Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti on Friday, launched the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID) with a commitment to deliver “results through partnerships”.
Under the new initiative, the African Development Bank (AfDB), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the Canada-Africa Development Bank Climate Fund (CACF) are partnering with Abia State to execute critical projects across road rehabilitation, erosion control, and waste management.
Speaking at the event held at the Conference Hall, JAAC Building, Ogurube Layout, Governor Otti described the project as a major milestone in his administration’s plan to transform Abia’s infrastructure and economic landscape through strategic collaboration with international development partners.
Governor Otti while highlighting the benefits, noted that ABSIID would “fast-track the pace of job creation in Agriculture, Transportation and light manufacturing”, while erosion control measures would bring relief to communities threatened by gully erosion.
He also emphasised that the waste management component would open up fresh opportunities for investment and job creation, adding that the successful implementation of the framework will further attract businesses and investments, expand the state’s revenue base, and secure sustainable growth for future generations.
“Our faith in Abia shall be repaid across generations through increased volumes of economic output, a rising population of entrepreneurs and a community of healthy and educated people whose intellect and creativity will drive the next chapter of our development”, the Governor declared.
He expressed gratitude to the AfDB, IsDB and CACF for “believing in the enormous potential of the State as a new development front”, and acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, describing it as “the Primary Borrower”, for providing technical backing.
Governor Otti assured Abians that every fund received would be judiciously applied, promising that “the terms of agreement with the partners are very favourable and have taken the dynamics of our cultural realities into consideration”.
In his speech the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy Wale Edun, represented by Dr. Oyadele Akonde said that the initiative represents a significant growth in the collective efforts to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure and finance the quality of life for Abia State’s citizens.
He Commended Governor Otti for his unwavering commitment to the project since he assumed office and his provision of road infrastructure in Abia State.
In their goodwill messages, Director General of African Development Bank, Dr. Abdul Kalam (AfDB), the representative of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), affirmed their commitment to the project and assured that they would work together to achieve the aim of the partnership.
Earlier in an address, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti highlighted the importance of good road network which the project would provide, pointing out that the project would not only enhance transportation but reduce time and cost as well as create job across the state and thanked the Governor for his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy.
