The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration plans to partner with the government of Israel to develop the technological economy of the state, News About Nigeria reports.
He disclosed this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kazie Uko, on Wednesday.
While receiving the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, Otti noted that the state government has a strong desire to work closely with the Israeli government in developing its economic and technological potential, with specific reference to human capital, agriculture, the digital economy, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
He stated that Israel has a clear understanding of how the economy works, particularly the modern economy, and that the government has also done extensive research, particularly on the things that are important to Abia citizens.
He maintained that the determination and resilience of the citizens, even in the face of the current economic situation and the failures of past administrations, have served as an encouragement for him to keep evolving policies and programmes that would improve their welfare and make their businesses thrive.
“I’m very pleased, very happy to receive Your Excellency, the Ambassador, today in Abia State. I’m more enamoured to listen to you speak passionately about some of the things that are so important to us as a government and as a people.
“I’m very happy and I can tell you without any fear of contradiction that the state government will partner with you and work closely with you,” he stated.
Also speaking, Freeman commended the leadership quality of Governor Otti, saying that his visit to Abia State is a tribute to the good work that the Abia Governor is doing in the state, particularly in the area of security.
“I think, again, there’s another. I’ve been here now in Nigeria for two years, and other than being in the FCT (Abuja) and other than being in Lagos, this is my first visit outside of those two places, which again I think is a tribute to you, it’s a tribute to your work, it’s a tribute to everything that is happening here (in Abia),” he stated.