NEWS
ABIA–DELAWARE PARTNERSHIP IN VIEW AS GOV. ALEX OTTI HOSTS DELAWARE GOVERNOR, DR. BETHANY HALL-LONG, IN HIGH-LEVEL MEETING TO EXPLORE COLLABORATION IN HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has declared the readiness of his administration to partner with the Governor of Delaware, United States of America, Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, to explore collaborative opportunities across key sectors critical to economic and social development.
The Governor made this known on Friday during a strategic engagement at the Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, where he received a high-powered delegation led by the 75th Governor of Delaware, Dr. Hall-Long. The visit was aimed at deepening discussions on potential areas of cooperation between Delaware and Abia State.
Governor Otti stressed that Abians much like other Igbo communities do not depend on handouts but instead seek a conducive environment and functional infrastructure to harness their entrepreneurial potential. He affirmed that any partnership with Delaware would be mutually beneficial, especially in boosting economic prospects for residents.
“We believe in self-reliance. Abians, like the rest of the Igbo people are hardworking and entrepreneurial. What we need is social infrastructure and an environment conducive to doing business. A collaboration with the United States will undoubtedly yield positive results for both parties,” Governor Otti stated.
Speaking further, Governor Otti explained the motivation behind clearing long-standing pension arrears, noting that it was designed to stimulate the local economy by directly empowering citizens.
“When we came in and we said we want to pay several years of accumulated pension arrears, the whole idea was to put money in the hands of people. I am pleased to have you here and it’s also an invitation for partnership. We would be very happy to work with your team to explore collaboration. I have fantastic people here in Abia,” he assured the Delaware delegation.
The Governor also outlined the progress recorded by his administration in Education and Healthcare, including the provision of free and compulsory basic education, recruitment of thousands of teachers, and extensive retrofitting of healthcare facilities. He disclosed that over 700 medical personnel have been recruited to strengthen the State’s healthcare system.
In her remarks, Governor Hall-Long, an accomplished legislator and Professor of Nursing expressed strong interest in forging partnerships with Abia State. She emphasized opportunities for collaboration in Healthcare, Education, and the supply of medical materials.
“I am in Abia to seek collaborations with your administration. With 25 years of experience in the state legislature, as lieutenant governor, and briefly as governor of Delaware, I hope we can build bridges between our regions.
“I am honoured to be here with a leader who balances humanity with economic development. There is a lot we can do together, including collaborations in medical supplies and other areas,” she said.
Dr. Hall-Long also commended Governor Otti’s leadership, describing the achievements of his first two years in office as remarkable.
“It’s really important that you have your leadership, sir, that in just two years, you have accomplished so much. I know you’ve done this with an incredible team and courageous leadership,” she noted.
Earlier, Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State, who introduced the Delaware Governor, stated that the delegation was in Abia to seek avenues of partnership with the State Government. She praised Governor Otti’s strides, especially in Security and Infrastructure, stressing Abia’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy.
“I am truly very proud of you and your performance. When I was coming, I was telling her that Abia State is known for industrial hub. This is one state that if anything happens to the economy of Abia State, it will affect the whole of Nigeria and Africa in general.
“So I believe that Abia is blessed at this moment to have you (Gov. Otti), to be at the helm of the affairs of this great state,” Sen. Ekwunife stated.
The visit marks a significant step toward deepening international partnerships aimed at strengthening Abia State’s development agenda and positioning it as a key economic hub within Nigeria and beyond.