…Okonjo-Iweala, Oramah get honourary advisory roles
Former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, former Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, and Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, have been appointed as Co-Chairs in the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC).
Also, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and the President of Afreximbank, Dr. Benedict Oramah, were appointed as Honourary Advisors in the Council.
The AGEAC is part of the Abia State Governor Alex Otti administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.
It will serve 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, a statement issued Thursday by the Governor’s Office said.
The statement said the state’s economy had suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage over the years. However, with the inception of Governor Otti’s administration on 29 May 2023, the government has since commenced the socio-economic re-engineering of the state from the wreckage of over the last two decades.
This is why the governor has appointed 19 distinguished Nigerians with global acclaim to serve on the Council aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub.
Others appointed into the Council include Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, Mr. Uche Orji, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli, Mr. Chika Nwobi, Dr. Olugbenga Adesida, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. George Agu, Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, and Mr Chinedu Azodoh as members.
Also, five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, will represent the government on the Advisory Council. They include the governor, Dr. Otti; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Akpara; and Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
The statement said the Otti administration’s 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 statement said.
“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,” it said.
The statement further said the Secretariat of the Council would be managed by Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, and Mr. Charles Egonye, Technical Assistant to the Governor, and supported by Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko and Ms Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.
