Victor EzejaIn his quest to reposition Abia State economy, the state governor, Dr Alex Otti, has constituted a 26-member Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC) to be chaired by egg-heads in the financial world such as former Emir of Kano and CBN governor, Muhammad Sanusi II, ex-Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh, and Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Bolaji Balogun.
The others appointed to serve in the council are distinguished Nigerians with global acclaim.
According to a statement released on Thursday signed by the chief press secretary to the governor, by Kazie Uko, the constitution of the economic team I aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub.
The members of the economic council are:
- Ms. Arunma Oteh, OON – Co-Chair
- His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, CON, Co-Chair
- Mr. Bolaji Balogun – Co-Chair
- Mr. Victor Onyenkpa – Member
- Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, MFR – Member
- Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu – Member
- Mr. Uche Orji – Member
- Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli , MFR – Member
- Mr. Chika Nwobi – Member
- Dr. Olugbenga Adesida – Member
- Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe – Member
- Mazi Clement Owunna, MFR – Member
- Dr. Uzodinma Iweala – Member
- Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor – Member
- Mr. George Agu – Member
- Mazi Uzo Nwankwo – Member
- Mr Chinedu Azodoh – Member
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, GCON – Honourary Advisor
- Dr. Benedict Oramah, CON – Honourary Advisor
The statement added that an additional five persons drawn from the State Executive Council, will represent the government on the Economic Advisory Council.
They are Governor, Dr Otti; Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike; Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Akpara; and Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
The statement said Abia State’s economy has been mismanaged over the years through economic sabotage making it unstable, but since May 29, 2023, when Governor Otti assumed office, the government has started to rebuild the State’s socioeconomic structure from the ruins of the past 20 years.
It added that the newly appointed members of the economic team will with their wealth of experience and expertise, play significant roles in the Abia Economic Advisory Council.
“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,” the statement said.
Serving as a crucial advisory body, the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council provides strategic insights and suggestions to direct the state’s investment and economic policies. To ensure that Abia State continues to be at the forefront of innovation and economic growth both locally and internationally, the Advisers will work closely with the relevant State Commissioners to address specific challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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