The Abia State Government has graduated the second batch of trainees from the Abia Leadership Academy, a programme designed to build a strong community of leaders in the state and across Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, said the initiative was conceived to redirect citizens toward positive values and effective leadership. He urged participants to embrace continuous learning and to influence others positively.
“Leadership is the ability to influence and drive outcomes. What we set out to do here is to redirect our people—our young ones, their vision, and their thinking. Gone are the days when they are left to drift into drugs, cultism, or thuggery,” Otti said.
The Governor described the programme as central to his social reorientation agenda and stressed that it is about raising a new generation of leaders with broad perspectives and problem-solving capacity. He announced that each graduate would be required to mentor at least one person monthly for the next year, with a digital platform created to sustain ongoing interaction.
Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Academy, Prof. Kenneth Kalu, said the vision was to nurture leaders who will create meaningful impact, while Pastor Mrs. Eno Jerry-Eze, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, described the Academy as a growing movement that reflects the government’s commitment to youth development.
The lead consultant, Mr. Johnson Abali, explained that participants engaged in group activities for deeper learning and thanked the Governor for investing in the future of Abia youths.
Participants, including Emmanuel Uma, Chibuzor Innocent, and Prince Ceazer, testified that the training had transformed their outlook, describing it as a bold step in preparing Abia for the future.
The ceremony was attended by parents of participants and senior government officials.
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