The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, on Friday, September 11, 2026, served as Chief Presenter at the public presentation of a book titled “Quest for Green” authored by an Octogenarian, Dr. Godswills S. Ihetu, former MD/CEO – Nigeria LNG.
The book provides an account of the changing climate and global adaptation efforts. Governor Otti, who edited the book, joined other eminent Nigerians at the event. The high point was the formal unveiling of the book by the Governor.
In his remarks, the author, Dr. Ihetu, who just turned 86, traced the origin of the book to an article Dr. Otti wrote on the back page of ThisDay on September 13, 2021, where he took up the issue of Gas and Climate Change. Dr. Ihetu said he wrote a rejoinder which the Governor graciously published in his column the next fortnight. A debate was thereby opened as more articles on Climate Change featured in the column, leading up to the one on COP 26 titled “Of Glass Houses, Stones and Glasgow” published at the end of November 2021 by Dr. Otti.
The Governor explained that climate change is no longer an issue of debate, citing the absence of harmattan towards the end of last year and early this year as evidence.
“Climate change is already with us. The debate is no longer whether it exists. It is about net-zero targets, climate justice, cost and funding of the transition,” Gov. Otti stated.
On transition, Governor Otti noted that Abia State has commenced the shift to clean energy with the deployment of 40 electric buses, with 30 more on the way. He added that the State targets 100 electric buses by the end of Q1 2027.
Governor Otti explained that electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines, making maintenance easier, and highlighted innovations like battery swap technology that address charging concerns.
Governor Otti further stressed the need to maximize revenue from existing natural resources before they become stranded assets, and called for deliberate policies to ensure a just and funded transition.
The Governor commended Dr. Ihetu for the book and Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili for her contributions, and urged Nigerians to not only acquire copies but to read and implement the ideas therein.
To drive reading culture in government, Governor Otti disclosed that copies of the book will be distributed to members of the Abia State Executive Council, with assigned reviews at subsequent EXCO meetings to ensure engagement.
The Governor was joined at the unveiling by Dr. Mrs. Oby Ezekwesili, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Imo Itsueli, Former Minister Don Etiebet, CEO of AMNI Petroleum, Chief Tunde Afolabi, and Dr. Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, among other dignitaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
September 12, 2026.
