The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has indicated his willingness to cooperate with the Governor of Delaware, Bethany Hall-Long, on significant economic initiatives to foster growth and progress in the state.

This intention was articulated in a statement that was made public on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku.

The statement clarified that Governor Otti expressed this willingness on Friday during a reception organized for a delegation from the Delaware Governor’s office at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

Governor Otti stressed that the people of Abia, like others from the Igbo community, are self-sufficient and do not seek handouts; rather, they need robust social infrastructure and a conducive environment to thrive. He proposed that partnering with a state like Delaware would certainly bring about beneficial results.

He further elaborated that his administration’s prompt action in settling outstanding pension and salary arrears was a deliberate strategy aimed at revitalizing and enhancing the local economy.

Governor Otti explained the rationale behind this policy, stating, “So, when we came in and said we want to pay several years of accumulated pension arrears, the whole idea was to put money in the hands of people.”

Expressing his delight at the visit, Otti issued an open invitation for further discussions, stating, “So, I’m pleased to have you here and it’s also an invitation for partnership, like you said.” He reaffirmed his intention to proceed with the collaboration: “We would be very happy to work with your team so that we can collaborate. I have fantastic people in my team,” Otti mentioned.

The Governor noted that his administration has made considerable investments in the education and healthcare sectors.

These initiatives include the introduction of free and compulsory basic education, the recruitment of thousands of new teachers with enhanced compensation packages, the upgrading of various health facilities, and the hiring of over 700 medical staff.

Earlier in the event, Delaware Governor Bethany Hall-Long remarked that her visit to Abia State aimed to investigate specific collaboration opportunities with the state government.

Governor Hall-Long, who is the 75th Governor of Delaware and has a background as a former legislator and a Professor of Nursing at the University of Delaware, assured Governor Otti that her extensive public service experience would be utilized to ensure a successful partnership. She shared her relevant background, saying, “In my 25 years’ experience in the State legislature, lieutenant governor, which is akin to a deputy governor, and short-term governor of Delaware, I hope that we can leverage on it and build bridges.”

She expressed her deep respect for Governor Otti’s governance style, praising him by saying, “I am so honoured to be with a gentleman who can balance humanity, addressing poverty, security, and homelessness while providing jobs, workforce, and manufacturing.” Hall-Long was hopeful about the potential partnership, adding, “We have a lot we can do together, a lot of connections. There are ideas and opportunities for collaboration with medical supplies. There are many accomplishments that can stem from the proposed partnership,” she stated.

Hall-Long also commended Governor Otti’s achievements, saying, “It’s really important that you have the leadership, Sir, that you in two years have accomplished all this.” She attributed his success to the caliber of his team and his determination: “And I know you’ve done it with an incredible team, and you do it with courageous leadership.”