Abia State, Governor Dr. Alex Otti has announced the establishment of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC). The council, comprising eminent individuals with global acclaim, is tasked with guiding the overall economic development of the state.
The distinguished individuals appointed to the council include Muhammad Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano; Arunma Oteh, former director general of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); and Bolaji Balogun, CEO of Chapel Hill Denham, who will serve as co-chairpersons.
The 19-member council is comprised of accomplished professionals with global recognition in various fields. Among them are Victor Onyenkpa, Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Chidi Ajaegbu, Uche Orji, Ndidi Nwuneli, Chika Nwobi, Olugbenga Adesida, Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Clement Owunna, Uzodinma Iweala, Ezinwa Okoroafor, George Agu, Uzo Nwankwo, Chinedu Azodoh, with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Benedict Oramah serving as honorary advisors.
The state executive council members representing the government on the Advisory Council include Governor Dr. Otti, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna, Commissioner for Budget and Planning Kingsley Anosike, Commissioner for Finance Michael Akpara, and Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu.
In a statement, the Governor’s Office highlighted the fragile state of Abia State’s economy due to past neglect and economic sabotage. The newly established council aims to drive socio-economic re-engineering and rebuild Abia State as the economic pride of Nigeria.
The Secretariat of the Council will be managed by Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, and Charles Egonye, Technical Assistant to the Governor, with support from Victoria Onwubiko and Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.
The Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council will play a crucial role in offering strategic insights and recommendations to guide economic and investment policies, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of innovation and development within the region and globally. The diversity and expertise of the council members reflect a commitment to shaping policies that drive innovation, attract investments, and ensure economic resilience for Abia State.
