Gov Otti Charges 1,086 Abia Leadership Academy Graduates on Innovation, Ethical Leadership

The Abia State Government has graduated 1,086 participants of the 2026 Leadership Training Boot Camp of the Abia State Leadership Academy, charging them to embrace innovation, integrity and ethical leadership as they assume greater responsibilities in society.

Governor Alex Otti gave the charge yesterday during the graduation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, on the theme, “Raising Transformational Leaders, Innovators and Change Makers.”

He urged the graduates to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during the four-week programme to mentor their peers, develop solutions to societal challenges and contribute actively to the development of Abia State.

Governor Otti noted that the Academy was established in 2025 as part of his administration’s efforts to develop a new generation of leaders capable of sustaining the state’s development. He disclosed that he had directed the President of the Academy to maintain a directory of graduates and review the ideas contained in their capstone presentations, with a view to supporting viable projects.

The Governor also described the participation of non-Abians in the programme as a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, stressing that anyone who lives in Abia is regarded as an Abian.

In his remarks, the President of the Abia Leadership Academy, Professor Kenneth Kalu, commended Governor Otti for establishing the Academy, describing it as an investment in the future of Abia that would help shape the minds, character and civic consciousness of young people.

In her speech, the Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, Pastor Dr Eno Jerry-Eze, said the 2026 boot camp was designed to go beyond classroom instruction by equipping participants with practical leadership, innovation and problem-solving skills.

She disclosed that the state partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University to develop workbooks and practical sessions that challenged participants to devise solutions in areas including fintech, electric transportation, Abia’s development and job creation.