The Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD) on 26 February 2026 paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, CFR, at the Government House, Umuahia.
The delegation, led by the President of FOSAD, Dr. Stephen Anayochukwu Nwala, and accompanied by the Secretary General, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, was received on behalf of the Governor by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole.
In his remarks, Governor Otti urged members of FOSAD to uphold integrity, professionalism, and ethical responsibility in the discharge of their duties. He described academic doctors as role models in governance and society, emphasizing that their intellectual influence carries significant responsibility in shaping public discourse and policy direction.
The Governor commended the Forum for its commitment to professional excellence and for recognizing what he described as the dividends of good governance. He noted that good governance remains the bedrock of democracy and reiterated that the primary purpose of government is to guarantee the security and welfare of citizens. Governor Otti expressed appreciation for the Certificate of Excellence presented to him by the Forum and encouraged members to continue supporting the present administration in its efforts to reposition Abia State.
Earlier in his address, the President of FOSAD, Dr. Stephen Anayochukwu Nwala, stated that the purpose of the visit was to commend Governor Otti for what the Forum considers impactful and transformative leadership since the inception of his administration. He explained that FOSAD, as an umbrella body of doctoral degree holders across the South-East geopolitical zone, operates as a non-partisan and research-driven civil society organisation dedicated to advancing socio-economic and political development in the region.
Dr. Nwala disclosed that in late 2025, the Forum conducted a comprehensive survey using digital platforms to assess governance performance across the South-East. The survey captured responses from stakeholders within the region and from members of the diaspora. According to him, the outcome of the exercise ranked Governor Otti as the Best Performing Governor in the South-East. He stressed that the recognition was evidence-based and reflective of measurable improvements recorded across key sectors.
The Forum further informed the Secretary to the State Government that it seeks to deepen institutional engagement with the Abia State Government. In this regard, FOSAD appealed for the allocation of a parcel of land or a suitable building within the state for the establishment of its permanent secretariat. The Forum noted that such support would strengthen its operational capacity and position Abia as a hub of intellectual leadership and policy engagement within the South-East.
Dr. Nwala reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to transparency, research-based advocacy, and constructive collaboration with governments and stakeholders. He emphasized that FOSAD remains independent in thought and non-partisan in orientation, guided solely by principles, empirical evidence, and the collective good of the region.
Also speaking during the visit, members reiterated their readiness to contribute intellectual expertise, policy simulations, and research-driven recommendations to support sustainable development in Abia State and across the South-East.
A major highlight of the event was the formal presentation of a Certificate of Excellence to Governor Otti in recognition of the outcome of the Forum’s 2025 governance performance survey. The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Godwin Okezuo.
FOSAD) expresses profound gratitude to the following distinguished members who, despite their demanding professional schedules, attended the courtesy visit:
- Prof. Chinedum E. Nwadighoha – Abia
- Dr. Mathew Chiazor Onwukwe – Imo
- Dr. Catherine Eneh Amoge – Enugu
- Dr. Blessing Agbo – Enugu
- Dr. Chinyere Ihisota – Imo
- Dr. Nnadozie Ozurumba – Abia
- Dr. Justice I. Justice – Abia
- Dr. Nzelu Alochukwu – Abia
- Dr. Oluchi Chris Ekeugo – Enugu
- Dr. Ojiri Iheanyichukwu – Abia
- Dr. Chioma Nwosu Chukwudi – Imo
- Dr. Linus Nnam Okoroafor – Abia
- Dr. Ifegwu L. Ezeikpe – Abia
- Dr. Stephen Anayochukwu Nwala – Abia
- Dr. Uzor Ngoladi – Anambra
