Abia State Governor Alex Otti has disclosed a partnership with Israel to develop the state’s economic and technological sectors, focusing on human capital, agriculture, digital economy, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
This collaboration was discussed during a visit from Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, to the Government House in Umuahia.
Ambassador Freeman praised Governor Otti’s leadership and security improvements in Abia, noting that it facilitated his visit.
Ambassador Freeman told Governor Otti, “As Israelis, we’re known for many things. One of the things we’re known for is not being so easy on security situation. So, when I received the invitation and had the conversation to come to Abia State, I went back to my Embassy, to my security team and said, I’ve been invited by the government to come to Abia State.
“I expected the answer to be, ‘You are not going to Abia State, that’s not happening’, but actually the answer came back within a couple of hours, ‘Absolutely, we clear that security wise, you can go’.
“I think, again, there’s another. I’ve been here now in Nigeria for two years, and other than being in the FCT (Abuja) and other than being in Lagos, this is my first visit outside of those two places, which again I think is a tribute to you, it’s a tribute to your work, it’s a tribute to everything that is happening here (in Abia).”
The Israeli Ambassador equally noted that this collaboration could extend to education and technology through programs like Innov8, which mentors young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Otti highlighted the potential for cooperation in agriculture, emphasizing Israel’s advanced techniques in water-efficient crop production, particularly in cassava, rice, and cocoa.
Governor Otti expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the state’s innovative spirit and the resilience of its people. Plans for an Abia Innovation Center to promote digitalization and innovation were also unveiled.
He stated, “I’m very pleased, very happy to receive Your Excellency, the Ambassador, today in Abia State. I’m more enamored to listen to you speak passionately about some of the things that are so, so important to us as a government and as a people.
“I’m very happy and I can tell you without any fear of contradiction that the state government will partner with you and work closely with you.
“Listening to you, you have a clear understanding of how the economy works, particularly the modern economy, and you have also done extensive research, particularly the things that are important to us in Abia.”
He said that the determination and resilience of the citizens even in the face of the current economic situation and failures of past administrations has served as an encouragement for him to keep evolving policies and programmes that would improve their welfare and make their businesses thrive.
“After extensive research about the things that are important to us and the resources that are available, infact, I would say that the most important resource we have are the human beings.
“The ‘can do spirit’ of our people the creativity, the innovativeness, the never say die attitude of our people, that’s actually what keeps us going
“Our people, despite the difficulties and failures of governance they have faced in the past, have continued to trudge on, to fight.
“They are so resilient and when I look at them and their spirit, that is what keeps me going. I am encouraged to work for them,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor said that plans were underway to build an Abia Innovation Center to further strengthen the government’s resolve to drive innovation and digitalisation.
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“This is dress rehearsal, we have just started and I’m sure that in another year things would look a lot different, particularly with our people, with innovation, with digital technology, with our micro small and medium scale enterprise.
“Our people don’t want to be multinationals. They just want to do their thing in very creative and innovative ways. I am very sure that the next trip you will make in less than one year, you will see something different,” he added.
The Governor was joined by several members of the State Executive Council and senior aides, including the Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba; and the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, to receive the Israeli Ambassador and his team.
Governor Otti assured that the state government is committed to translating these plans into action, aiming for significant progress within a year.
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