The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti for the state’s economic and developmental advancements during a courtesy visit in Umuahia.
Led by its President and Chairman of Council, Prof. Pius Olarenwaju, the CIBN delegation acknowledged specific achievements under Governor Otti’s administration. These include a reported 10 per cent rise in the state’s Gross Domestic Product, an eight per cent reduction in poverty levels, the attraction of investments, and the creation of over 10,000 jobs. The institute also noted improvements in healthcare delivery, reduced mortality rates, the introduction of health insurance, and enhanced education infrastructure through free and compulsory education policies. Further commendation was given for road infrastructure projects and the Operation Crush initiative, which the CIBN said has improved security and economic activity.
Prof. Olarenwaju described Governor Otti, a former banking chief executive, as a “goodwill ambassador” of the institute whose public service performance brings pride to its members. He called for deeper collaboration between the CIBN and the Abia State Government, particularly in financial literacy, financial inclusion, and infrastructural development. He highlighted a national CIBN programme targeting the training of 10 million women and youths on financial inclusion, stressing financial literacy as a foundational step and urging state participation.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable development and strengthening the existing partnership with the CIBN. He elaborated on his administration’s focus on job creation, economic growth, and poverty reduction. The governor reported that the free education policy has increased school enrolment by over 100 per cent, with 5,394 teachers recently recruited and 4,000 more pending employment. He welcomed the CIBN’s curriculum reform proposals, expressing interest in adopting its updated curriculum in state-owned tertiary institutions and supporting its planned regional conferences and financial literacy programmes.
The meeting, attended by state commissioners, the Accountant-General, and other senior officials, concluded with mutual agreement on advancing financial education and inclusion initiatives in Abia State.
