The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for what it described as remarkable economic progress recorded under his administration.
The President and Chairman of the Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Olarenwaju, gave the commendation on Thursday while leading a delegation of the institute on a courtesy visit to the governor at his office in Umuahia.
Olarenwaju said Abia State had achieved notable economic milestones within a short period, including a 10 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an eight per cent reduction in poverty, the attraction of investments and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.
“You have achieved, within this short time, notable economic progress—10 per cent GDP growth, an eight per cent reduction in poverty in this part of the country, the attraction of significant investments and the creation of more than 10,000 jobs,” he said.
“We have read about these achievements in the newspapers, but seeing them firsthand makes them even more impressive. We appreciate you, sir.”
Social Sector, Infrastructure, Security Applauded
The CIBN president also praised improvements in the social sector, including strengthened healthcare delivery, reduced mortality rates, the introduction of health insurance schemes and enhanced education infrastructure driven by free education policies.
He further acknowledged ongoing road construction and other infrastructure projects across the state, describing them as clear indicators of purposeful and people-centred governance.
Olarenwaju commended Abia’s Operation Crush security initiative, noting that it had improved safety, restored youth confidence and stimulated economic activities across the state.
He also lauded Governor Otti’s contributions to the banking and finance profession, describing him as a goodwill ambassador of the institute whose achievements have brought pride to CIBN members.
According to him, the institute plans to organise an event later in the year to honour outstanding former bank chief executives for their contributions to the industry.
Call for Deeper Collaboration
The CIBN chairman called for deeper collaboration between the institute and the Abia State Government, particularly in the areas of financial literacy, financial inclusion, infrastructural development and the completion of the CIBN state office.
He disclosed that the institute was implementing a national programme aimed at training 10 million women and youths on financial inclusion, stressing that financial literacy remained fundamental to economic empowerment.
“There is a condition precedent to financial inclusion, and that is financial literacy. We are intentional about this, and we want the state to be actively involved,” he said.
Otti Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Growth
In his response, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and stronger collaboration with the CIBN, describing the relationship with the institute as long-standing and strategic.
He highlighted key achievements of his government, including job creation, economic growth, poverty reduction, free and compulsory education, and improved healthcare delivery.
The governor disclosed that the introduction of free education had led to over 100 per cent increase in school enrolment, adding that 5,394 teachers had already been recruited, with plans underway to employ an additional 4,000 teachers.
Otti also commended the CIBN’s efforts in curriculum reform and expressed interest in adopting the institute’s updated curriculum across state-owned tertiary institutions.
“The institute’s programme on financial inclusion and financial literacy is very important,” he said. “Even those who believe they have some knowledge still make mistakes because they do not fully understand financial decisions. I am happy you are doing this.”
The governor was joined at the meeting by the Commissioner for Finance, Uwaoma, Commissioner for Agriculture, Cliff Agbaeze, the Accountant-General of the State, Mrs Njum Uma-Onyemenam, and other senior government officials.
