ABIA State Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, charging members to evolve initiatives that are focused on identifying, capitalising and showcasing the state’s area of comparative advantage.
Speaking on during the event at the Government House, Umuahia, Otti said the caliber of individuals that constitute the council speaks to the state’s vision and sends a strong signal to potential investors that “Abia is poised to become the next big thing.”
The governor explained that government was desirous to make the state a preferred investment destination for global businesses; hence the move to set up a council of intellectual giants to work closely with government to turn the vision into reality.
He noted that the council would work with government and other local stakeholders, including the local chambers of commerce, industry, mines and agriculture, to bring these opportunities to the attention of the investing global community, expressing optimism that the council would assist government to achieve its vision in the next 24 months.
He stated: “We are not just seeking to attract a few big manufacturing outfits in the state to score cheap political points; our ultimate goal is to re-make the entire state into a robust enterprise ecosystem with clear pathways to bigger global and regional markets.
“We are keen to transform our traditional agro-economy to become a major player in the global agricultural value chain, producing sufficient output to feed the local population and then for export.
“In Aba, we do not just make quality footwear and clothing; given the right support, our shoemakers and fashion designers can compete with the best anywhere in the world.
“Aba is also very strong on metal fabrication, wood works and mechanical construction. But sadly, the immense potential of our people has stayed hidden and under-utilised for far too long.
“The good thing is that we now have an effective machinery to create a new era of prosperity, employment and layers of opportunities for these resilient and creative individuals.”
In her remarks, a Co-Chair of the Council, Ms. Arunma Oteh, commended the Otti administration for its numerous achievements in the past seven months, describing Abia State as a land blessed with countless opportunities, whose harnessing would foster socioeconomic growth in the state.
She expressed delight to serve the people of Abia and promised to give her best, adding: “I pray that whatever we do as a council, in collaboration with the government, will contribute in a significant way to transform Abia.”
Another Co-Chair of the Council, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Abia State, urging government to focus on maximising its human resources through innovation, infrastructure and education in order to record significant development and become a major contributor to the development of the nation.
The former emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido, said investors need to be given strong assurance that their investments would be secure and profitable; hence urging the governor to market the state to investors and as a member of the national economic council, contribute to the evolving of “sensible economic policies.”
In their separate speeches, a former minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and a former minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, charged the council to live up to expectation in the discharge of its duty and the governor to implement the pieces of advice he would receive from the council.
Other members of the council include Mr. Victor Onyenkpa; Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru; Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu; Mr. Uche Orji; Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi and Dr. Olugbenga Adesida; Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe; Mr. Clement Owunna. Dr. Uzodinma Iweala; Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor; Mr. George Agu; Mr. Uzo Nwankwo; Mr. Chinedu Azodoh; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Dr. Benedict Oramah.
In addition, five members of the State Executive Council would represent the state government on the council, including the governor; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna; Commissioners for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Finance, Mr. Michael Akpara and Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
