Alex Chioma Otti, born on February 18, 1965, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. He is a newly elected Governor of Abia State, as well as an economist, banker, investor, and philanthropist.
Otti emerged as the Governor-elect of Abia State, Nigeria, following his successful election under the Labour Party in the gubernatorial elections held on March 17. Hailing from Isiala Ngwa in Abia State, Otti brings his wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.
Before entering politics, Otti served as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Diamond Bank Plc, a renowned retail banking institution in Nigeria. In 2015, he contested for the governorship of Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) party.
The Court of Appeal, which convened in Owerri on December 31, 2015, nullified the election of Okezie Ikpeazu from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared Otti as the rightful winner of Abia State’s governorship elections held on April 11 and April 25.
For those seeking information about Alex Otti’s background, here is a summary of his profile:
- Name: Alex Otti
- Date of Birth: February 18, 1965
- State of Origin: Abia State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Wife: Priscilla Chidinma Otti
- Education: University of Port Harcourt
- Profession: Governor-elect of Abia State, Banker
- Political Party: Labour Party
- Net Worth: $200 Million
This brief overview provides key details about Alex Otti’s life, career, and political journey as the newly elected Governor of Abia State.
Early Life
Born on February 18, 1965, Alex Otti is the son of the late Pastor and Mrs Lazarus Weze Otti. He hails from Umuru, Umuehim village in the Ehi Na Uguru Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, Eastern Nigeria.
Otti completed his secondary education at Ngwa High School in Aba and Okpuala Ngwa Technical School, where he excelled and graduated first in his class. He then proceeded to the University of Port Harcourt, where he obtained a First Class Degree in Economics in 1988. Otti furthered his education and obtained a Masters Degree from the University of Lagos in 1994. He also attended executive development programs at esteemed institutions such as Columbia Business School, Stanford Business School, and Wharton Business School.
Career
Alex Otti’s professional journey began in 1989 when he joined the Nigerian International Bank, a Citibank subsidiary, working in the operating unit. He later worked for Nigerian Intercontinental Bank in various capacities, including the corporate banking department and the treasury and financial services division.
In 1992, Otti joined Merchant Bankers (formerly Societe Bancaire Nigeria Limited) and quickly rose to the position of senior manager. He then moved to the United Bank of Africa (UBA), where he served as the manager in charge of the South Division’s corporate banking business. Otti made significant contributions to the expansion of UBA’s Energy Sector during his tenure. He later joined First Bank of Nigeria, PLC, as an assistant general manager, where he played a key role in developing the bank’s oil and gas business. Otti progressed through the ranks and became an executive director of commercial banking.
In March 2011, Otti assumed the role of Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, following his successful career in various commercial banks in Nigeria. He retired from Diamond Bank in October 2014, with Uzoma Dozie succeeding him as the CEO and Managing Director.
After his retirement from the banking industry, Otti ventured into politics and contested for the governorship of Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in 2015. Although he initially emerged victorious in the gubernatorial elections, the Supreme Court overturned the Court of Appeal’s decision, upholding the election of Okezie Ikpeazu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as Governor in 2016.
Undeterred, Otti ran for re-election as the governor of Abia State on March 11, 2023, this time under the Labour Party. He emerged as the winner of the gubernatorial election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 22.
Personal Life
Alex Otti is happily married to Lady Priscilia Chidinma Otti, and the couple has been blessed with three children.
Net Worth
Alex Otti has accumulated substantial wealth through his career as an economist, banker, investor, and philanthropist. Although his net worth is estimated to be around $200 million by various media outlets, it is important to note that this estimate has not been confirmed by Otti himself. Nevertheless, he is regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in Abia State.
Social Media Presence
To stay updated with Governor Alex Otti’s activities, you can follow him on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. His Instagram handle is @alexottiofr.