Development Requires Purposeful Leadership, Not Chance, Governor Otti Tells African Leaders

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called on political leaders and public sector stakeholders across Africa to embrace purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and technological innovation as critical drivers of sustainable development.

Governor Otti made the call while delivering the public sector keynote address at the 2026 Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference in Abuja, where he stressed that development does not happen by accident but requires deliberate planning, effective execution and long-term partnerships.

Speaking on the theme, “Putting Our Best Foot Forward,” the Governor maintained that the primary responsibility of leadership is to create opportunities, stimulate productivity, strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ living conditions.

He identified corruption, institutional decay, poor policy implementation, inadequate skills and infrastructure deficits as interconnected challenges requiring fundamental reforms in public sector governance.

Governor Otti also challenged political and economic leaders to demonstrate the courage to implement necessary reforms, even when such decisions are difficult or unpopular.

Highlighting his administration’s reform efforts in Abia State, the Governor cited the introduction of smart schools, renewable energy investments in public institutions, procurement of electric buses for inter and intra-city transportation, as well as the digitisation of land administration and official document processing.

He said the initiatives were designed to modernise public service delivery, improve efficiency and strengthen government institutions.

The Governor further called for greater application of artificial intelligence in combating corruption, improving civil service efficiency, strengthening public revenue management and restoring citizens’ confidence in government.

He also urged Nigerians, particularly young and educated citizens, to participate actively in democratic governance, elections and the demand for accountability.

Governor Otti stressed that the success of the conference should not be measured by speeches and discussions alone, but by the practical reforms participants would implement upon returning to their respective institutions and communities.

The conference featured a keynote address by the immediate past President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, while discussions centred on unlocking Africa’s prosperity through artificial intelligence and effective leadership.

Other prominent participants included the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; founder of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside; former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; and several other business leaders, policy experts and governance advocates.

The event also featured the launch of the OGTTI AI Virtue Centre.

The Abia State Government says the conference provided an opportunity for African leaders to reassess development priorities and explore innovative approaches to addressing governance challenges across the continent.

Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, issued the statement.