Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reiterated his administration goal to keep exposing Abia young people to environments and scenarios that challenge them to question long-held assumptions and determine how to model their lives to be drivers of value.
Governor Otti who stated this during the graduation ceremony of Cohort four of the Abia Leadership Academy held at the Government College Umuahia explained that the programme and similar human capital development initiatives targeted at the community of young people give clear indication of his administration trajectory and it is a promising path.
“I announced in July that the Abia Leadership Academy shall run continuously, offering regular training programmes to thousands of individuals periodically. I expect that as soon as we get the comprehensive report for the just concluded sprints, a new round of preparations for subsequent cohorts shall start. Those who were unable to participate in the August-September sprints are encouraged to watch out for the next round of programmes as shall be announced by the Central Planning Committee”.
The Governor while explaining the meaning of a leader said “Leaders are set apart by their willingness to swim against the tide, to resist the temptation of taking the well-worn path and striking out on their own, in pursuit of the fullest expression of their destinies.
“Their reward, if they succeed, is in the lives they change, the new ideas they inspire and in the courage they instil in future generations.
“When, however, they fail because nothing is assured when the path is uncertain, they simply push the boundaries of possibilities forward, providing timeless lessons to the next generation of thinkers and visionaries. A leader is, therefore, not just the one who becomes a success story, whose images adorn the front pages of daily newspapers and whose legends we celebrate; they are also found amongst the many who failed in pursuit of noble ideals who refused the safety of timidity and blandness.
“There are, therefore, no guaranteed outcomes in the leadership journey but it helps to be prepared, to be exposed to environments where our assumptions are challenged and to study the differences in outcomes amongst those who set out to do great things”.
Expressing his gratitude to the committee for a job well done, Governor Otti stated that “I am generally impressed with the feedback from multiple sources on the observed changes in the behaviour and mind-set of the recent graduands of the Abia Leadership Academy. I am hopeful that those of you graduating today shall equally present this Academy in the best possible light for you have now been set apart, called for great works and equipped to become role models and pathfinders.
“ I had since directed the Central Planning Committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu to set up a digital community for the alumni, offer continuing mentorship and identify those whose output qualify them for further training opportunities and exposures within and outside the country.
“We are not just going to let you wander off without support, our eyes shall be on all of you and from time to time, many of you shall be invited to special government functions for learning and exposure. You are the future of Abia and we shall nurture and continually prepare you for the responsibilities of leadership.
“My confidence in this regard has been further boosted by the brilliance of your presentations on how to improve our social and economic outcomes across multiple frontiers. Thank you for envisioning what Abia would look like in 2045 and together, we shall achieve greater things in the next 20 years with members of this great class at the driver’s seat”.
