“Why Abia State? There Is a Convergence of Value, Good Governance and Purpose” — Stanbic IBTC GCEO, Nwokeocha Says, as Stanbic IBTC Seeks Partnership With Abia State Govt.

The Group Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Chuma Nwokeocha , has explained why the financial institution is seeking a strategic partnership with the Abia State Government, saying the state’s commitment to good governance and development makes it an attractive destination for investment.

Mr. Nwokeocha made the remarks on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during a meeting with Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, where he led a delegation of the bank’s Executive Management to explore areas of collaboration aimed at driving economic growth and infrastructure development.

Speaking during the visit, Mr. Nwokeocha said Stanbic IBTC is prepared to partner with the Abia State Government through its broad range of financial services, including infrastructure financing, housing finance, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) development, agro-industrial growth, capital market solutions, and initiatives designed to enhance the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

He expressed confidence that such a partnership would attract more investments into the state, strengthen the economy, and improve the welfare of Abia residents.

Highlighting the reasons behind the bank’s interest in Abia, Mr. Nwokeocha commended Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, describing the administration as one driven by shared values and a clear vision for development.

“Why Abia State? There is a convergence of value, there is a convergence of good governance, there is a convergence of purpose, there is a convergence of ambition to better the lives of citizens,” Mr. Nwokeocha said.

He noted that Stanbic IBTC sees enormous potential in working with the state government to finance transformative projects and support initiatives capable of unlocking sustainable economic growth.

Responding, Governor Alex Otti welcomed the proposed partnership and identified several strategic projects that could benefit from the bank’s expertise and financial support, particularly in infrastructure financing.

“But clearly, the area of infrastructural financing is the area we have a lot of things that we have proposed to do. One of them is a medical city. It sits as a top priority. The land has been acquired, we are just at the point where we need to hit the ground running.

“So, it may be an area that you may want to look at with us.

“We are also conducting a feasibility study for a sea port in Obuaku. It is also another area that you may want to look at. And a few other things.

“So, I think we will need to look more deeply at the presentation. And then, smaller meetings will be formed to discuss areas where we can engage,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor also praised Stanbic IBTC for presenting practical partnership proposals rather than merely seeking government patronage.

“Sometimes, some people come and say they want to partner with you. They don’t have anything to say. They just want you to give them money. But clearly, there are values that you have proposed,” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti further appreciated the bank for its intervention in renovating a school in Abia as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and encouraged it to expand such initiatives across the state.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials.