Gov. Otti Orders MDAs to Prioritize Capacity Building, Launches Youth Mentorship Initiative

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged all Commissioners and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to roll out comprehensive training and capacity-building programmes tailored to their organizational needs.

The directive came during his closing remarks at the end of the Abia State Q2 2025 Executive Council Strategy Retreat held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia.

Governor Otti emphasized that strategic capacity development remains central to his administration’s drive for excellence in public service delivery. He stated that consistent training and mentorship are crucial for transforming staff into more efficient and visionary employees.

“One central takeaway from this meeting is the importance of training and mentorship—supporting individuals to become better versions of themselves in order to become better employees and subordinates,” the Governor noted.

He instructed that the capacity-building plans must incorporate critical learning areas including ICT, Communication, Stakeholder Management, and Value Creation, aligning with the mandates of each MDA. While encouraging the use of internal facilitators, he also approved the engagement of external experts where necessary.

The Governor made it clear that participation would be mandatory, stressing that any staff who fails to take part should face disciplinary measures. He also ordered that assessment metrics be designed and linked to performance appraisals, while periodic reports be submitted for review.

In a move aimed at grooming the next generation of leaders, Dr. Otti announced plans to extend the mentorship initiative to young people in Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions across Abia State. He directed the Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission to design a model that will train 1,000 youths aged 16–20 during the upcoming long vacation in August and September.

“The programme should focus on leadership development, character building, and self-discovery—going beyond the traditional school curriculum,” Otti explained.

“It should be structured to transform young minds, expose them to new thinking, and prepare them for future leadership roles.”

He said the initiative would be institutionalized, conducted periodically, and properly certificated.

Reiterating the administration’s belief in youth potential, Governor Otti described young people as Abia’s greatest asset and pledged sustained investment in both traditional and modern avenues of learning.

He concluded by commending the retreat organizers, development partners, and members of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council for their contributions and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to delivering major infrastructural projects across the state.

“Building a new Abia is our collective project,” he affirmed, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained from the retreat to drive productivity and performance in their various MDAs.