Gov. Otti Seeks Economic Collaboration as Delaware Governor,Usa Visits Abia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to enter strategic partnerships with the Government of Delaware, United States, aimed at driving economic growth and development across key sectors.

Governor Otti made this known on Friday, December 12, while receiving a delegation led by the Governor of Delaware, Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia. He noted that Abia people, like most Igbo communities, thrive when provided with functional infrastructure and a conducive business environment rather than handouts, stressing that collaboration with a developed state such as Delaware would be mutually beneficial.

The governor explained that his administration’s decision to clear outstanding pension and salary arrears was deliberately targeted at stimulating the local economy by putting money directly into the hands of citizens. He assured the visiting delegation of his government’s openness to collaboration and expressed confidence in his team’s capacity to deliver successful outcomes from any partnership.

Governor Otti further highlighted major investments in education and healthcare, including the introduction of free and compulsory basic education, recruitment of thousands of teachers with improved welfare packages, rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and the employment of over 700 health professionals.

In her remarks, Delaware’s 75th Governor, Dr. Bethany Hall-Long, said her visit to Abia was driven by a desire to explore meaningful areas of cooperation with the state government. A former legislator and Professor of Nursing at the University of Delaware, she identified healthcare, education, workforce development, manufacturing, and medical supplies as potential areas for collaboration, pledging to draw from her extensive public service experience to ensure successful outcomes.

Dr. Hall-Long commended Governor Otti’s leadership style, describing it as courageous and people-focused, and praised the administration’s achievements within a short period. She expressed optimism that both states could build lasting partnerships that would address poverty, boost job creation, and strengthen economic resilience.

Earlier, Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State, who introduced the Delaware Governor, said the visit was aimed at fostering partnerships that would attract grants and investments to support education, healthcare, and other critical sectors in Abia. She applauded Governor Otti’s performance, particularly in the areas of security and infrastructure, describing Abia as a vital industrial hub whose economic stability has broader implications for Nigeria and Africa.

Several top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, were present during the visit.