Abia State, in Nigeria’s southeast, has long been regarded as a commercial hub yet weighed down by underdeveloped infrastructure, erratic power, and weak governance. The election of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR) as Governor of Abia State in May 2023 was hailed as a reset. Within two years, his administration has embarked on ambitious road rehabilitation, a power supply revolution around Aba, the largest teacher recruitment drive in the state’s history, reforms to clean up revenue collection, and plans for anchor projects such as an International Conference and Exhibition Centre, an airstrip leading to an eventual airport, and a sports and stadium city in Umuahia.
This article takes a deep dive into Otti’s biography, his banking background, how he entered politics, the developments he has executed since becoming governor, the pipeline of projects, and the opportunities he has created for Abians.
Early Life and Education
Alex Chioma Otti was born on February 18, 1965 in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State. He grew up in a modest household but developed an early love for learning and numbers. His secondary education took him through Ngwa High School, Aba, and Secondary Technical School, Okpuala Ngwa, where he consistently ranked among the brightest in his classes.
In 1988, Otti graduated with a First Class in Economics from the University of Port Harcourt. He later earned an MBA in Business Administration from the University of Lagos in 1994. To sharpen his leadership skills, Otti attended several executive programmes at world-renowned institutions including Columbia Business School, Stanford, Wharton, and INSEAD. His academic foundation laid the groundwork for a banking career that would span decades and prepare him for governance.
Banking Career: From Citibank to Diamond Bank CEO
Otti began his banking career in 1989 at the Nigerian International Bank (Citibank) as a graduate trainee. He later joined Intercontinental Merchant Bank before moving to United Bank for Africa (UBA), where he rose through the ranks to become an Executive Director in charge of the South Division. His strong command of strategy and finance earned him a reputation as a turnaround specialist.
In 2011, Otti was appointed the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank. At Diamond, he spearheaded a period of massive retail expansion, invested heavily in digital banking technology, and redefined the bank’s presence in Nigeria’s competitive financial landscape. Under his leadership, Diamond Bank became a household name among SMEs, artisans, and the emerging middle class.
In 2014, Otti voluntarily resigned his position as CEO of Diamond Bank to pursue his passion for public service and governance. It was a bold step that surprised many, but it was consistent with his belief that Nigeria’s greatest problems required the discipline and innovation of private sector leaders in the public space.
Entry into Politics and Election as Governor
Otti first contested the governorship of Abia State in 2015 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Though he mounted a strong challenge, his victory was overturned after a series of legal battles. Undeterred, he returned in 2019 but again faced political headwinds.
In 2022, Otti joined the Labour Party, riding on a nationwide wave of support for reformist candidates. In the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial elections, Otti secured a decisive victory, defeating candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). On May 29, 2023, he was sworn in as the Governor of Abia State.
Governance Philosophy and Leadership Style
Otti’s leadership is rooted in his philosophy of “fix the basics first”. He believes that reliable infrastructure, steady electricity, security, and efficient revenue systems are the foundation of sustainable development. He also embraces transparency, fiscal discipline, and youth empowerment as tools for long-term prosperity.
Unlike many career politicians, Otti projects the image of a technocrat in politics—structured, data-driven, and results-oriented. His speeches are often laced with corporate analogies, reflecting his decades in banking, but his actions focus on practical delivery for ordinary citizens.
Key Achievements Since Becoming Governor
1. Aba Integrated Power Project (Aba IPP)
One of the most transformative developments under Otti is the commissioning of the Aba Integrated Power Project in February 2024. The project, pioneered by Geometric Power, provides 141 megawatts of electricity to nine LGAs around Aba, Nigeria’s commercial capital of small-scale manufacturing. For decades, unreliable power crippled Aba’s famous Ariaria Market and other clusters. With the Aba IPP, artisans, manufacturers, and traders now enjoy more consistent electricity supply, reducing their reliance on expensive generators.
This single project is already revitalizing Aba’s economy and reinforcing Otti’s reputation as the governor who finally delivered power to the people.
2. Road Infrastructure: Port Harcourt Road Aba and Beyond
For years, Port Harcourt Road in Aba symbolized decay, riddled with potholes and flooding. In October 2023, Otti flagged off its reconstruction by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a respected engineering firm. The project includes modern drainage systems, a concrete base, and asphalt layers to withstand heavy use. By 2025, multiple reports confirmed commissioning ceremonies for Port Harcourt Road alongside a slate of 14 newly rehabilitated roads in Aba.
The impact goes beyond beauty. Traders and transporters now save time and money, logistics are smoother, and property values along these corridors are climbing.
3. Education: Recruitment of 5,394 Teachers
In one of the largest recruitment exercises in Abia’s history, Otti’s administration hired 5,394 teachers in 2024. This move not only created jobs for educated youth but also improved teacher-student ratios across primary and secondary schools. For Otti, investing in education means investing in the future workforce and breaking cycles of poverty.
4. Healthcare: Primary Health Centres
The Otti administration has commissioned four fully equipped primary healthcare centres across the state as part of its “Project Ekwueme” programme. These facilities bring healthcare closer to rural communities, reduce maternal and child mortality, and strengthen preventive care. The goal is to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, has access to affordable healthcare services.
5. Revenue Reforms: Ending Multiple Taxation
Abia’s economy, especially in Aba, suffered from multiple taxation and touting, with traders forced to pay illegal levies to different groups. Otti tackled this by imposing a three-month moratorium, disbanding illegal collectors, and creating a Harmonized Task Force. Payments were digitized to prevent leakages, boosting state revenue while easing the burden on small businesses.
6. Security: Trust Fund and Partnerships
To combat insecurity, Otti launched the Abia State Security Trust Fund in partnership with the private sector. The fund finances surveillance equipment, vehicles, and community policing. Improved security is already attracting investors and reassuring residents that no part of Abia will be surrendered to criminals.
Flagship Projects in the Pipeline
International Conference and Exhibition Centre
Otti’s administration is planning a world-class conference centre in Aba with a 2,500-seat main hall, additional auditoriums, and 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. Paired with the revival of the historic Enyimba Hotel, this project is expected to position Abia as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.
Airstrip and Airport Development
The federal government has approved an airstrip project for Abia State, with Otti lobbying for a gradual expansion into a full airport. The strategic aim is to provide better connectivity for trade fairs, investors, and perishable cargo. Critics warn about the costs, but Otti insists on a phased, sustainable approach.
Stadium City in Umuahia
Another ambitious project is the creation of a Stadium City in Umuahia, designed to integrate sports, entertainment, and hospitality infrastructure. This will attract football tournaments, concerts, and tourism, stimulating the hospitality industry while providing recreational opportunities for residents.
Support and Endorsements
Federal Government leaders, including the President and Vice President, have graced project commissioning ceremonies in Abia, signaling endorsement of Otti’s development agenda.
International bodies such as the European Union, United States Embassy, and Afreximbank have praised Abia’s reforms and invested in its projects. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lauded plans for Stadium City, while civil society groups commend Otti for cleaning up Aba’s revenue system.
Youth Empowerment and Opportunities
Otti’s policies have created direct and indirect opportunities for youth:
Employment: The recruitment of 5,394 teachers absorbed thousands of young graduates into the public sector.
Skills Development: On World Youth Skills Day 2025, Otti emphasized digital literacy, vocational training, and entrepreneurship support.
MSME Financing: His government created N2 billion worth of support funds for micro, small, and medium enterprises, especially youth-led businesses.
Ease of Doing Business: Ending touting and digitizing tax payments reduced barriers for young entrepreneurs, transporters, and artisans.
Titles and Honors
Alex Otti holds the national honor of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), one of Nigeria’s highest civilian titles. He has also received several honorary doctorates for his contributions to banking, leadership, and governance.
Conclusion: The Abia Bet
Alex Otti’s journey from a banker to a governor is one of vision, persistence, and reform. In less than two years, he has tackled roads, power, revenue leakages, education, and healthcare, while laying out plans for air transport, conference tourism, and sports infrastructure.
His philosophy of fixing the basics first is resonating with citizens who see visible results. The coming years will test whether he can sustain fiscal discipline and complete his ambitious projects. If successful, Otti could leave a legacy as the governor who transformed Abia into a modern economic hub in Nigeria’s Southeast.
