Abia Leadership Academy: Strategic Institution for Training Future Leaders, Says Governor

Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has launched the Abia State Leadership Academy, positioning it as a strategic institution dedicated to imparting ethics, values, and practical leadership skills to the state's youth. Governor Otti emphasized the importance of engaging the younger generation early, stating, "We are committed to getting it right with the younger generation. Otherwise, our wider development efforts will be in jeopardy."

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We are committed to getting it right with the younger generation. Otherwise, our wider development efforts will be in jeopardy.

The governor, represented by his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, spoke at the opening of the 2026 Youth Leadership Bootcamp. This year's program saw an overwhelming response, with 1,000 participants selected from more than 7,000 applicants. The training, held annually at Government College, Umuahia, since the current administration took power, underscores the youth's eagerness for genuine change and their trust in the administration's commitment to deliver it.

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This year’s programme is particularly significant, with 1,000 participants selected from more than 7,000 applicants. That response tells us our young people are hungry for genuine transformation, and they trust this administration to deliver it.

For the 2026 cohort, the academy has partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, an institution recognized globally and affiliated with the World Bank, Goldman Sachs, and MasterCard. Governor Otti urged the selected participants to approach the training with humility, engage actively, build meaningful relationships, and apply their learning to positively influence their schools, communities, and the state.

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For 2026, we’ve partnered with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, a global-standard institution with ties to the World Bank, Goldman Sachs, and MasterCard.

Pastor Mrs. Eno Jerry-Eze, facilitator of the program and Chairman of the Abia State Civil Service Commission, represented by Rev. Mrs. Ifeoma Agu, described the bootcamp as an opportunity for youths to embrace civic responsibility. She encouraged participants to be determined to use the lessons learned to improve their lives and effect the change they desire. The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, delivered a lecture on 'The Demands of Stewardship,' highlighting the governor's investment in young leaders as a strategic move for the state's future and a lasting legacy that will shape future generations.

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I urge you to learn with humility, participate actively, build meaningful relationships and, most importantly, use what you learn to positively influence your schools, communities and State.