In a bold move to usher in a new era of economic prosperity, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has inaugurated the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, comprising a distinguished 19-member team of global players and accomplished individuals. The council, co-chaired by former CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former SEC Director Arunma Oteh, and investment expert Bolaji Balogun, is poised to elevate the state’s economic landscape.
Noteworthy figures such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, current DG of the WTO, and Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank, serve as honorary advisors, emphasizing the international gravitas of the initiative. The council also boasts accomplished personalities from various fields, including former ICAN President Chidi Ajegbu and tech entrepreneur Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe.
The inclusion of five State Executive Council members, including Governor Otti, reflects a collaborative approach to drive economic transformation from within. Eminent Abians and elder statesmen, previously at a distance, attended the inauguration, underscoring the potential impact of this new economic chapter.
Governor Otti, in his motivational speech, outlined his expectations for the council, emphasizing the need for a development roadmap and economic blueprint to position Abia as a major industrial hub and attract global investments. He acknowledged the council’s diverse expertise, referring to them as “world-class scholars, pathfinders, and economic influencers.”
Otti’s candid admission of seeking guidance from the council and his commitment to making Abia economically viable sets the tone for a collaborative effort. He stressed the importance of leveraging the state’s opportunities, such as an agro-friendly environment, skilled labor, and proximity to global markets.
The governor highlighted the state’s potential to transform its traditional agro-economy into a major player in the global agricultural value chain, expressing confidence that the council’s collective knowledge would propel Abia into becoming a preferred investment destination.
Expectations are high as the council begins its work, with a focus on implementing strategies to position Aba, the commercial nerve center of the state, on the global economic map. Recommendations are anticipated to go beyond political considerations and address crucial infrastructural developments and industrial expansion based on comparative advantages.
Notable voices within the council, including Khalifa Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, and Kalu Idika Kalu, emphasized the necessity for the governor to commit to implementing the council’s advice. Otti, in response, publicly committed to implementing their recommendations, underlining his determination to change the narrative.
With ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and the ease of doing business, the council is expected to contribute implementable strategies and blueprints, ensuring that Abia’s potential is fully realized. The success of the council will be measured by the tangible results it achieves in the coming months, turning Abia into a beacon of economic opportunity and growth.