The Abia State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to accelerate sustainable development across critical sectors of the state’s economy. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was officially signed on Tuesday, July 8th, in Umuahia, by Governor Alex Otti and the UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah.
Governor Otti, speaking during the signing ceremony held at his office, described the agreement as a milestone that signals a new era of development in Abia State. According to him, the partnership is not only timely but will serve as a foundation for numerous initiatives that will transform the state’s economy and empower its people.
“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,” Governor Otti said. “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.”
The governor highlighted that the immediate fruits of the collaboration would be visible with the commissioning of the Aba Export Growth Lab later in the day. He said this initiative would energize local businesses and promote international trade from Abia, thereby supporting inclusive growth and job creation.
Governor Otti also reaffirmed his administration’s focus on inclusive development. He stressed that the essence of governance is the welfare and security of the people, and pointed out that Abia residents are naturally entrepreneurial.
“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,” he said.
The MoU with UNDP is expected to bring technical expertise, funding support, and capacity building to critical sectors such as digitalization, agriculture, energy, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
These areas are vital for job creation, rural development, and foreign investment, aligning with high CPC keywords like economic growth, sustainable energy solutions, and SME development support.
Governor Otti emphasised that the agreement will be fully implemented and that the state government will ensure all aspects of the MoU are translated into tangible benefits for Abians.
“The essence of government is the welfare and security of the people. We have remained focused on that,” he added.
Ms Elsie Attafuah, UNDP’s Resident Representative, expressed excitement over the collaboration and praised Governor Otti for his achievements and vision. She said the MoU aligns with the UNDP’s broader objective of supporting sub-national governments that are making real changes.
“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,” Ms Attafuah stated.
She mentioned that the collaboration includes various key areas such as SMEs, agriculture, digital transformation, and sustainable energy. These efforts, she said, are aligned with the UNDP’s framework for accelerating inclusive and smart development.
“This is the first landmark MoU that we have signed with the State within the context of what we call, ‘Integrated Smart State Accelerated Development’, and indeed, this event is very historic,” Ms Attafuah added.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, she noted, “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.”
She also applauded the Otti-led administration for its leadership and vision.
“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,” she said.
The MoU signing was witnessed by several top government officials, reflecting the importance of the partnership to the Abia State Government.