Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, Thursday inaugurated the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council, AGEAC as part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.
The 19-man Nigerians with global acclaim to serve on the Council, aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub, include Ms. Arunma Oteh – Co-Chair, His Highness, Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, Co-Chair, and Mr. Bolaji Balogun – Co-Chair.
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.
According to the governor, five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, will represent the government on the Advisory Council.
They include the Governor, Dr. Otti; Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Akpara; and Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
Speaking, Gov. Alex Otti said the economy of Abia State had suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years, stating ” 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 the guidance from those who know”, assuring that the council will work with the state government to see how to impact long time economic prospect in the state and to turn the state into a robust major player in world economic dawn.
Otti who titled his speech, “A New Frontier of Excellence From Vision To Execution” said “the day marks the beginning of a new era and we shall never look back.
“Our programmes are already re-positioning and rebuilding Abia State as the economic pride of Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that its economic development strategy is founded not only on a thorough understanding of the local economic environment but also on the dynamics of the emerging forces now shaping the future of the global economy.
“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 Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, and Mr. Charles Egonye, Technical Assistant to the Governor, and 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 Abia State remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.
In her overview of the council, a Co-chair, Ms. Arunma Oteh said 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, Bolaji Balogun described Otti as a man of history, stating, “If Abia success, Nigeria success”, while the third Co-chair, and Emir of Kano His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad 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 an the Chief Marketing officer of the state and a Banker that knows his target, assuring that the council will do its best.
According to him. “I have to take an oath to give advice and the governor must also take an oath to implement the advice we will give to him”, assuring “Otti will leave the state better than he met it”
Others including General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), and Chief Kalu Idika Kalu said the governor is on the right part of developing the state through education, welfare of the people and security and urged the governor to implement to the best of his ability, the advice the council will give him to move the state forward.
The governor they said must implement the council’s advice and expressed their hope the governor will.
