Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says Abia Leadership Academy was set up to groom young Abians on principles of leadership that would promote morality and socially acceptable values that make societies to work.
Governor Otti gave the explanation during the graduation and send-off ceremony of the first batch and pioneer class of the Abia Leadership Academy, cohort one, who have successfully completed the seven-day intensive leadership training organised for teens aged between 16 to 20 years at Government College, Umuahia.
In his speech titled: “A New Pedestal,” Governor Otti noted that quality of dealers have direct impact on the development of society. “Societies and institutions fail and succeed on the strength of the investments they make in leadership development…. One constant feature in most underdeveloped communities is the quality of leadership,” the Governor said, adding that “leadership is developed by challenging the mind, changing its present state and consciously chasing the dreams that we hold dear.”
“That is the philosophy and foundational principles of the Abia Leadership Academy,” he said.
The Governor rued the decay in society, blaming it on the refusal of leaders to uphold values and interrogate what is socially repugnant, emphasizing that the leadership training for Abia youths was to redirect their psyche and mental energy to values and standards that once defined the communities.
“The Abia leadership Academy has been set up to begin the process of returning us to the ideals that made us distinct as a people in the wider human community.
“We are committed to getting it right with the younger generation, otherwise, our wider development efforts will be in jeopardy.
“We are particular about developing the leadership attitude of our young ones, guiding them to think broadly and deeply to understand the values of empathy and good neighbourliness,” the Governor added.
He expressed satisfaction with the participants’ “output, good behaviour, and enthusiasm,” saying that he is proud of what they have achieved and congratulated them on skills they have acquired, urging them “not to raise shoulders in arrogance, but to elevate their vision.”
Governor Otti told his audience that the 1,000 graduates from the academy would be sent to various secondary and tertiary institutions to share what they have learnt to other young people, stressing that the target was to train thousands of young people on leadership skills over the next few years.
In her remarks, the Chairman of Abia State Civil Service Commission and member of the Abia Leadership Academy Organising Committee, Pastor Eno Jerry-Eze, described the programme as historic, saying that, with the Abia Leadership Academy initiative, Abia was raising a critical mass of young leaders who believe that change is possible.
“This moment is indeed epochal because we are not just producing graduates, we are raising a critical mass of young leaders who believe that change is possible and who are equipped to drive it.
“Today, through this academy, we present a hub for young people who, beyond conventional education, have been equipped with future-proof skills, a rich, solution-driven curriculum that empowers them to become leaders of thought, policy, and innovation,” Pastor Jerry – Eze stated.
Highlighting the content of the programme, the Lead Consultant and Programme Director, Mr. Johnson Abali, thanked the Governor for his bold move to plant leadership skills in the young people and described the programme as an investment.
Mr. Abali informed the Governor that the participants were divided into five ports and groups, so that they can have an immense learning experience, saying “they have been immersed in leadership lessons, exposed to critical thinking frameworks, and challenged to imagine Abia in 2045.”
Some of the participants including Clinton Salvation, Divine Okezie, Oluomachi Favour Otum, among others, while thanking the Governor for the opportunity given them to be trained, described the training at the academy as life-changing experience grounded on inspiration and confidence.
