Critical Sectors Of The Abia Economy Receive A Boost Through Collaboration
As Location For The Proposed Diaspora City Is Being Concluded
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti says his administration is focused on improving critical sectors of the economy including infrastructure, healthcare, power, education among others .
Governor Otti stated at a meeting with the President of the Diaspora Alliance, Rev. Emmanuel Ihim who came in company of the ArchBishop of the Methodist Church, Umuahia ArchDiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzor Opoko.
He highlighted his administration’s investment in education and revealed that 20% of the 2024 and 2025 budgets were allocated to the sector in addition to the introduction of free and compulsory as well as the ongoing recruitment exercise for 5000 teachers as a deliberate approach to rebuild the sector.
He aligned with the Diaspora Alliance’s call for focused leadership and reaffirmed his belief that leadership should be rooted in integrity and the fear of God.
The Governor assured that his administration is just getting started and pledged that more transformative policies will be implemented to improve the lives of Abians.
The State Chief Executive revealed that his administration has identified 3 locations for the establishment of the proposed Diaspora City in the State; a project aimed at creating a modern, world-class residential and business hub for Abians in the diaspora.
He said that the State is in the process of selecting the most suitable site among the three locations identified, adding that the Abia Diaspora City would feature state-of-the-art amenities to ensure the project meets high standard of living for both residents and investors.
“We are already working on the Diaspora City. Actually, we want it to be a place where you and I can live.
“We have identified locations, about three of them and are in the process of choosing one where all the amenities that you can think of are available.
“I am sure that in a few months, we would come out to announce it but it has been in the works,” Gov. Otti stated.
Earlier, the President of the Diaspora Alliance, Rev. Emmanuel Ihim commended Governor Otti for his dynamic and visionary leadership and described him as a divine fulfillment of God’s vision for Abia State and called on Christians to support him in fulfilling the divine mandate of transforming Abia State.
While explaining that the Diaspora Alliance harnesses resources from Government Agencies, Corporations, and individuals to drive development, he emphasized the need for Government to collaborate with the organization to harness resources that would be channelled in the development of certain areas such as women and youth development, healthcare, education sector among others.
He highlighted the Church’s biblical mandate to foster positive change and sustain good governance noting that God is interested in salvaging societies and enthroning visionary leaders, saying that the Church should live up to that mandate.
He noted that, Governor Otti’s commitment to transforming Abia State is rare in this part of the world and lauded his humility, integrity, and dedication to the welfare of the people.
“This is the first time in the history of Abia State that we have a leader who truly understands the needs of the people.
“Abians in the diaspora are pleased with the Governor’s performance and are willing to support his administration to sustain the momentum.
Also speaking, a member of the Abia Diaspora Commission, Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, who joined the meeting virtually, congratulated Abia State on being the number one in the last NECO results and urged the Governor to sustain the tempo.
“In the last eight years , Abia was coming between 10th to 19th position and just in two years, Abia has moved to No 1.
“I don’t know what the leadership did but I would say that as we move into the protocol of looking for new frameworks of how to drive the efficiency of educational system, whatever we have done, let it be sustained,” Prof. Ekekwe maintained.
The Governor was joined in the meeting by the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D and other senior Government appointees.
