The Chief of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his “excellent leadership”, clear vision for economic transformation, job creation and inclusive growth.
Ms. Dimanche gave the commendation on Thursday, when she led officials of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the Governor at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The IOM Chief of Mission said her interactions across Nigeria showed a rare consensus about Governor Otti’s leadership style and impact.
“I have moved around in several states, what I get to hear from every person that I interact with is that you’re one of those very, very special governors in this country.
“Everybody are all in one line acknowledging and appreciating your leadership. Under your guidance, we have seen a very, very strong vision for economic development, transformation, job creation, and inclusive growth”, she stated.
The IOM Chief explained that her visit was to review progress on earlier engagements, propose new areas of collaboration and seek the Governor’s guidance on priority areas requiring accelerated delivery.
Ms Dimanche while providing updates from her previous engagements, disclosed that Abia State, in collaboration with IOM, has made significant strides in key areas, including the establishment of a state task force on human trafficking, scheduled for inauguration on April 13.
On diaspora engagement, she praised the establishment of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, adding that IOM had already commenced an institutional capacity needs assessment which will guide capacity-building efforts scheduled for April.
Ms Dimanche further disclosed that about 800 returnees had so far been supported through technical and vocational education training as well as reintegration assistance by the organisation adding that the next phase would focus on linking the beneficiaries to job markets for meaningful economic engagement.
She also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen data-driven governance through the establishment of a multi-stakeholder data management framework.
The IOM Chief identified three strategic areas for partnership with the State Government which include leveraging the diaspora as a driver of development through structured investment platforms, skills transfer and enterprise support.
She proposed a tripartite funding model involving the State, Private Sector and Diaspora Community and emphasised strengthening value chains and enterprise development, particularly in Aba’s industrial ecosystem, through improved access to finance, market linkages and skills alignment with industry needs.
“The goal is to position Aba as a competitive production and export hub, capable of creating jobs at scale”, she said.
According to Ms Dimanche, the third focus area centres on community resilience and workforce stabilisation, targeting vulnerable groups, youth and returnees through cooperative-based livelihood programmes and pathways to sustainable employment.o
She stressed that these interventions would create a “reinforcing cycle” of job creation, investment growth and social stability which aligns with the Governor’s development agenda.
Ms Dimanche reaffirmed IOM’s readiness to support the state through large-scale programme implementation, technical assistance and resource mobilisation frameworks, including trust funds.
The IOM Chief proposed steps, including identifying priority areas, appointing a state focal point, and setting up a joint technical team to develop actionable programmes.
“IOM stands ready to support the state in accelerating your priority initiatives to deliver visible, measurable results, quickly, with efficiency, and at scale”, she added.
Responding, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic transformation, inclusive growth and improved social services as key strategies to curb poverty and encourage reverse migration.
The Governor recalled earlier discussions with the IOM on migration trends, noting that many people leave in search of better opportunities, sometimes based on unrealistic expectations.
According to the Governor, the real solution reverse migration lies in creating an enabling environment anchored on transparency, fairness, justice and equity, stressing that migration should ultimately serve as a pathway out of poverty.
He identified access to quality healthcare as a major driver of migration, explaining that people are more likely to relocate if better medical services are available elsewhere.
Governor Otti added that the State has strengthened its primary healthcare system to the point where between 80 and 85 per cent of health needs could be addressed at that level, supported by improved infrastructure, equipment and qualified personnel.
On economic and social development, the Governor highlighted efforts to make the State more livable and productive, noting that Nigeria’s large population presents a significant market for locally made goods.
The Governor also pointed to the success of free education, which doubled school enrollment and led to the recruitment of thousands of teachers, alongside improved welfare and extended retirement age.
He expressed readiness to partner with IOM on funding and strategic projects, including the proposed Medical City and Airport project, noting that such collaborations would enhance investor confidence and attract development partners.
