Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared his administration’s readiness to partner with Denmark across key sectors to drive economic growth and development in the state. The announcement came during a meeting with the Danish Consul-General in Lagos, Miss Jette Bjerrum, held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, on Tuesday.
Governor Otti highlighted potential collaboration areas, including agriculture, digital transformation, health, maritime, and micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs). He emphasized that Abia would begin implementing agreed initiatives before the end of the year, reflecting his administration’s commitment to prompt action and practical results.
“Some of the things you said are exactly what we are doing. For us, it is either we are doing something or we are not. We don’t waste time,” Gov. Otti stated, underscoring the government’s proactive approach to reforms and development. He also directed officials to commence preliminary work and participate in a proposed workshop to formalize the partnership framework early next year.
On digital transformation, the governor noted that Abia has invested in data-driven systems for agriculture and governance, providing accurate records of farmers, farm locations, and needs for better planning and decision-making. He further highlighted the administration’s commitment to health and education, allocating 35 percent of the annual budget to the sectors, with initiatives such as free and compulsory basic education and upgrades to 200 primary health centers.
Governor Otti also pointed to the success of Aba’s 24-hour electricity project—the first of its scale in Nigeria—and invited the Danish delegation to witness the creativity of local artisans and small businesses in the city, a hub for MSMEs in the country. He praised Denmark’s development model and expressed Abia’s dedication to building robust sub-national institutions that contribute to national growth.
Consul-General Jette Bjerrum affirmed Denmark’s interest in strategic collaborations with Abia, emphasizing data-driven digital initiatives, agricultural development, and public-private partnerships. She highlighted Denmark’s African Century Strategy and stressed that Nigeria remains a critical regional hub for investment and innovation, with state-level collaborations capable of delivering tangible results.
The meeting was attended by top government officials, including the Commissioners for Agriculture, Land, and Industries & SMEs. Both leaders agreed that a follow-up workshop would be crucial to solidifying project frameworks, ensuring efficient implementation, and fostering sustainable growth across the agreed sectors.
