The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has hailed Abia State Governor Alex Otti for the remarkable economic progress achieved under his leadership, highlighting a 10 percent increase in Gross Domestic Product, an eight per ent reduction in poverty, and the creation of over 10,000 jobs across the state.
Prof. Pius Olarenwaju, President and Chairman of the CIBN, made the announcement on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Otti’s office, praising the administration for its proactive approach to development and investment attraction. He noted that the state’s strides in economic growth, social welfare, and infrastructure were more impressive in person than through media reports.
Olarenwaju highlighted significant improvements in healthcare delivery, reduced mortality rates, the introduction of health insurance, and enhanced education infrastructure through free and compulsory education. He also lauded the governor’s initiatives in road construction and Operation Crush, which has strengthened security, boosted youth confidence, and stimulated economic activities across Abia State.
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The CIBN chief described Otti as a goodwill ambassador for the institute, noting that the governor’s achievements in both the banking sector and public service serve as a model for governance. He further called for deeper collaboration between the institute and the state government in areas such as financial literacy, financial inclusion, completion of the CIBN state office, and other infrastructural projects.
Governor Otti, receiving the delegation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and expressed eagerness to expand partnerships with the CIBN. He highlighted key accomplishments including job creation, poverty alleviation, free education policies resulting in over 100 per cent increase in school enrolment, recruitment of thousands of teachers, and enhanced healthcare services.
Otti also praised the institute’s financial literacy initiatives, underscoring their importance for informed investment and economic empowerment. He expressed interest in adopting CIBN’s updated curriculum across state-owned tertiary institutions and welcomed plans for regional conferences and broader collaborative programmes.
The governor was joined by top officials including the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Uwaoma; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Cliff Agbaeze; and the Accountant-General of the State, Mrs. Njum Uma-Onyemenam, FCA, reflecting the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and partnership with professional bodies.
