Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed the strategy behind the successful execution of massive infrastructural projects under his administration. In a candid conversation with journalists, the governor explained that his approach is rooted in what he describes as "financial engineering" — a method he refers to as his personal “Otumokpo”, a word that loosely translates to spiritual skill or traditional power in the Igbo language.
Otti clarified that while many have speculated about the sources of the state’s funds, especially given the scale of work being carried out, his real secret lies in a blend of sound financial management and the goodwill he has earned over time. He noted that when people repeatedly ask where the money is coming from, his response has always been simple yet cryptic: “That is my trade secret, my own Otumokpo. It is called financial engineering.”
According to him, this approach is deeply rooted in trust, credibility, and the ability to keep one’s word. He stated that having a reliable track record has enabled him to secure partnerships and funding without upfront payments. He recounted an incident involving construction giant Julius Berger, where the company commenced a major road project in Abia State without receiving any initial payment — a rarity in the industry.
Otti revealed that during a visit from the company’s former managing director, who introduced his successor to the governor, he was praised for being the first governor since the 1960s to get Julius Berger to mobilise to a site without upfront mobilisation. The company’s former boss even admitted that not only did the Otti-led administration meet the agreed payment schedule, but it also surpassed expectations by paying faster and exceeding the financial terms within a span of three to four months.
He explained that financial institutions and contractors are more likely to trust a leader who has demonstrated competence and reliability. In his words, “When you have a track record, people who have worked with you in the past are more likely to believe in your capacity to deliver. So when I say start work, they know I will not fail.”
Governor Otti added that this reputation allows him to initiate new projects without immediate funds because partners trust his word and are confident they will be paid. “So that is what track record does,” he said, reinforcing the idea that leadership built on integrity can achieve more with fewer resources.
He concluded by saying that the rest of his success formula remains part of his own "Otumokpo", a personal mystery that continues to shape the transformation of Abia State. His comments have stirred admiration and curiosity among the public, sparking conversations on innovative leadership and fiscal discipline in governance.
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