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Meet Alex Otti: A Top Nigeria economist turn Governor
Alex Otti’s journey in politics and banking showcases his resilience and determination to make a positive impact in Abia State
Who is Alex Otti?
Alex Otto, a Nigerian economist, banker, investor, philanthropist, and politician, is the current Governor of Abia State in Nigeria. Before becoming Governor, he held the position of Group Managing Director at Diamond Bank Plc.
Alex Otti Biography and Education
Alex Otti was born in Umuru, Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, he grew up in a family of Pastor and Mrs. Lazarus Weze Otti. He attended Ngwa High School and Secondary Technical School in Abia State for his secondary education.
Continuing his studies, Otti pursued an economics degree at the University of Port Harcourt, graduating with First Class honors in 1988. He later obtained an MBA from the University of Lagos in 1994. Otti’s quest for knowledge led him to attend prestigious international programs at Columbia Business School, Stanford Business School, Wharton Business School, and INSEAD.
In recognition of his contributions, he received honorary doctorate degrees from Babcock University in 2009, the University of Port Harcourt in 2012, and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2013.
Alex Otti Career
Alex Otti’s career in the banking sector began in 1989 at the Nigerian International Bank, a subsidiary of Citibank New York. Initially working in the Operations Department, and moved on to the Nigerian Intercontinental Merchant Bank Ltd. He excelled in various roles within the Treasury, Financial Services, and Corporate Banking divisions. His success led him to join Societe Bancaire Nigeria Ltd, where he quickly rose to Senior Manager.
Furthermore, Otti’s career path took him to the United Bank for Africa (UBA), where he held the role of Principal Manager responsible for the growth of the Bank’s Oil and Gas business in the South Division. His outstanding performance led to promotions, including Assistant General Manager and later Deputy General Manager at First Bank of Nigeria, PLC. As an Executive Director, Otti oversaw numerous branches across the South-South and South Eastern regions.
Moreover, Otti’s expertise and leadership abilities caught the attention of Diamond Bank, where he served as Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. Under his guidance, the bank underwent a significant transformation.
Additionally, Otti enhanced his knowledge by participating in executive development programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, Stanford Business School, and Wharton Business School.
How Alex Otti a Top Nigeria Economist Turns Governor
Despite his successful career in banking, Otti made a bold decision to pursue a career in politics, resigning from Diamond Bank to contest the governorship position of Abia State in 2015 under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)
The Court of Appeal declared him the winner, removing Okezie Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor. However, the Supreme Court later overturned this decision in February 2016.
In May 2022, Otti withdrew from the APC governorship primary election, citing concerns about pre-determined outcomes.
Shortly after, he joined the Labour Party and secured the governorship ticket. Otti pledged to reclaim his mandate and emerged victorious in the March 2023 Abia State Gubernatorial Elections.
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