Abia diasporeans want govt. to consolidate relationship with NIDCOM for greater benefits

From Boniface Okoro, Umuahia 

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Participants at the Abia State organized maiden meeting Abians in Diaspora 

Abians in Diaspora have urged  the Governor Alex Otti-led government in the state to harmonize and consolidate its relationship with the diasporeans through the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to be able reap greater benefits from the association between the state the diasporeans.

The Abia diasporeans made the appeal during the maiden interactive meeting the state government held with Abians in diaspora in Umuahia.

The meeting was to enable government interface with Abians in diaspora, cross- fertilize ideas and opinions that will help move Abia forward.

Government used the forum to assure its citizens living abroad that the present administration was committed to the over all development of the State.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti discosed that his government was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring even development in all sectors of the state economy, adding that the government would leverage on technology to drive development in the state.

The Governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, revealed that his administration, upon assumption of office, declared a state of emergency on critical sectors, including health, education, security, infrastructure and waste management. He expressed joy that today, Abia has become a reference point in the area of excellence.

 “Having been around for seven months ,the records , the facts, the data are all available for everyone to see. Today, Abia State is no longer seen as that God-forsaken-State but Abia State has become a reference point in the area of exellence,” the Governor said.

Governor Otti while announcing the recent ranking of the State as the third in attracting direct foreign investments after the FCT and Lagos State, stated that this is the best time to invest in Abia State.

“The report that just emerged this week shows that Abia State was ranked number three in terms of attracting direct foreign investment, coming third only after FCT and Lagos State. And you should now know that within seven months, glorious things have already been spoken concerning Abia, because God is set to do a new thing in Abia.”

The State Chief Executive who said the government was doing everything within its powers to make the State a safe haven and conducive for investors, pointed out that the essence of the meeting was to enable government interface with Abians in diaspora, cross- fertilize ideas and opinions that will help move the State forward.

“This is one administration that is very passionate about at attracting the best hands and the best brains everywhere. And we do know that we cannot , as a government, serve our people satisfactorily without engaging the people who have been in the forefront of bringing about this new vista of hope in Abia State. And you are the one. So this opportunity created by this meeting is to enable us interface with you directly, be able to harvest your ideas, your opinions and even critical comments in a way that would move this State forward,” Otti told his audience.

In their remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, Commissioner for Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, Commissioner, Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix and their Digital Economy and SME counterpart, Dr Mathew Ekwuruibe, while presenting their sectoral reports, said the present administration has come to change the negative narratives and assured Abians of more socio-economic developments that will have direct impact on the citizens.

In their various contributions, some of the diasporeans, including Chief Martins Iroegbu, Mr Murphy Emelike, Chief Lady Tender Ikechukwu, Prince Pascal Atuma, among others, commended Governor Alex Otti for his achievements so far and for coming up with the idea of interacting with Abians in diaspora.. They said they were willing to partner Abia State government in various sectors of the economy, including capacity building, healthcare, sports development.

The meeting which featured question and answer sessions, also had in attendance, members of State Executive Council, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, aides to the Governor, among other top government officials.