Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has disclosed ongoing engagements with relevant Stakeholders in the Agricultural Sector to revive moribund farm settlements in the state that were privately concessioned by past administrations.
Governor Otti made the disclosure at Government House Umuahia, during the Monthly Media Parley tagged “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians”.
The Governor further revealed that the State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Private Investor to commit $120 Million into palm produce in Ukwa area and added that the move is aimed at boosting the Agricultural Sector.
“On Agriculture, we have began to look at the structure to manage a lot of our farms. Some of them have been concessioned in the past but not a whole lot is happening there.
“We are engaging to ensure that we handle some of those challenges but within the month a company that we have been negotiating with visited and signed an MOU to invest $120 Million in Palm Produce.
“So we are looking at the Ukwa Area, after that we would look at other areas. The important thing is, this company is partnering with another company that operates the largest palm plantation in Congo.
“They have a good track record and the funds to invest. We believe that would give Agriculture a boost. This is in spite of all the other areas of Agriculture that we have continued to invest in”, he said.
Governor Otti informed that Abia State recently won $400,000 as part of the UNICEF Leadership Challenge, marking the second consecutive year the state achieved second place in the Southeast.
The Governor commended the Commissioner for Health for the success and expressed optimism that the Abia State would secure first place by next year.
He outlined progress on the proposed Medical Village, set to be unveiled in the first quarter of 2025 as well as efforts by his administration to rehabilitate 200 Primary Healthcare Centers across the State’s 184 wards, assuring that every ward will have at least one functional Healthcare Center.
On the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage, Governor Otti revealed that the State commenced payment in October and that issues related to consequential adjustments are being resolved.
The Governor further pledged that December salaries, including the 13th-Month bonus, would be paid on or before December 20.
Addressing reports that some disengaged Permanent Secretaries and Civil Servants are yet to receive their entitlements, the Governor said he has directed the Accountant-General to expedite the process, and assured that all concerned would be duly compensated.
“Of course we have implemented the new Minimum Wage. Unfortunately, there are a few challenges that came up with it.
“After meeting with Labour, I directed that those minor issues be dealt with“, he said.
Governor Otti who highlighted the strides made by his administration in infrastructure development, security and other sectors, also outlined plans to drive further progress in the state assured that his Government remains committed to transforming Abia State into a model of progress and development.