Otti Calls for Technology-Driven Reforms, Says Development Is Leadership’s Primary Duty
Governor of Abia State Dr Alex chioma Otti
“Abia Governor urges public sector leaders to embrace innovation, accountability and institutional reforms to drive sustainable development”
By Titus Eleweke
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has called on public sector leaders, the political elite and other influential stakeholders to embrace purposeful leadership, institutional reforms and technological innovation to accelerate economic growth, improve public service delivery and promote sustainable development.
Otti made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 Oxford Global Think Tank (OGTTI) Leadership Conference, held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, with the theme, “Leadership for a Prosperous Future.”
Delivering the Public Sector Keynote Address titled “Putting Our Best Foot Forward,” the governor stressed that development does not happen by accident but requires deliberate planning, effective execution and sustained partnerships.
“Development has never been accidental; it is the primary function of leadership—the result of deliberate planning, dynamic execution and the cultivation of long-term partnerships that expand the frontiers of opportunities for sustained prosperity,” Otti stated.
He maintained that leadership should be measured by its ability to create opportunities, stimulate productivity, strengthen institutions and improve citizens’ living conditions, rather than by the preservation of personal interests.
The governor identified corruption, institutional decay, policy implementation failures, inadequate skills and persistent infrastructure challenges as interconnected problems requiring fundamental reforms in public sector governance.
According to the governor, the political and economic elite have a responsibility to make informed decisions, uphold accountability and demonstrate the courage to implement necessary reforms, even when such decisions are difficult, unpopular or threaten their positions.
Otti warned that when leaders fail to create an environment that rewards productivity and enterprise, the consequences extend beyond government to businesses, households and society at large.
He noted that efficient public utilities would reduce the burden on individuals and businesses forced to provide essential services for themselves because of inadequate public infrastructure.
The governor, who left a top banking position to enter public service, also called for greater citizen participation in democratic governance.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young and educated citizens, to become more actively involved in elections, demand accountability and contribute to decisions affecting their communities.
Highlighting his administration’s reform initiatives, Otti said Abia State was adapting its public institutions to changing realities through technology, innovation and improved management systems.
He cited the transition towards smart schools, investments in renewable energy for public institutions, the procurement of electric buses for inter- and intra-city transportation, and the digitisation of land administration and official document processing as examples of efforts to modernise public service delivery.
The governor acknowledged that reforms often attract resistance but said his administration remained committed to changes aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening institutions and delivering better services to the people.
He challenged conference participants to explore how artificial intelligence could help combat corruption, improve civil service training and operational efficiency, strengthen public revenue management and restore citizens’ confidence in government institutions.
Describing the conference as an opportunity to reassess development priorities and identify practical ways of applying emerging technologies to governance challenges across Africa, Otti urged participants to translate the knowledge gained into concrete action.
“We may have derailed, but the advantage of conferences like this is the platform they provide for the reassessment of priorities and the opportunity to turn a new leaf. Our assignment at the end of today’s event is to return home, chew on what we have learnt and identify how technology can help us in our roles as elders in the African community square setting,” he said.
He added that the conference was designed to awaken leaders to opportunities they might be missing through inattention, stressing that its impact would be measured by the actions taken after the event.
“The impact of this conference would therefore be measured by what we do with the awareness we have acquired within this period,” Otti stated.
The governor expressed appreciation to the founder and convener, Professor Arunma Oteh, OON, and the organisers of the Oxford Global Think Tank Leadership Conference for bringing together leaders, policy experts and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between leadership, institutional performance and sustainable development.
“I am particularly impressed with the focus on leadership, for that is at the heart of our frustrations,” he said.
Otti further stressed that individual achievements, however remarkable, could not compensate for collective failure, urging Nigerians to work together to overcome poverty, strengthen public institutions and unlock the country’s vast development potential.
The conference’s keynote address was delivered by the immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, CON.
Unlocking Africa’s prosperity dividends through artificial intelligence was among the key issues that dominated discussions.
The event also featured the launch of the OGTTI AI Virtue Center.
Other highlights included panel discussions featuring eminent Nigerians such as the Emir of Kano, His Highness Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II; founder of ANAP Foundation, Mr Atedo Peterside, CON; Sterling Bank CEO, Mr Abubakar Suleiman; Executive Director of the Policy Innovation Centre and coordinating institution of the Nigerian AI Collective, Dr Osasuyi Dirisu; former Ekiti State Governor and founder of Amandla Policy and Leadership Institute, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Dr Armstrong Ume Takang; and Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr Samson Itodo, among others.
Several panellists referenced the ongoing transformation in Abia State under Otti’s administration while discussing the role of purposeful leadership in public sector governance and development.
