Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has announced the constitution of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC) as a part of his strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.
The list made available to New Telegraph has personalities like former Central Bank Governor, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as co-chairman, Arunma Oteh, former Vice President of the World Bank as co-chairman, and Mr Bolaji Balogun, an investment banker as co-chairman.
New Telegraph reports that the Advisory Council as assembled by Governor Otti also has Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr Benedict Oramah as Honourary Advisors
The members of the Global Economic Advisory Council include Mr Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs Ifueko Omoigui, Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, Mr Uche Orji, Mrs Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr Chika Nwobi, Dr Olugbenga Adesida, Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe and Mazi Clement Owunna.
Other members of the Council include Dr Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr George Agu, Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, Mr Chinedu Azodoh and a Havard Business School Prof, Peter Tufano.
A release by Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko has it that five members drawn from Abia Executive Council which include Governor Otti; Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Akpara and the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu will represent the government on the Advisory Council.
New Telegraph reports that a statement issued Tuesday by the Governor’s Office said the economy of Abia State had suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years.
According to the statement, “With the inception of Governor Otti’s administration on May 29, 2023, the government has since commenced the socio-economic re-engineering of the State from the wreckage of over the last two decades.
“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.”
The statement equally explained that the Secretariat of the Council will 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.
Further information revealed that 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.
As gathered, the advisors will collaborate closely with the relevant State Commissioners to address the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Abia remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.
