Abia to partner private sector to rebuild state 

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his administration’s desire to partner the private sector in the government’s quest to rebuild the state.

He restated government’s position to work with the private sector when he received the Group Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, who led a team of the bank’s management team on a business visit to the governor.

He welcomed the bank’s request to partner the state government in delivering gains of democracy to the people, while enumerating some of the things his administration had done in road and health infrastructure, as well as ensuring that workers received their salary promptly since it assumed office less than four months ago.

Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe thanked the governor for the warm reception accorded her and her team, which included Mrs. Pamela Shodipo, Executive Director, South; Mr. Mike Nnaji, Regional Head, Abia and Mrs. Evi Kanu, Regional Head, Rivers-Bayelsa.

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She said the Fidelity team was in Abia to, first, congratulate Governor Otti on his electoral victory and subsequent assumption of office, adding that she had heard some of the good news coming out of Abia since Dr. Otti began to steer the ship of the state.

Onyeali-Ikpe, however, said the work of rebuilding Abia required a concerted effort and all hands must be on deck to deliver and that Fidelity was willing to be part of the Abia success story under Governor Otti.

“We realise there is need for support in the area of infrastructural development and industrialisation of the state. That’s why we came, to see how we can partner him with a view to moving Abia State forward.

“For the level of infrastructural development Abia needs, there is need for heavy lifting.

“As you well know, there’s a lot of work to be done in the area of roads, schools, hospitals; and you can’t do all of that from what the state generates on its own.

“You definitely need heavy lifting support from the banks,” Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe said.