Friends Honour Alex Otti

Intimate friends of Dr. Alex Otti’s, last Sunday, came together to celebrate and rejoice with him, as he marked his birthday. The event, which was well attended, was hosted and sponsored by one of Otti’s friends, Uzoh Kalu at his Ikoyi residence.

Otti, who has always given account of himself in any field, be it academics, entrepreneurship, leadership and the like, is former Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc. Therefore, it was not a surprise to see politicians, captains of industry and oil magnates, come together to shower praises on him. The occasion was indeed a gathering of the Who’s Who in the business world in Nigeria and politics, including members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). The event was attended by Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State with his deputy, Nkem Okeke; former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Ameachi; Senator Victor Umeh; Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote; telecommunications magnate, Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MD Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo, and other distinguished dignitaries.

In their speeches, they all showered encomiums on the former Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc., and former governorship candidate of APGA in Abia State. They all agreed that Otti has capacity to do great things or excel anywhere he finds himself.

In his speech at the birthday, Obiano declared that he had a lot in common with Otti, whom he has known for decades having both worked in the banks. He extolled the virtues of Otti and said he was happy that Otti was towing the same path that he had trodden, leaving the luxury of the bank to serve his people. He wished him well in his endeavours.

In his own speech, Senator Victor Umeh informed the guests that he and his team persuaded Otti to join APGA during the last election because of his conviction that he would impact well on the state. He stated further that in truth Otti won the last election but that losing it may mean that it was not God’s time. In his own words, “that time is next year.”

Umeh said: “I single-handedly brought Alex to APGA. I did this because I saw in him a man capable of righting the wrongs of the past. Alex is mentally equipped to liberate Abians from mis-governance.”

Other speakers that gave goodwill messages included Chief David Onuoha (Bourdex), Chief Chris Nkwonta, Chidi Ajaegbu, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, who traced his relationship with Otti back to the Students’ Union days at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

Amaechi said: “I believe in him. We were in UNIPORT together. His academic brilliance speaks for itself. Alex is one man who is known for excellence. I will call on Abians to work with him.”

Anambra State Deputy Governor, Okeke said: “I have seen men, but Alex has capacity to take his people to the promise land.”

In his goodwill message, Aliko Dangote said, “Otti is not only a good material to govern Abia but also good enough to be at the helm of affairs at the national level.”

Dangote said: “I am a businessman. I have worked with Alex for years now. He is straight forward and dependable. He is my ally. I can vouch for him.”

Virtually all speakers took their turn to eulogise the man they have worked very closely with. According to them, “He is dependable and a pillar of trust.”

Others who took time to eulogise Otti were: MD of Fidelity Bank, former MD of Shell, MD of Shell, Chairman of Fidelity Bank and former Deputy Governor of Central Bank, MD of Providence Bank, former ICAN President, and many others.

In his response, Otti, who was visibly humbled by all the praises on him, pledged to do his best to meet their expectations. On whether he will present himself for election come 2019, the dogged man told all and sundry that he would run.

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