Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for a robust partnership with the People’s Republic of China.
The Governor made this known while receiving the Chinese Consul-General to Nigeria, Ms. Yan Yuqing, and her delegation during a working visit to Government House, Umuahia.
Governor Otti highlighted the shared values between the people of Abia and the Chinese, particularly their resilience, strong work ethics, and entrepreneurial spirit as
a bold move to stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty,
“Our people are hardworking and self-reliant. They share the same ‘can-do’ spirit that drives the Chinese economy,” Otti said. “But we must also acknowledge that over 50% of Nigerians still live in poverty. This is why we must take intentional steps , just like China did,to change our story.”
While pledging to deepen collaboration with China in areas such as education, agriculture, and trade, the Governor did not hold back in expressing his disappointment with the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over delayed project deliveries.
“CCECC was awarded four major projects. One was completed on time, but others faced unacceptable delays. That’s why I’ve withheld further contracts from them. Performance and accountability matter to us,” he emphasized, questioning the absence of a dedicated CCECC office with senior staff in Abia to oversee ongoing work.
In response, Consul-General Yan Yuqing stated that her visit was aimed at building stronger bonds between China and Abia, as well as exploring impactful areas of cooperation. She announced several key initiatives, including:
- Linking Abia institutions with Chinese counterparts for student and teacher exchange programmes;
- Supporting vocational education and agricultural development;
- Donating computers to the State; and
- Expanding their flagship “Fight Against Hunger and Poverty” programme to reach vulnerable communities in Abia.
“I hope we can open a window to China through your university or polytechnic and establish people-to-people exchange,” Ms. Yuqing stated. She also revealed plans to create “Abia City” in China, making the State the sixth in Nigeria to receive such an honour.
Commending Governor Otti’s visionary leadership, she expressed optimism about the success of the proposed collaboration.
To mark the occasion, the Chinese delegation donated food items worth over ₦4 million to support vulnerable residents in Abia under their poverty-alleviation programme.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, members of the State Executive Council, the Head of Service, and other top government officials were present at the strategic meeting, which marks a new chapter in Abia’s journey toward inclusive development and global partnership.
