Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed his willingness to enter into strategic economic partnerships with the government of Delaware in the United States to accelerate growth and development in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku, following a meeting between Governor Otti and a delegation from the Office of the Delaware Governor at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia on Friday.
Otti said Abians, like other Igbo people, value hard work and self-reliance, stressing that what they need is strong social infrastructure and an enabling environment to succeed. He noted that collaboration with a state such as Delaware would yield meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
The governor explained that his administration’s decision to clear outstanding salary and pension arrears was intended to stimulate the local economy by putting money directly into the hands of citizens.
“When we came in and decided to pay years of accumulated pension arrears, the idea was to inject money into the economy,” he said, adding that the visit signaled an opportunity for partnership and collaboration.
Otti highlighted key investments by his administration in education and healthcare, including the introduction of free and compulsory basic education, the recruitment of thousands of teachers with improved remuneration, the upgrading of health facilities, and the employment of over 700 healthcare professionals.
Earlier, Delaware Governor Bethany Hall-Long said her visit was aimed at identifying areas of cooperation with the Abia State Government. The 75th Governor of Delaware, a former legislator and Professor of Nursing at the University of Delaware, said her extensive experience in public service would be deployed to build a mutually beneficial partnership.
She praised Otti’s leadership, noting his ability to balance social welfare, job creation, security, and industrial development, and highlighted potential collaboration in areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, workforce development, and medical supplies.
Hall-Long commended the governor’s achievements within two years in office, describing his leadership as courageous and people-focused.
Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State, who introduced the Delaware Governor, said the visit was aimed at fostering partnerships across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and economic development, with the potential to attract grants and other forms of support.
She also lauded Otti’s performance in infrastructure and security, describing Abia as a key industrial hub whose economic stability has far-reaching implications for Nigeria and the wider African region.
Top government officials present at the meeting included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa; and other senior officials.
