The Abia state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate sustainable development efforts in some areas of the economy across the state.

Speaking while signing the MoU in his office, Governor Alex Otti said that the MoU marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Abia State government and the UNDP as well as a journey to development of the state.

“For us, this MoU marks a significant time in our journey. It means clearly that, we can count on your support because we have a document.

“This partnership is a significant step forward with the signing of this MoU. We know that it marks the beginning of so many great things that will come.

“We will go about to do what we have to do to ensure that we do not let you down with the commissioning of the Aba Export Growth Lab later today. 

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable development, emphasizing that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the welfare and security of its people.

He described the people of Abia as naturally entrepreneurial, noting that with minimal support, they have the capacity to excel. 

He described the MoU as a turning point in the State’s development trajectory and pledged full implementation of the agreement’s provisions.

“Our people are ready; we just need to provide the right environment and support. We have people with entrepreneurial hands to produce. 

“Just a minimal support from government in terms of creating the right environment for their businesses to grow is our duty.

“The essence of government is the welfare and security of the people. We have remained focused on that. Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti said that the partnership is expected to bring technical expertise, capacity building, and funding support to key sectors in Abia, in line with the UNDP’s accelerated development framework, and thanked the UNDP representative for the successful signing of the MoU.

Earlier, the Resident Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah extolled the achievements of Governor Otti’s administration, stating that the MoU aligns with the UNDP’s mission to drive inclusive and sustainable development at the sub-national level.

“We are inspired by the progress here in Abia. This MoU is not just a formality; it represents our commitment to co-investing in Abia for a better Nigeria,” she said.

She said that the partnership covers certain areas such as SME’s, digitalization, energy, agriculture among others, and assured of the support of the UNDP in the launch of the Aba Export Growth Lab.

Ms Attafuah described it as “the first landmark MoU that they have signed with the State within the context of what they call, ‘Integrated Smart State Accelerated Development’and admitted that the event is very historic.

“I think what is crucial is that we are co-investing into the future of development together. So, we are here for the signing of the MoU, and secondly, to support you as we launch the Aba Export Growth Lab today. 

“Your Excellency, on behalf of UNDP, indeed the United Nations as a whole, let me say how proud we are of you for the vision that you have, for the exemplary leadership and I think increasingly, Abia is showing the way as an epitome of the subnational that is really doing what matters, and particularly in times like this.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by many high profile political appointees of the government.