The upscale Ikoyi residence of Dr. Desmond Chima Anyaso turned into a beacon of Igbo excellence on Saturday, January 25, 2025, as prominent billionaires, technocrats, and politicians gathered to honor Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, of Abia State.
The event, which resembled a grand celebration of Southeast progress, brought together notable figures, including the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party gubernatorial candidate for Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Ebonyi State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Odii. Leading business moguls in attendance included Allen Onyema (Air Peace), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo (United Nigeria Airlines), Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest), Ngozi Ekeoma (NEPAL Group), Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (Obi Jackson, Nestoil), Oliver Alawuba (UBA), and Joseph Eze Okafor (Jowizazaa), among others.
In his welcome speech, Dr. Anyaso attributed the overwhelming turnout to Governor Otti’s exemplary leadership in Abia State. He described the event as a New Year visit, reflecting the shared optimism and camaraderie among attendees.
Several prominent speakers, including Chief UD Kalu, Chike Okoroafor, Chief Charles Ahize, and Ngozi Ekeoma, commended Governor Otti for his transformative leadership.
Chief UD Kalu remarked, “Before now, we were not proud to say we are from Abia State, but today, the story has changed. We are proud of what you are doing, and we are now proud Abians.”
Similarly, Ngozi Ekeoma quoted the Bible, stating, “We now know the difference because, before, we were blind, but now we can see.” She urged the governor to maintain his pace and continue prioritizing development.
In his address, Governor Alex Otti expressed gratitude to Dr. Anyaso and his wife for hosting the event and acknowledged the massive support from attendees. Reflecting on his administration’s efforts, he emphasized the importance of intentional governance, highlighting that leadership failures often stem from the top.
“If you get it right from the top, you can get everything else right. Our administration is committed to ensuring that Abia State’s resources work for its people. When the head is not stealing, it becomes difficult for others down the line to steal,” Governor Otti stated.
Addressing opposition within the state, Otti likened them to people whose “mouths have been removed from the feeding bottle,” indicating that their resistance is a reaction to the disruption of corrupt practices. He assured attendees that the majority of Abians—95%—support his administration’s agenda for progress.
Concluding the event, Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, praised Governor Otti’s performance, stating that visible opposition is often a sign of good governance.
“As I came here, I spoke to some people, and they said the reason they came to see you this evening is because you’re performing. Governor Otti is doing well, and we must support him to do more,” Obi remarked. He encouraged Otti to prioritize the welfare of the poor, noting that the rich can fend for themselves.
The evening was a testament to the unity and shared vision of Igbo leaders, business moguls, and technocrats, all rallying behind Governor Alex Otti’s transformative leadership in Abia State.
