The Governor, Dr Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s commitment to give opportunities to Abia indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora to invest in the state.
Governor Otti who made the promise while receiving a delegation of Abia State Indigenes in Diaspora Association UK led by its President, Mazi Godson Azu at the Government House Umuahia, commended Abia indigenes in the Diaspora for thinking home and deciding to support his education development through their planned provision of scholarships for Abia children.
The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba said that the government would endeavour to encourage them, by providing the necessary ambience to make them achieve the establishment of the diaspora village and other laudable initiatives in the state.
The State Chief Executive appreciated the delegation and disclosed that their programme would reduce his burden on education development of Abia children, especially the less privileged.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, his Science and Technology counterpart, Mr Chima Oriaku, Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investment, Chief Nwaka Inem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze said the present administration is focused on delivering democracy dividends to Ndi Abia and would partner them in their programs.
In his address, the President, Abia State Indigenes in Diaspora Association UK, Mazi Godson Azu said they came to share ideas and strategies with the state government on how to support the development and employability of Abia youths through innovative sports activities and discuss potential opportunities in agro-cooperative funding support with their partners.
On the issue of land allocation for the proposed diaspora village project, Mazi Azu noted that the project would create new jobs and value chains, provide opportunities and sustainable future for the less privileged children through the Back to School Initiative, assist in youth capacity, creativity, entrepreneurship, employability skills and sports development.
In a vote of thanks, the Board of Trustee Chairman of the association, Mr Uche Kalu explained that Abians residing in the United Kingdom were motivated by the governor’s education development policy and decided to come home to assist in the education of Abia children through the award of scholarships from primary to university level.
The meeting which featured interactive sessions had some top government officials in attendance.