Alex Otti
Alex Otti | |
|---|---|
| Born | February 18, 1965 Umuru Umuehim, Isialangwa South, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, banker, investor, philanthropist, politician |
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Known for | Governor of Abia State; former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc |
Alex Chioma Otti (born 18 February 1965) is a Nigerian economist, banker, investor, philanthropist, and political figure currently holding the office of Governor of Abia State. Hailing from Umuru Umuehim in Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Otti previously served as the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s prominent retail banking institutions. He initially vied for the governorship of Abia under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) banner and was declared the winner of the April 2015 election by the Court of Appeal on 31 December 2015. This decision was later reversed by the Supreme Court on 3 February 2016, which upheld his rival’s victory.
Otti is a contributor to Thisday, where he sits on the editorial board and authors a biweekly column entitled "Outside The Box."
In May 2022, he departed from the All Progressive Congress to join the Labour Party. There, he was unanimously named the party’s candidate for the 2023 gubernatorial race. Otti emerged victorious in that election, defeating the PDP candidate Okey Ahiwe, with results officially announced by Nnenna Oti, the returning officer representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (Nigeria).
Early life and education
Born into the family of the late Pastor and Mrs. Lazarus Weze Otti in Umuru, Umuehim village within Ehi Na Uguru Ancient Kingdom, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State, Otti completed his secondary schooling at Ngwa High School, Aba and Secondary Technical School, Okpuala Ngwa, graduating as the top student in his cohort. He earned a First Class honors degree in economics from the University of Port Harcourt in 1988.
He subsequently obtained an MBA from the University of Lagos in 1994 and pursued executive education programs at Columbia Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton Business School (University of Pennsylvania), and INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France.
Otti has been conferred honorary doctorate degrees by Babcock University (2009), the University of Port Harcourt (2012), and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2013).
Career
Otti launched his banking career in 1989 at Nigerian International Bank, a subsidiary of Citibank New York, working within operations. He moved on to Nigerian Intercontinental Merchant Bank Ltd where he managed treasury functions, financial services, and corporate banking activities. In 1992, he joined Societe Bancaire Nigeria Limited (Merchant Bankers), affiliated with Banque SBA Paris, advancing to senior manager. Later, at United Bank for Africa (UBA), he held the position of principal manager responsible for corporate banking in the South Division with a focus on developing oil and gas sector clientele.
In May 2001, Otti joined First Bank of Nigeria PLC as assistant general manager tasked with growing the Energy Sector portfolio. His career progression saw him promoted to deputy general manager in 2004 followed by executive director of commercial banking in 2005. He eventually became executive director overseeing the South Directorate, managing over 140 branches across Nigeria’s South-South and South Eastern zones.
March 2011 marked Otti’s appointment as group managing director and CEO of Diamond Bank where he spearheaded significant organizational transformation. His leadership mandate was renewed for an additional three years in March 2014. On October 24, 2014, he voluntarily stepped down from Diamond Bank, with Uzoma Dozie succeeding him as GMD and CEO.
Personal life
Otti belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is married to Priscilla Otti, and together they have three children.