By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The 2nd Annual Otivism Lecture Series, held at Zeus Paradise Hotels, Mabushi, on September 5, 2025, in Abuja, brought together political leaders, civil society actors, academics, and family members to honor Dr. Otive Igbuzor, a renowned advocate for inclusive governance, as he marked his 62nd birthday.
Themed “Ideology and the Quest for Inclusive Governance in Nigeria,” the event was more than a birthday celebration, it was a rallying call for transformative leadership, policy direction, and a legacy of justice and equity.
“Otive Represents Leadership, Strategy, and Development” – Dr. Austin Aigbe
In his welcome address, Dr. Austin Aigbe, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, described Dr. Igbuzor as a rare combination of strategist, leader, teacher, columnist, comrade, and pastor.
“Otive is not just a person, he is an ideology. As Nigeria navigates its complex socio-political and economic challenges, this lecture spotlights the critical role of shared values in nation-building,” Aigbe noted.
He announced that the Otivism Lecture Series will be held every September 5 until 2045, with thematic focuses ranging from public governance to democracy and reform.
Upcoming lecture themes include:
2026 – Otivism and the Nation
2027 – Otivism and Public Governance
2028 – Otivism, Law, and Social Justice
2029 – Otivism, Change, and Reform
2030 – Otivism and Democracy, until 2045.
In His Goodwill Message, Ihonvbere Calls for Women’s Inclusion in Politics
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and Chair of the Occasion, praised Dr. Igbuzor’s wisdom and historical insight. He condemned the persistent marginalization of women in politics, promising continued advocacy for reserved seats for women in the National Assembly.
“Dr. Otive Igbuzor is a man full of wisdom, and this nation owes him a debt of gratitude,” he said, wishing the celebrant many more fruitful years.
Voices of Praise: A Leader Worth Celebrating
Speakers at the event included Monday Osasah, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), Dr. Igbuzor’s wife, his son, and others who paid glowing tributes to his commitment to human capital development.
Panelists Demand Shift Towards Institutional Integrity
The lecture featured a dynamic panel discussion that addressed the importance of building strong institutions, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of inclusive governance.
Panelists called for:
Active roles for individuals in governance
Transparent social movements
Political parties rooted in activism
Inclusion of all ethnicities and regions
Frameworks that leave no one behind
Dr. Otive Igbuzor: “Inclusive Governance Is Not Optional”
Responding with heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Igbuzor emphasized that the lecture series is not just about celebration but a pursuit of justice, equity, and inclusive governance.
“Nigeria’s challenges are rooted in elite capture and the exclusion of the majority. Inclusive governance is the bedrock of national stability and cohesion,” he stated.
“I’m a Socialist — And I Don’t Apologize for It”
Dr. Igbuzor affirmed his ideological stance:
“My ideological positioning is socialism, and I do not apologize for it. Nigeria must intentionally adopt an inclusive ideology — one that brings women, youth, persons with disabilities, and the poor into decision-making.”
Reflecting on his journey at 62, Dr. Igbuzor declared:
“Legacy is what matters to me, not titles or positions. I desire to leave behind a legacy of service to God and humanity, anchored on policies of justice and equity.”
As Otivism evolves into a movement of ideas and influence, this year’s edition reminded attendees of the power of ideology, inclusion, and leadership in shaping Nigeria’s future, a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to those principles.
Otivism as a Pathway to Inclusive Governance: Dr. Iroro Izu Advocates for Actionable Ideology in Nigeria and Africa
At the Second Annual Otivism Lecture held in Abuja at Zeus Paradise Hotels, Mabushi, to mark the 62nd birthday of Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Dr. Iroro Izu, a senior lecturer at Nile University, delivered a compelling paper advocating for inclusive governance through the lens of Otivism, an emerging ideological framework championed by Dr. Igbuzor.
In his presentation, Dr. Izu decried the global and African crises of exclusion, particularly the marginalization of women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance and policy-making. Despite global frameworks like the SDGs and MDGs, inclusivity remains largely cosmetic in many countries, especially in Africa, where patriarchy, tokenism, and structural barriers still prevail.
He cited countries such as Rwanda, South Africa, and Namibia as relatively progressive, while condemning Nigeria’s ranking, despite being Africa’s largest democracy, as being on par with unstable states like Sudan and Somalia.
Central to Dr. Izu’s paper was the concept of Otivism, described as a pragmatic and action-oriented ideology built on seven pillars: Organizing, Transparency, Inclusivity, Value Re-orientation, Integrated Development, Strategic Reset, and Mentorship. Unlike ideologies associated with extremism or chaos, Otivism emphasizes creative action, social equity, and people-centered policies.
Dr. Izu described Otivism as “value-promoting, society-stabilizing, and gender-balancing,” and emphasized that it is not rooted in lamentation or blame, but rather in strategic, inclusive transformation.
Barriers Faced by Marginalized Groups in Nigeria
Dr. Izu outlined numerous obstacles faced by marginalized groups:
Women: Excluded due to patriarchal norms, political violence, financial barriers, and biased media portrayal.
Youth: Undermined by ageism, lack of mentorship, economic hardship, and political gatekeeping by godfathers.
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): Hindered by structural, cultural, legal, and infrastructural barriers, including inaccessible electoral processes and poor policy implementation.
Drawing on global history, Dr. Izu noted that ideology has always played a crucial role in advancing justice and inclusive governance — from the American Revolution to the French and Russian revolutions, and Pan-Africanism in Africa’s independence movements.
He argued that ideology, when correctly understood and applied, is not divisive but empowering and transformative, capable of guiding societies toward fairness, liberty, and sustainable development.
Dr. Izu’s Recommendations
Families should adopt inclusive decision-making at home.
Civil society must continue advocacy for marginalized groups.
Academia should drive inclusive development research.
Government should enforce gender parity and disability inclusion in policy.
Donors and partners must increase funding for inclusivity-based initiatives.
Concluding with a powerful metaphor inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Izu urged Nigerian society to move from “crawling” to “flying” in its quest for true inclusive governance, adding:
“Otivism is not just an ideology, it’s a call to make a difference.”