The Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council serves as a key advisory body.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced the constitution of the 19-member Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC) as part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.
Those appointed are Arunma Oteh, co-chair; Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, co-chair; Bolaji Balogun, co-chair; Victor Onyenkpa, member; Ifueko Okauru, member; Chidi Ajaegbu, member; Uche Orji, member; Ndidi Nwuneli, member; Chika Nwobi, member; Olugbenga Adesida, member; Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, member; and Clement Owunna, member.
Others are Uzodinma Iweala, member; Ezinwa Okoroafor, member; George Agu, member; Uzo Nwankwo, member; Chinedu Azodoh, member; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, honorary advisor; and Benedict Oramah, honorary advisor.
Also, five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, will represent Abia government on the advisory council.
They include the governor, Otti; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Kingsley Anosike; Commissioner for Finance, Michael Akpara; and Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chimezie Ukaegbu.
A statement issued Thursday by the Governor’s Office said the economy of Abia State had suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years.
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However, with the inception of Governor Otti’s administration on May 29, 2023, the government has since commenced the socio-economic re-engineering of the state from the wreckage of over the last two decades.
Otti said, “Our programmes are already re-positioning and rebuilding Abia State as the economic pride of Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that its economic development strategy is founded not only on a thorough understanding of the local economic environment but also on the dynamics of the emerging forces now shaping the future of the global economy.
“The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors, enhancing the diversity and dynamism of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council. Their collective knowledge will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive innovation, attract investments, form solid partnerships, and ensure the overall economic resilience of our great state.”
According to the statement, the secretariat of the council will be managed by Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, principal secretary to the governor/chief strategy officer, and Charles Egonye, technical assistant to the governor, and supported by Victoria Onwubiko and Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.
The Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council serves as a key advisory body, offering strategic insights and recommendations to guide the state’s economic and investment policies. The advisers will collaborate closely with the relevant state commissioners to address the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Abia State remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.