The Abia State Government has expressed desire to tap from the expertise and experience of the nation of Israel for critical areas of development.
The specific sectors, according to Governor Alex Otti, are economy, technology, human capital, agriculture, digital economy and micro small and medium enterprise (MSME).
Governor Otti, told the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, during a visit, that the collaboration would help the State develop “some of the things that are so, so important to us as a government and as a people.”
He said the determination and resilience of the citizens even in the face of the current economic situation and failures of past administrations, 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, in fact, I would say that the most important resource we have are the human beings.
“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.
He was confident that his government agenda would yield the desired result in another year, adding, “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.”
Governor Otti said the government was determined to translate ideas and intentions discussed into action.
Ambassador Freeman in his remark, commended the leadership quality of Governor Otti, saying that his visit to Abia State was a tribute to the good work that he was doing, particularly in the area of security.
He said Abia was the only State outside Abuja and Lagos that he had visited because of the favourable security report, saying “As Israelis, we’re known for many things. One of the things we’re known for is not being so easy on security situation.”
The Isreali Ambassador said there is so much that Abia, indeed Nigeria, and Israel have in common, particularly their entrepreneurial spirit.
“We both have a very young population. We both have a population that is innovative, that is determined to do better than their peers, to continually strive. No body really taking no for an answer.”
