Good Governance Advocate and former Minister of Education, Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, has advised Governor Alex Otti to deploy technology as a veritable tool to transform the Abia State.
Yet a former President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, also advised Otti to heed Ezekwesili’s wise counsel, if he is desirous of success as a governor.
Ezekwesili, who gave the advice Tuesday during a virtual anniversary lecture to mark the 2023 Abia Day celebration and the inauguration of Abia State Orientation Agency (ABSOA), said it is expected a new Abia could evolve through the use of technology.
“Technology is what will transform Abia beyond expectations and make the State a haven for local and foreign investments,” she submitted.
She unequivocally advocate technology-driven economy, which according to her, is in vogue all over the world.
Harping on sound policies, the former minister said that a conducive atmosphere must also be available for economic growth.
Ezekwesili, who said that “a lot is expected from Abia” in view of the huge potentials in human capital and natural resources, urged Otti not to disappoint the people.
She, however, regretted that the State which produced great leaders such as the late Dr M.I Okpara who transformed the former Eastern region, was at a time taken backwards by visionless leaders.
Nonetheless, she expressed optimism that Otti could tow Okpara’s exemplary leadership and even surpass it.
The former minister advised Otti to avoid the mistakes that former governors of the State made, in order to leave a lasting legacy.
She tasked the governor on prudence and public accountability.
In his remarks, former Chairman, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Mazi Ohuabunwa, advised Otti not to copy the ways of bad leaders.
He, however, expressed optimism that a new Abia is on course.