Mentorship in Motion: Governor Otti, Academic Giants, and the Igbo Odibo Philosophy Leading Change

Governor Alex Otti has revitalized the machinery of development in Abia State, igniting a spirit of purpose and progress. However, sustaining this momentum demands shared responsibility, particularly from key stakeholders committed to growth. The burden of continuity in development lies not just with government but with the active engagement of mentors and mentees across every sector.

At a recent Mentorship Forum hosted at the University of Lagos and convened by Dr. Henry Ogunjewo, I had the honour of engaging with distinguished academics such as Professors Austin Nwagbara, Ayodeji Olukoju, Akanbi Ilupeju, Bolajoko Dickson-Ogbechi, and Muyiwa Falaiye. The forum reaffirmed the enduring value of mentorship, drawing parallels with the traditional Igbo system of Odibo—a rich cultural framework that goes beyond skill transfer to shape character, discipline, and leadership. Odibo embodies a commitment to nurturing the next generation holistically, blending moral instruction, technical education, and communal responsibility. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the mentee not only matches but surpasses the mentor, a belief captured in the adage, “nwa m ka kwa m.”

This traditional mentorship ethos finds striking similarities in modern academic mentoring. University lecturers, like traditional Odibo mentors, play a critical role in shaping the intellect and values of their students beyond the classroom. Academic mentorship encourages critical thinking, ethical discipline, and personal transformation, enabling students to grow into knowledge creators and responsible leaders. This culture of support also extends among faculty members, as senior academics guide their junior colleagues in research, publishing, and career advancement.

Leadership, too, is an extension of mentorship. A true leader, like a mentor, leads by example—setting high standards, modelling ethical behaviour, and fostering inclusive progress. Governor Otti exemplifies this ideal, transforming leadership in Abia into a mentorship model that inspires excellence and collective action. His administration has motivated lawmakers, cabinet members, civil servants, and citizens to become active participants in a new era of accountable and visionary governance. His leadership mirrors the Odibo spirit—nurturing values and competence for long-term progress.

In alignment with this vision, my agricultural revolution in Bende North Constituency embraces mentorship as a strategic tool. The initiative empowers farmers and young people through training in modern techniques, mechanization, and sustainable practices. It is more than a farming project—it is a mentorship-driven movement that cultivates technical know-how, entrepreneurial spirit, and ethical stewardship. By blending traditional wisdom with modern innovation, this approach ensures food security, economic empowerment, and community transformation.

The synergy between Odibo, academic mentorship, and value-driven leadership highlights a universal truth: mentorship is essential for transmitting knowledge and values that uphold and renew communities. Whether in traditional settings, academic environments, or governance, mentorship is a transformative process that builds capable individuals, fosters unity, and sustains excellence across generations.