the state’s annual budget over the past three years.

According to him, the state has begun commissioning 20 smart schools equipped with modern facilities to prepare learners for a technology-driven future.

The governor also recalled the poor state of Abia State University when he assumed office, saying an unannounced visit to the institution left him deeply emotional.

“I walked into the university on a Sunday and I wept. Students were living in conditions that were simply unacceptable. We immediately declared an emergency, renovated the hostels and restored dignity to the learning environment,” he said.

He added that his administration had cleared salary arrears at Abia State Polytechnic, restored lost accreditations and introduced programmes in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and 3D Printing.

On healthcare, Otti said his administration inherited 948 non-functional primary healthcare centres but has rehabilitated 277 of them, while work continues on upgrading general and specialist hospitals across the state.

He further disclosed that plans for the proposed Abia Seaport had reached an advanced stage, with a Chinese firm currently undertaking a feasibility study ahead of project financing.

Earlier, Professor Madubuike called for bold reforms in higher education, urging the state government to establish a STEM-focused university to expand access to technical education and tackle youth migration.

He argued that thousands of qualified students from Abia are denied admission annually despite meeting university requirements.

“When Abia’s best brains cannot get STEM admission at home, they export themselves. Admission scarcity has become a migration crisis,” he said.

Drawing lessons from South Korea and Singapore, the former minister advocated stronger technical education backed by policies that give technical qualifications equal recognition with university degrees.

He also urged the government to establish a policy think tank to provide research-based solutions for governance and commended Governor Otti’s investment in education.

Delivering the keynote address, former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, described Professor Madubuike as a patriot, distinguished scholar and statesman whose contributions to education and public service remain enduring.

Ngige also praised the quality of infrastructure projects being executed by the Otti administration, saying durable development requires substantial investment.

“Good things cost money. When projects are done well, they stand the test of time and ultimately save public resources,” he said.

Ngige congratulated Professor Madubuike on his milestone birthday and book launch, describing him as one of Nigeria’s foremost academics and an outstanding ambassador of Abia State.

In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said transformational leadership is measured not only by physical infrastructure but also by the values leaders leave behind.

According to him, while roads and public buildings symbolise development, celebrating individuals of integrity and excellence inspires future generations and strengthens society.