Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that his administration is committed to advancing the state’s economy through digital innovation.
He made the assertion while addressing members of Study Group 7, Senior Executive Course 46, from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru Jos, who were on a fact-finding mission to Abia State.
Governor Otti lauded the choice of Abia for the study tour as well as the theme, “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.
He emphasized the imperative for organizations to embrace the digital space to avoid obsolescence and underscored the importance of adapting to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and electric vehicles.
“We are now in the world of artificial intelligence, the world of robotics, electric vehicles, driverless cars and those technologies generally, you will just find out that those old ways of doing things will soon give way“,Gov Otti said.
Governor Otti while noting that Abia state is on the path of digital transformation said upon assumption in office, his administration created the Ministry of Digital Economy and SMEs to leverage technology for economic growth.
The Governor also emphasized the state’s commitment to security adding that the state has employed advanced technology and intelligence to combat crime effectively.
“We take the issue of security serious here, we do not tolerate crime and criminality and we have also demonstrated that if you commit any crime here we will get you within 36 hours using a combination of sophisticated technology and intelligence,we don’t believe that security is all about carrying AK-47 and intimidating people.
“I believe that this study tour will expose you to a whole lot of new things and I want to thank you once again for the choice of Abia”, Gov Otti stated.
In his remarks earlier, the team lead Brigadier General L.A Jimoh said the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) was established by the administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979 as a high-level institution and foremost “THINK TANK” to provide and proffer solutions to burning issues for the overall well-being and progress of the country on all fronts..
Brigadier Gen Jimoh underscored the significance of Abia State to this year’s theme, citing the state’s contributions to the nation’s economic agenda and commended Governor Otti for his investments in human capital development, electricity, infrastructure, and healthcare noting that they were essential components for a thriving digital economy.
“Abia State is considered critical to our theme this year and also because of its contributions to the economic agenda of the country.
“Your State is known for its rich arts and culture, vast human resources, technology, industry and unmatched records for talents in almost all areas of life.
“All these have direct relationship with digital economy, youth empowerment and sustainable job creation which is our theme, Brig. Gen Jimoh stated.
