Gov.Otti to Ndigbo: Stop Dwelling on the Past,Build the Future
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has urged the Igbo people to move beyond the past and focus on building a stronger future.
According to the Abia State Governor, Ndigbo should be concerned about building future-oriented institutions capable of securing the destiny of generations yet unborn.
Governor Otti made the call on Tuesday as the Special Guest of Honour at the public presentation of the book, Ohanaeze at 50: The Burden of Memory, The Politics of Relevance – A Critical Biographical Reflection of an Igbo Institution, authored by Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma (AI-KO).
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the book presentation was held at the Dover Hotel Event Hall, 14 Aromire Street, Ikeja, Lagos.
In his address, titled “Ohanaeze at 50: A Book That Holds Up the Mirror,” Governor Otti described the 602-page book as more than a chronicle of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
He said the book is a profound reflection on memory, identity, leadership, responsibility, and the future of the Igbo people.
According to him, a 50th anniversary should not be for celebration alone but should also provide an opportunity for sober reflection on an institution’s journey, relevance, and future.
“An institution cannot live indefinitely on the strength of its history. Heritage gives an organisation legitimacy, but relevance must be earned continuously,” Otti stated.
He said the book forces Ndigbo to confront critical questions: What has Ohanaeze become? What should it be? And what must it do to remain relevant?
Governor Otti stressed that the future of Ndigbo cannot be secured by history alone but by institutions that understand the aspirations of young people, embrace technology and innovation, engage the global Igbo diaspora, and translate cultural identity into economic, intellectual, and political power.
The Abia State Chief Executive praised the author’s metaphor of the iroko tree—deeply rooted, enduring, and imposing— noting that even the strongest tree must continue to grow new branches to remain alive.
“Its roots may explain its strength, but its new branches and leaves determine whether it remains a living tree or not,”
“The question is not whether the organisation has a glorious history. It certainly does. The question is whether that history can become the foundation for an even more consequential future.”Gov. Otti said.
Gov. Otti called for the building of institutions that outlive personalities and political seasons, describing the book as both a reflection on the past and a call to action for institutional renewal.
He commended the author for his courage and recommended the book to all those interested in the history, identity, unity, and future of Ndigbo.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Elder U. K. Eke, MFR, former Group Managing Director of FBN Holdings Plc, urged that the ideas contained in the book be translated into practical action.
He said the book makes a compelling case for a review of the governance frameworks needed for regional transformation and expressed confidence that Governor Otti, alongside other South-East governors, would lead that transformation.
The book reviewer, Prof. Okey Anueyiagu, linked the themes of the book to Governor Otti’s political journey, describing it as a story of resilience and service.
Recounting their conversation seven years ago, Anueyiagu said:
“He came to me and said, ‘Okey, my brother, I want to lead my people.’ I laughed. I said, ‘You? You don’t have money… You are brilliant, you have first class. But can you kill? Most politicians are murderers. They have no conscience.’ He said, ‘I am ready to give my life to help my people.’’
Anueyiagu recalled how Otti survived an assassination attempt by about an hour during his first governorship bid and the tense night they spent waiting for a court judgment until 2 a.m.
“From seven in the evening, we had dinner. Of course, he didn’t eat. Alex was pacing up and down. At two o’clock, we got the call: not successful. Alex turned to me and said, ‘I will come back.’ And he came back. And he became governor. That is resilience. That is brave.” he added.
He quoted Otti’s response when asked how he would govern amid challenges: “Watch me, I am ready to give my life for my people to survive.”
Anueyiagu said the essence of being Igbo is to help Nigeria grow, stressing, “We belong to one Nigeria.”
In his response, the author, Agbaeze Ireke Kalu Onuma, said the book was written to be read and engaged with, rather than to sit as a coffee-table decoration.
He praised Governor Otti, saying his performance in Abia had shown that the transition from the private sector to public service could produce positive change.
He also expressed optimism that Abia would surpass other states.
The event climaxed with the formal unveiling of the book by Governor Otti.
The book’s foreword was written by Elder Dr. Uma O. Eleazu, OON, who was present at the event.
Dignitaries in attendance included former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; HRM Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha; and HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu IV, the Enachioken of Abiriba, among others.
