In a bid to create a more functional economy in the State, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, is planning to set up an export growth lab in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the South East.
Governor Otti disclosed this on Thursday while receiving in audience the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). He expressed the hope that there is a lot Abia State Government can do together with the UNDP.
“We believe that there is a whole lot we can learn from you. We as a Government are not going out looking for donor agencies. If we find, that’s fine, but a lot of times when the mindset is for somebody to give you money, you lose the argument.
“So, for us, it’s about how you can support us to create an export growth Lab in Aba. We are already on it. We have acquired a place in Aba for it (export growth Lab), Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor said that an average Aba artisan and entrepreneur is innovative and resilient but needs support, adding that the only challenge which his Government is fighting is in the area of faking other people’s products.
“They are so innovative, they are so forward thinking, they are so resilient. Even when Aba was a no-go area, they remained there.
“The fight we have is the fight about people adulterating food and drinks including medicine. That’s what we are committed to fighting and eradicating.
“So, how can we upskill in technology and everything to produce that quality that can be exported? That, for me, is what it is about.
Dr. Otti, who highlighted various areas his administration has affected lives of the people positively including healthcare, education, waste management, road infrastructure among others said that energy is another area his Government is interested in.
“Energy is an area we are passionate about. We are at the final stages of acquiring the Umuahia ring-fenced of Enugu DisCo so that we can have full control of the distribution in Abia,” Gov. Otti assured.
Governor Otti, who noted that the government does not reduce poverty by giving people money, said the provision of jobs and the creation of an enabling environment for their businesses to thrive are key things that improve one’s economy.
He appreciated the UNDP Resident Representative for her interest in the State and approved office accommodation for the UNDP in Abia.
Speaking earlier, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Elsie Attafuah, said that they are in Abia to see ways of collaboration and rendering support to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through their integrated state offer and development.
According to her, their areas of interest include Innovation, digital and knowledge economy, Trade innovation and financing, energy, and Accelerated community development. She said that they are eager to come to the States and work, saying that Abia State is working; hence, they chose it as the first State to come for such collaboration.
“There is a lot we can try our hands on. The potential of Aba is great.
“We feel we must come to States that can work. Abia is one of the States we are starting the programme in. With you (Gov. Otti), Abia is doing great things, and I appreciate your leadership,” Attafuah stated.
Governor Otti was joined in the meeting by Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers and other top Government functionaries.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
27 – 02 – 2025.
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