The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed the readiness of his administration to deepen bilateral cooperation with the Canadian government in key sectors of the economy, including energy, agriculture, education, technology, and aviation.
Speaking while receiving the Canadian Trade Commissioner of the High Commissioner’s Office in Lagos, Delane Boakye, who called on the Governor, at his Office on Wednesday, March 25th, Governor Otti described Abia as a State rich in human capital and investment opportunities.
The Governor commended the Trade Commissioner for choosing Abia as her first State visit in Nigeria, noting the shared cultural and economic ties between both regions.
Highlighting the State’s strengths, Governor Otti emphasised the industrious nature and educational capacity of Abians, many of whom he said are already contributing meaningfully in Canada.
“We thank you for choosing Abia State as the first State you will visit after several months in Nigeria, that is very significant.
“We have a whole lot to offer in Abia in terms of human capital, which is the most important resource. Our people are industrious and well-educated, and many of them are already in Canada, either working or studying,” Gov. stated.
The Governor further identified priority areas for collaboration to include renewable energy, agriculture, education, and technology – driven skills development, among others.
“We will be delighted to get support in areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, education, technology, and skills transfer. Trade and commerce remain key to our development agenda,” Gov. Otti added.
The State Chief Executive also drew attention to Aba as a major commercial and industrial hub, noting its unique position as both a trading and manufacturing centre, and invited her to visit the city.
“It would be interesting for you to visit Aba and see the level of economic activities that take place daily. Aba is not just a trading hub; it is also an industrial centre with thriving manufacturing and light industries,” Gov. Otti said.
Gov. Otti disclosed ongoing infrastructural developments, including the construction of an international-standard airport through a partnership between the State and Federal government, as well as a privately owned $35 Million Manufacturing plant in Aba, projected to scale up to $100 Million in the coming years, which he will be commissioning.
On aviation, the Governor expressed interest in strategic collaboration with Canadian stakeholders, particularly in aircraft acquisition and potential airline operations.
“We know Canada has a strong presence in the aviation industry, especially with Bombardier. It would be beneficial to explore partnerships that could support our aviation ambitions, including aircraft acquisition,” Gov Otti noted.
The Governor further directed the Secretary of the State Government to facilitate further engagements between relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to deepen discussions on identified areas of mutual interest.
Earlier, the Canadian Trade Commissioner and Second Secretary at the Office of the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos, Delane Boakye, said that she came to discuss possible areas of collaboration with Abia State.
She noted that there is a natural synergy between Canada and Nigeria in terms of culture, adding that Canada is home to over 17,000 Nigerian students and a number of diasporas.
“Specifically, today, I’m here in Abia, like I said, on behalf of the Deputy High Commissioner, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, who some of you may have had the opportunity of meeting. We see synergies in areas like aviation, where Canada is a world leader in aircraft development and training, in agriculture, with our rich natural resources and agricultural products through the prairies, in energy, and in clean energy. So, I’m really looking forward to discussing with all of you,” Boakye stated.
Boakye identified key sectors of interest, including aviation, agriculture, energy, and education, among others, stressing Canada’s global leadership in these areas and expressing its readiness to partner with Abia State.
“It is a privilege to discuss opportunities for mutual collaboration. My role is to highlight the opportunities here and strengthen ties between our countries,” she stated.
“We see strong opportunities in aviation, where Canada is a leader in aircraft development and training, as well as in agriculture, clean energy, and education. We are keen to support workforce development and collaborate on Nigeria’s growth journey,” Boakye added.
She also commended Nigerians for their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, describing the country as dynamic and full of potential.
The Secretary to the Abia State Government, DrDr.Manuel Meribeole, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Atthew Ekwuruibe, among others, were present at the meeting.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
March 25th, 2026.
