By Livinus Ukah
On his first day in office, Governor Alex Otti made statements that had transforming effects on his state, Abia. He convincingly said that he would transform the state to the attraction of the global world and, seeing what he is already doing, we can say that he is keeping to his word.
Since assumption of office, he stopped the dumping of refuse in Umuahia and Aba, awarded some of the dilapidated roads to contractors for construction, and made strategic moves to revive the nose-diving commercial hub of the state, Aba, and so on. These things promote business and easy transportation of people, goods and services across the state. Now, pedestrians can walk and breathe freely without perceiving the offensive odor oozing from the refuse heaps that could make a foreigner see the state in bad light. These things are common in many states of the nation, including cosmopolitan Lagos State.
I have not seen him in person but I have seen him on the pages of newspaper and judged him from what he said. People say that seeing is believing and the projects he has started make me believe him. I am going to believe him again with his marvelous statement on Aba and his move to make Aba great again through putting some measures in place, such as creating a special vehicle for the city and relieving the traders from burdensome levies. That is not all. Otti has also commenced free medical services for different categories of Abians across the state.
As a child, I saw Aba as a city that could be a big commercial hub of Africa and I used to see many indigenous Nigerians showcase their skills and handworks, which made many people feel that they were made oversees because of their great quality. To some cynical Nigerians, however, it would take the heaven and earth to convince them on the beaming quality of these made-in-Nigeria products. Nigerians have hang- ups on foreign products at the expense of their indigenous products. We see it in the actions of the federal government and most of the state governments as they prefer to patronize foreign vehicle companies rather than patronizing our very own Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM) company. Our leaders don’t show pride and appreciation to our very own Innoson Motors. Patronizing foreign vehicle companies at the expense of the good quality home-based vehicle companies makes one believe that they are suffering from inferiority complex.
Any economy that wants to survive must promote its ailing economy through supporting local manufacturers. That was how China and other developed countries started. Previously, we used to run down Chinese products as inferior, while we don’t even manufacture toothpick, but now China’s products have invaded Nigeria. China is now among the top five economies of the world. This is because the Chinese are nationalistic, they believe in their nation and love what is manufactured there. In Nigeria, it is an uphill task to appreciate or promote products made by other tribes. Tribalism makes us unaccommodating of products from other tribes. Appreciating and accepting made-in-Nigeria products such as cars, Adire, etc, will help exhume the economy from its chaotic state and lead to its growth. Appreciation and use of these home-made products can attract foreign investors and Nigerians should promote them without attaching any tribal cynicism, as it creates a bad business atmosphere for investors as well as our local manufactures. We have suffered from hashtags on products that leads us on whether to buy a product or not. If it is made in England, we won’t hesitate to buy it, provided we have the money. Some can buy any foreign product and be happy but good Nigerians buy products made in Nigeria to promote the economy. Otti is a good Nigerian. He bought vehicles for government from Innoson Motors to boost the ailing economy. If the economy of the state is good, it will also affect the federal economy because what affects the state also affects the federal government.
A good leader knows and understands the plight and struggle of his people. He doesn’t have to feel inferior about his home currency or buy foreign products at the expense of his home currency. At this time of fuel subsidy removal, the three arms of government are still buying expensive foreign cars. What a burden on our economy! Otti is an epitome of what a good leader should be. Many governors are reeling out their achievements since their 100 days in office but that of Otti has impressed on me an indelible mark that he will transform Aba to the glorious economic hub, which it was, and I am very anxious to see it happen. If he succeeds in restoring Aba to its glorious height, many investors, both southeasterners and people from other parts of the nation, will invest in the development of the state.
In conclusion, Otti has started well and I believe he will end well. He is a servant-leader who has the people at heart. I cannot forget the wonderful and stimulating statement of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida on his visit to Aba while he was still Head of State. He called Aba the “Japan of Africa” and Otti is taking steps to fulfill this. His acolytes as well as the entire people of the state have to stand by him to help him fulfill this mission.
• Msgr. Ukah writes from Lagos
