The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, on Thursday, January 18, announced the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ms. Arunma Oteh and His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II as members of a nineteenth man Abia State Global Economic Advisory (AGEAC) of the state.

Other members include former Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) President, Chidi Ajegbu Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Uche Orji, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli and Mr. Chika Nwobi, Dr. Olugbenga Adesida, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. George Agu, Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, Mr Chinedu Azodoh and Dr. Benedict Oramah.

The governor said that five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, who would represent the state government on the Advisory Council include himself (Governor Otti), the 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 respectively.

Otti said that the constitution of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC) was part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.

He added that the appointment of the 19 distinguished Nigerians with global records to serve on the Council was aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub.

Otti, who lamented that the economy of Abia State has suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years, said his administration since its inception on May 29, 2023, has commenced the socio-economic re-engineering of the state from what he described as the wreckage of over the last two decades.

He said: “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,” he added.

According to Otti, the Secretariat of the Council would 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. (The Nation)

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