Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described Abia State Governor Alex Otti as "a miracle worker" during a lecture commemorating the governor's two years in office.
The event, themed "Two years of transformation; Sustaining the momentum", featured key insights from former Minister of Finance, Kalu, who encouraged the governor to consider strategic borrowing to expand development projects in the state.
"This man, Alex Otti, is indeed a miracle worker," Obasanjo declared, highlighting the governor's achievements since taking office.
Strategic Borrowing for Development
In his lecture, Kalu emphasized that borrowing for development is not inherently negative when done with the state's interests in mind. "Such borrowing was not bad once it was done in the interest of the state," the octogenarian maintained.
Kalu commended Otti for his numerous projects, noting that he had personally witnessed the completion of some initiatives while others remain in progress. He urged the governor to prioritize value-creating projects that would benefit Abia State in the long term.
Media's Role in Development
The former Finance Minister also highlighted the importance of involving media organizations in the state's development agenda. "The media can help this nation get back to life so don't give them minor roles but give them key roles," Kalu advised.
He stressed that media outlets possess significant power to drive positive change and should be leveraged as strategic partners in governance and development initiatives.
Upholding Rule of Law
Kalu emphasized the importance of adherence to the rule of law, urging the government to lead by example in doing things "rightly and uprightly."
He further stressed the necessity of addressing impunity in society, noting that "a society where impunity reigned was not modernized." The former minister called for appropriate consequences for those who engage in improper conduct to maintain social order and progress.
Governor Otti, who was elected on the Labour Party platform, has been implementing various development initiatives across Abia State since taking office two years ago.
