Abia Deputy Governor Emphasizes Impactful Governance In Human Capital Development Meeting
The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, has expressed the desire for the state’s programs and policies to have a tangible impact on the daily lives of Abia people.
He made this known at the Human Capital Development Council meeting held in his office at Government House, Umuahia, the state capital.
According to him, the purpose of the meeting goes beyond mere formalities, but to ensure that plans that will be visible and appreciated by the people are put in place.
He noted that this aligns with Governor Alex Otti’s vision of a “New Abia” and a way of giving back to Abia what they promised during the election.
The Deputy Governor ,therefore, implored the Human Capital Development plan and implementation team to do a good job and ensure that the needs of Abians are captured in the document.
“We are here not just to tick boxes, but through your representations, the needs of Abians will be captured,” he said.
Earlier, while making her presentation, the Chairman , Civil Service Commission, who doubles as the Focal person of Human Capital Development Council, Pst Eno Jerry, pointed out that the purpose of the meeting is to review HCD implementation plan and strategy and draft plans from information from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) from thematic areas that will not only foster local growth but also meet national standards.
“We are here to put up a plan that will be published, we will leverage on already existing resources and also build new ones,” she highlighted. She also revealed that at the end of the review, they will put up a content that will accurately reflect plans and strategies of key ministries, including health, education, economy, agriculture, labour and productivity, youth and women affairs, among others.
She pointed out that their aim is to be among the top 5 ranking in Human Capital Development in Nigeria by 2030. However, she regretted that the challenge they are facing is the inaccessibility of data and implored for institutionalized memory which enables continuity.
In their separate contributions, the Chairman of Disability Commission,Mr David Anyaele , represented by their Research and Statistics Officer, Mr. Ikenna Ebiri, and Permanent Secretary, Budget and Planning, Mrs. Magdalene Kalu Onwu, spoke on the need to have a detailed database on past and present built capacities, and also on the need to include disability components in the baseline of all implementation plans.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Medium and Small Enterprises, Mazi Mike Akpara, harped on the need for retraining and reactivation of the workforce, noting that this will enable excellent service delivery in all key areas of Human Capital Development.
The meeting which featured the inauguration of newly appointed members of the Abia State Human Capital Development Council by the Deputy Governor ended with the drafting committee pointing out areas of inclusiveness in the implementation plan.
Amah Ijeoma.
FIC Correspondent Deputy Governor’s Office.
July 11,2025.