Abia State has appointed prominent Nigerian figures to serve in leadership roles within its newly established Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC). The council, designed to steer the state toward greater economic development, will be co-chaired by the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II, former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms. Arunma Oteh, and the Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun.
In addition to the co-chairs, two other distinguished Nigerian leaders, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), and Dr. Benedict Oramah, the President of Afreximbank, have been appointed as Honourary Advisors to the council. Their appointments underline the strategic importance of the council in shaping the future economic landscape of Abia State.
The formation of the AGEAC is part of Governor Alex Otti’s broader plan to overhaul and revitalize Abia’s economy. In a statement issued by the Governor’s Office, it was explained that the council would provide valuable strategic advice, focusing on long-term investment policies and offering solutions to the state’s economic challenges. The advisory body will collaborate closely with state commissioners to drive innovation and development across various sectors, ensuring Abia State’s competitiveness both locally and globally.
Governor Otti’s administration, which began on May 29, 2023, is committed to restructuring the state’s economy, which had long suffered from neglect and destabilization. The Governor aims to rejuvenate the state’s economy, which had faced significant challenges over the last two decades. To this end, Otti appointed a group of 19 renowned Nigerians with international acclaim to join the council. These individuals bring diverse expertise from sectors including real estate, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and finance. Among the appointees are key figures such as Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, and Mr. Uche Orji, to name a few.
The council is not only composed of high-level experts but also includes five members of the Abia State Executive Council, who will represent the government in advisory functions. These members include Governor Otti, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Michael Akpara.
Governor Otti’s administration is focused on transforming Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub, and the AGEAC will play a pivotal role in that transformation. The council’s collective expertise is expected to shape policies that foster innovation, attract investment, and solidify Abia State’s economic resilience. Additionally, the council’s secretariat will be managed by Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, alongside Mr. Charles Egonye, Technical Assistant to the Governor.
With these appointments, Abia State is positioning itself to be a major player in Nigeria’s economic future, leveraging the experience and knowledge of its advisory council to attract investment, improve governance, and create jobs for its citizens.
