Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Governor of Delaware, United States, Bethany Hall-Long, focusing on key economic areas to stimulate growth and development within the state.

This intention was communicated in a statement released on Saturday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku.

The statement detailed that Governor Otti conveyed this readiness on Friday during a reception held for a delegation from the Office of the Delaware Governor at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

Governor Otti emphasized that Abians, like other Igbo people, are self-reliant and do not seek aid, but instead require strong social infrastructure and an enabling environment to prosper. He suggested that forming a collaboration with a state like Delaware would undoubtedly yield positive outcomes.

He further explained that his administration’s quick action to clear outstanding arrears of pensions and salaries was an intentional strategy aimed at stimulating and boosting the local economy.

Governor Otti revealed the thinking behind the policy, stating, “So, when we came in and we 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 pleasure at the visit, Otti extended an open invitation for future engagement, saying, “So, I’m pleased to have you here and it’s also an invitation for partnership, like you said.” He confirmed his desire to move forward 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 said.

The Governor highlighted that his administration has made significant investments in the education and healthcare sectors.

These efforts include introducing free and compulsory basic education, recruiting thousands of new teachers with improved compensation packages, upgrading various health facilities, and employing more than 700 medical personnel.

Speaking earlier at the event, Delaware Governor Bethany Hall-Long stated that the purpose of her visit to Abia State was to explore specific areas of potential collaboration with the state government.

Governor Hall-Long, the 75th Governor of Delaware, who also 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 deployed to ensure the partnership is productive. She detailed her relevant experience, stating, “In my 25 years’ experience in the State legislature, lieutenant governor, which is like a deputy governor, and short-term governor of Delaware, I hope that we can leverage on it and build bridges.”

She expressed deep admiration for Governor Otti’s style of governance, commending 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 use of manufacturing.” Hall-Long was optimistic about the future partnership, noting, “We have a lot we can do together, a lot of connections. There are ideas and opportunities for collaboration with medical supplies. There are a whole lot of things that can be accomplished with the proposed partnership,” she said.

Hall-Long further praised Governor Otti’s performance, remarking, “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 quality of his team and his own resolve: “And I know you’ve done it with an incredible team, and you do it with courageous leadership.”

Senator Uche Ekwunife of Anambra State introduced the Delaware Governor and explained that the visit was strategically aimed at facilitating a partnership with Abia State across several sectors of the economy.

Senator Ekwunife stated, “She is here to collaborate with the State Government, to bring some grants that will help the people, help the education sector, help the health sector, and help other areas,” Ekwunife said.

Senator Ekwunife praised Otti’s administrative performance, particularly in the areas of security and infrastructure development, and described Abia as a vital industrial hub whose economic stability has far-reaching consequences for Nigeria and the wider African continent. The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa.