Otti also approved a land for the building of Bankers Training Institute in Abia State, following a request by the CIBN
By Kehinde Okeowo
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has advised leaders in the country on how to curb the mass exodus of Nigerians to foreign lands for jobs.
He gave the advice at his country home in Umuihim, Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, while receiving the executives of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).
Earlier in an address to the governor, the Public Relations Officer of CIBN, Kelechi Adiele said the institute came to identify with one of their own and discuss various ways of deepening the relationship between the Bankers Committee and the State.
He also acknowledged the achievements of the governor so far and thanked him for creating an enabling environment for the banking industry in the state.
He said, “For instance, prior to your taking over as the Governor of Abia State, banks in Abia State were not working on Mondays.
“This had affected negatively both the turnover of these banks and even the personal security of bankers who more or less had to sneak into the office on Mondays, but today, we move freely even on Mondays.”
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Adiele went on to raise concerns about the continued exodus of Nigerians to foreign lands in search of better jobs, saying that the situation was affecting the banking sector and the Nigerian economy at large.
Responding, Gov Otti said that “JAPA syndrome” has become a reality which could not even be legislated against because it is a case of supply and demand.
He, however, said developing programmes and policies that will throw up opportunities comparable to the ones that attract Nigerians to foreign lands will curb the trend.
Speaking during the visit, Otti said, “Once your economy and your system don’t look conducive or don’t look attractive or if other economies are looking better than yours, they will go there, no matter what you do.
“So, the only response you have is to create an enabling environment, create jobs for them and encourage them to stay back.”
The governor also approved a land for the building of Bankers Training Institute in Abia State, following a request by the CIBN.