Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has stated that he is willing to collaborate with Bethany Hall-Long, the governor of Delaware, USA, in important economic sectors to promote development and progress. Ukoha Njoku, the governor's chief press secretary, revealed this in a statement on Saturday. According to the statement, Otti announced this on Friday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia while hosting a delegation from the Office of the Delaware Governor.
The governor said that cooperation with a state like Delaware will provide favorable results and stated that Abians, like other Igbo people, do not rely on handouts but rather need a robust social infrastructure and a supportive environment to grow.
He clarified that the goal of his administration's decision to settle salary and pension arrears was to boost the regional economy. "We expressed our desire to pay many years' worth of accrued pension arrears when we first arrived. Putting money in people's hands was the main goal.
I'm glad to have you here, and as you mentioned, it's also an offer to collaborate. "We would be delighted to partner with your team. "My team consists of amazing individuals," Otti remarked.
The governor claimed that his government had made significant investments in healthcare and education, including the implementation of free and required basic education, the hiring of thousands of teachers with better pay packages, the renovation of medical facilities, and the employment of over 700 medical professionals.
Hall-Long, the 75th governor of Delaware, a former lawmaker, and a professor of nursing at the University of Delaware, stated that her background in public service will be used to guarantee a fruitful collaboration.
"I hope that we can take advantage of my 25 years of expertise in the state legislature, my position as lieutenant governor—which is akin to a deputy governor—and my brief tenure as governor of Delaware.
"I am incredibly honored to be with a man who can balance humanity by addressing homelessness, poverty, and security while creating jobs, a workforce, and the use of manufacturing." "Together, we can do a lot. Opportunities and ideas for working together with medical supplies exist. With the proposed alliance, a lot may be achieved," she stated.
"It's really important that you have the leadership, Sir, that you in two years have accomplished all this in two years," Hall-Long said in praising Otti's leadership. "And I am aware that you have an amazing team and that you lead with courage."
The Delaware governor was presented earlier by Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State, who stated that the visit was intended to collaborate with Abia in several economic sectors. Ekwunife stated, "She is here to work with the State Government, to bring some grants that will help the people, help the education sector, help the health sector, and help other areas."
She described Abia as an industrial center whose economic stability affects Nigeria and Africa and commended Otti's accomplishments, especially in security and infrastructure.
Prof. Kenneth Kalu, the State Government's Secretary; Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Governor's Chief of Staff; Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Commissioner for Women Affairs; and other high-ranking government officials were present at the meeting.