Otti made the commitment when he received Offorkaile, his parents, and representatives of his school, Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Anambra State, at the Government House on Monday.
The governor praised the teenager’s dedication and academic performance, noting that the achievement represents the kind of excellence the state government is determined to encourage and reward.
According to Otti, the government would not overlook remarkable accomplishments by Abia indigenes, especially young people whose success could inspire others to pursue academic excellence.
“We don’t take this for granted. The whole idea is to celebrate our own when they do well. As a government founded on meritocracy, we will not stop celebrating people who do well,” the governor said.
He added that Offorkaile’s success should serve as motivation for other students across the state and beyond, assuring him that his efforts had earned him recognition and support from his home state.
“We also want you to be a source of encouragement to those coming after you and to know that when they do well, they will be celebrated,” Otti said.
The governor explained that the UTME success was only the beginning of a longer academic journey, urging the student to maintain the same commitment as he advances into university education.
“We also want this to be an encouragement to him because the journey has just started. JAMB is the little roadblock you have to go through to now start a degree programme of four years. So, having been celebrated because you came first, we expect that you even do better as you go to the university,” he stated.
Otti further assured the student that the Abia State Government would provide assistance to support his future academic pursuits.
“And as a state, we will support you. I believe that the details of the support will be worked out with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education. But I think what is most important is for you to know that your state is behind you, recognises the feat that you have achieved and encourages you to even do better,” he added.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Emeh Uche, to develop the framework for the support package, while also instructing the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Mr Dodoh Okafor, to coordinate further discussions with Offorkaile’s family.
Earlier, Prof. Uche revealed that Otti had personally directed her to locate the student and bring him to the state for official recognition.
She described the governor’s gesture as part of his administration’s commitment to identifying and promoting outstanding talents from Abia.
The Principal of Grundtvig International Secondary School, Oba, Mr Ige Bello, and Offorkaile’s father, Mr Odinaka Offorkaile, who hails from Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, expressed confidence that the student’s performance was a reflection of his consistent academic discipline.
They said they were not surprised by his remarkable UTME result, citing his history of excellence and dedication to his studies.
Both the school principal and the student’s father commended Governor Otti for recognising Offorkaile’s achievement and praised his administration’s focus on education and good governance in the state.
In his response, Michael Offorkaile expressed appreciation to the governor for the honour and support extended to him and his family.
He also commended Otti’s leadership style, describing the governor as a role model whose actions had encouraged him to continue striving for greater achievements.
“I want to thank you for what you have done for me and my family, and also my school today. I will also try my best to keep performing, keep inspiring, and keep encouraging students from Abia and Nigeria,” Offorkaile said.
The governor’s recognition of the young scholar adds to growing calls for greater investment in education and the celebration of high-achieving students as a way of motivating future generations.