UMUAHIA – The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has charged participants of the Abia Leadership Academy to embrace integrity, accountability, discipline and selfless service as essential qualities for effective leadership and sustainable development.
Pastor Ajagba gave the charge while delivering a lecture titled “The Demands of a Faithful Steward” at Government College, Umuahia, during the ongoing Abia Leadership Academy cohort 4.
He maintained that anyone entrusted with responsibility must demonstrate faithfulness, honesty, wisdom, humility and a strong sense of accountability.
The Chief of Staff emphasized the importance of leaders taking ownership of their responsibilities, keeping their word, showing initiative, paying attention to details and remaining committed to providing solutions rather than creating problems.
He further noted that effective leadership requires continuous learning, adequate preparation and the ability to examine societal challenges from different perspectives.
Pastor Ajagba applauded Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the remarkable transformation taking place across the state, citing the establishment of smart schools and the strengthening of primary healthcare centres as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the people.
He said the Governor’s vision and commitment to good governance had restored confidence and respect for Abia State.
Pastor Ajagba also advised the participants to be deliberate about the company they keep, resist peer pressure and build relationships that strengthen their values and aspirations.
According to him, leadership is not merely about occupying a position, but about earning the trust of others through consistent character, compassion, courage, excellence and selfless service.
In her remarks, one of the participants, Miss Divine-Favour Nwankpa, appreciated the state government for providing the opportunity to participate in the leadership academy.
She noted that the lecture has broadened her understanding of responsible leadership and reinforced the importance of integrity and accountability in public service.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the President of the Abia Leadership Academy, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, Mr Dodoh Okafor, thanked Governor Otti for creating a platform to equip young Abians with the knowledge, values and skills required for purposeful leadership.
Mr Okafor said the initiative will help the participants contribute meaningfully to the development of the state, while also expressing appreciation to Pastor Ajagba for the insightful lecture.
The lecture featured question-and-answer sessions during which participants engaged the Chief of Staff on various issues relating to leadership, responsibility and public service.
