The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that his government is ready to have a proper handshake with the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and other international investors that will be able to turn around the fate of the state in terms of job creation.
Dr. Otti, who stated this during a meeting with a team of geologists in his office, said such collaboration could reduce youth restiveness in the state.
The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, commended the Director of NGSA, Mr. Isaac Mba Okorie, and his team for their efforts in exploring mineral deposits in the state.
He noted that the discovery of kaolin in different areas of the state would be of huge economic benefit to both the state and the country at large.
He charged the experts on the need to be thorough in their activities in the state, noting that Abia is blessed with abundant quantities of mineral deposits for industrial applications.
Speaking, the Director of NGSA, Mr. Isaac Mba Okorie, said that the Agency, which is a parastatal of the Federal Government under the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, aims to create awareness about the industrial potential of kaolin in the state.
Mr. Okorie also said that kaolin, which is being harnessed for the first time in the state, is used in several industrial applications and can also be used locally to manufacture products that will improve the lives of citizens.
Earlier in his contribution, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Nwankwo Chijioke, appreciated the Geological Survey Agency for its efforts in discovering kaolin in Abia land. He stated his belief that their presence in Abia would bring positive results, closure, and growth to the state.
Hon. Nwankwo remarked that the presence of the Geological Survey Agency in Abia shows that the state is progressing positively and ready for partnership. In his words, “It is good we have your own leading team who has already identified deposits of kaolin in several locations in the state.”
“I will only plead that you expand your horizon because there may be more, and we know you are going to get results. So expand your horizon in geography and geoscience analysis in what you are going to do so that at the end, Abia will be smiling for having a fruitful partnership, have our youth engaged, have our IGR increased, and at the end, the new Abia will continue to soar higher.”
In attendance at the meeting were the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo; the Commissioner for Petroleum, Professor Ogbonna Joel; among others.
