The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, for notable economic progress made so far in the State under his leadership.
The President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Prof. Pius Olarenwaju made this known on thursday, February 5th, when he led members of the institute to pay a visit to the Governor in his office.
He noted that the State has recorded notable economic progress, including a 10 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an eight per cent reduction in poverty, attraction of investments and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.
“You have achieved, within this short time, notable economic progress, including a 10% GDP increase, 8% poverty reduction in this part of the country, an attraction of significant investment and creation of over 10,000 jobs.
“We have heard about it in the newspaper, but it is more glorious for us to see it and also go back to tell more people. So, we appreciate you, Sir,” Prof. Olarenwaju stated.
Prof. Olarenwaju also lauded improvements in the social sector, including the strengthened healthcare delivery, reduced mortality rates, the introduction of health insurance and enhanced education infrastructure, with free education policies.
While acknowledging the improvements in road infrastructure and other ongoing projects, which he described as evidence of purposeful governance. He appreciated the State’s Operation Crush initiative, which has improved security in the State and boosted youth confidence and economic activities.
The CIBN Chairman saluted Governor Otti’s contributions to the banking and finance profession and informed the Governor of plans by the institute to organise an event later in the year, where it would honour outstanding former bank chief executives for their impact on the banking industry.
President and Chairman of Council of CIBN described Governor Otti as a goodwill ambassador of the Institute, saying that his administration’s transformative achievements have become a source of pride to them.
He maintained that Governor Otti is representing them well as one who made a mark in the banking industry and doing well in government too.
Prof. Olarenwaju, called for deeper collaboration between CIBN and Abia State Government in certain areas, including financial literacy and financial inclusion, completion of the CIBN State office and infrastructural development among others.
He said that the CIBN is involved in a national programme aimed at training 10 million women and youths on financial inclusion, describing the financial literacy as fundamental to economic empowerment of the people.
“We want the involvement of the State in this programme. I did mention when I talked to the press that there is a conditioned precedent to financial inclusion, and that is financial literacy,
“We are intentional about this and we will go ahead to do this,” Prof. Olarenwaju stated.
Receiving his guests, Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development and stronger collaboration with the CIBN.
Gov. Otti said that he is keen on deepening partnership with the institute, adding that the relationship is already well established and should be taken as a given.
The State Chief Executive mentioned some key achievements of his administration, including job creation, economic growth, poverty reduction, introduction of free and compulsory education, and improved healthcare delivery among others.
He particularly said that the free education, resulted in over a 100 per cent increase in school enrolment, adding that he equally recruited 5,394 teachers while the process of employing an additional 4,000 is ongoing.
Governor Otti, who commended the CIBN efforts in curriculum reform, expressed interest in adopting its updated curriculum across State-owned tertiary institutions and appreciated its proposals for regional conferences, financial literacy programmes and broader areas of collaboration.
“The institute’s programme on financial inclusion and financial literacy for members of the public is very important.
“You find that even for those of us who claim that we have some knowledge, we still find that in terms of investment, we make mistakes and those mistakes are not made deliberately, because we don’t know. So, I am very happy that you are doing that,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti was joined by the Commissioner for Finance Hon. Uwaoma, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Cliff Agbaeze, the Accountant-General of the State, Dr. Mrs. Njum Uma-Onyemenam, FCA, among other senior appointees of the Government.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
