Earlier yesterday, May 8, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, paid a working/familiarization visit to the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Matthew Verghis, at the World Bank Country Office, Asokoro, Abuja.
The visit is part of the World Bank’s tradition of hosting well-performing States. The Country Director disclosed that he had earlier planned to visit the Governor in Abia, but decided to receive him in Abuja since the Governor was already there with his team.
Mr. Verghis expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in Abia State and commended Governor Otti for providing impactful governance across various sectors. The Discussions also focused on the power sector, where the Commissioner for Power explained the collaboration between the Abia State Government and Geometric Power, including ongoing expansion plans to extend electricity coverage across the State.
Further discussions revealed that Abia State has been captured in several projects in the World Bank pipeline, especially projects related to energy, rural electrification, renewable energy, WASH, and SPIN projects.
Governor Otti further informed the team that Abia has met the conditions for the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project – L-PRES World Bank project, adding that the compensation for affected property owners under the RAAMP project has already been approved, and payment has commenced.
The meeting also reviewed the way forward for ongoing World Bank-supported projects in Abia State.
Members of the World Bank team present during the meeting included Taimur Samad, Operations Manager (CMU), and Fatima Adenike, Senior Operations Officer (CMU).
Those present in the Governor’s team were the Hon. Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinonye Mba-Uzoukwu, and the Senior Special Assistant on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Odinakachi Eric Eme.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
May 9th, 2026.
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