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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, on Thursday, inaugurated the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council as part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.
Members of the 19-man team aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub, include Ms. Arunma Oteh, Khaleefa Sanusi II and Mr. Bolaji Balogun, as co-chairmen.
Other members are Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, Mr. Uche Orji, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi, Dr. Olugbenga Adesida, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. George Agu, and Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, Mr Chinedu Azodoh, while also making the list are Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Benedict Oramah as Honourary Advisors.
The governor said the five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, will represent the government on the Advisory Council.
They include the Governor; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Akpara; and Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu.
Otti said the economy of the state had suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years, stating that “as a new government, a new dawn is before us.
“As a government, we do not know it all and that is why we are seeking guidance from those who know,” assuring them that the council will work with the state government to see how to impact long-term economic prospects in the state and to turn the state into a robust major player in world economic dawn.”
Otti said, “This day marks the beginning of a new era and we shall never look back.
“The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors, enhancing the diversity and dynamism of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council. Their collective knowledge will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive innovation, attract investments, form solid partnerships, and ensure the overall economic resilience of our great state”.
The council will be managed by the Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, and the Technical Assistant to the Governor, Mr. Charles Egonye, who will both be supported by Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko and Ms Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.
The Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council serves as a key advisory body, offering strategic insights and recommendations to guide the state’s economic and investment policies.
The Advisers will collaborate closely with the relevant state commissioners to address the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.
In her overview of the council, a co-chair, Oteh said Otti gathered them “not only to give advice but also to hold him accountable on the global business” and expressed her hope that Otti will be open and take the council’s advice.
Another co-chair, Balogun, described Otti as a man of history, stating, “If Abia succeeds, Nigeria succeeds,” while the third co-chair – Khaleefa Sanusi II, advised the governor “to give advice is one thing and to implement is another,” adding that the state has a listening governor in the capacity of Otti and the Chief Marketing officer of the state and a Banker that knows his target, assuring that the council will do its best.