Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, marked his two-year anniversary in office with a reflective lecture series, emphasizing fiscal prudence and strategic borrowing as key tenets of his administration’s economic policy. During the event held in Umuahia, Governor Otti engaged in a dialogue with the guest lecturer, Dr. Idika Kalu, a former Finance Minister, addressing concerns about the state’s financial management and outlining his vision for sustainable growth. While acknowledging the potential benefits of borrowing for development projects, Governor Otti underscored his commitment to responsible fiscal practices, asserting that borrowing would only be considered when absolutely necessary and strategically aligned with the state’s long-term development goals. This cautious approach, he explained, is crucial for instilling financial discipline and laying a solid foundation for future progress.
Governor Otti’s commitment to fiscal responsibility extended to prioritizing the welfare of workers and pensioners. He highlighted his administration’s consistent payment of salaries and pensions, arguing that this practice not only fulfills a moral obligation but also stimulates the local economy by injecting much-needed funds into circulation. Furthermore, the governor stressed the importance of institutionalizing the reforms initiated during his first two years in office. He envisions the remaining two years of his term as a period dedicated to solidifying these reforms and establishing Abia State as a hub of innovative ideas. This commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation, he believes, is essential for sustained growth and progress.
The anniversary lecture, titled “Two years of transformation; Sustaining the momentum,” provided a platform for an open assessment of the administration’s achievements, challenges, and future direction. Dr. Kalu, the esteemed lecturer, offered valuable insights and recommendations to guide the state’s development trajectory. While advocating for strategic borrowing to finance value-creating projects, he cautioned against reckless borrowing and emphasized the importance of aligning borrowed funds with projects that generate tangible benefits for the state. He also underscored the critical role of the media in driving positive change and urged Governor Otti to leverage the media’s influence in development initiatives.
Dr. Kalu’s recommendations extended beyond financial management to encompass broader governance principles. He urged the governor to uphold the rule of law and set a strong example of ethical conduct, emphasizing that accountability and transparency are essential for building public trust and fostering a just society. Furthermore, he stressed the need to combat impunity and hold individuals accountable for wrongdoing. In his view, a society that tolerates impunity cannot be considered truly modernized. He commended Governor Otti on the progress made thus far, acknowledging the numerous completed and ongoing projects, and encouraged the administration to maintain this momentum in the years ahead.
Governor Otti expressed his gratitude to Dr. Kalu for accepting the invitation to deliver the anniversary lecture, highlighting the importance of engaging in honest self-assessment and seeking external perspectives to refine strategies and enhance performance. He reiterated his commitment to fostering a culture of open dialogue and continuous improvement within his administration, recognizing that these are essential ingredients for achieving sustainable transformation. The governor’s emphasis on fiscal discipline, strategic investment, and good governance reflects a long-term vision for Abia State – a vision built on the principles of accountability, transparency, and sustainable development.
The dialogue between Governor Otti and Dr. Kalu provided valuable insights into the complex challenges and opportunities facing Abia State. It underscored the importance of balancing fiscal prudence with strategic investments in projects that generate economic growth and improve the lives of citizens. The emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law further reinforces the commitment to building a more just and prosperous society. The anniversary lecture served not only as a commemoration of past achievements but also as a roadmap for future progress, guiding Abia State towards a sustainable and transformative path.
