In a momentous ceremony held on Thursday, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, took a significant step towards fortifying the economic prowess of the state by inaugurating 19 distinguished Nigerians into the newly established Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC). This visionary move seeks to harness the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by these eminent individuals across various sectors of the national and global economy.
At the helm of the Advisory Council is the esteemed Ms. Arunma Oteh, former Director General of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Her remarkable achievements and current role as a member of the Global Leadership Council of SAID Business School, University of Oxford, England, uniquely position her to guide the council towards unprecedented economic strategies and growth.
Assuming the roles of Co-Chairmen are two formidable figures in the economic landscape – the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II, and the astute Managing Director of Chapel Hill Denham, and CIO Nigeria Infrastructure Debt Fund, Mr. Bolaji Balogun. Together, they bring a wealth of experience that spans financial regulation, governance, and investment management, promising a well-rounded approach to economic advisory.
The 16 additional members include luminaries such as the President of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and former Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Her dual role as a global economic leader and her past contributions to the Nigerian economy make her a valuable asset to the council. Joining her is Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of Afrexim Bank, whose expertise in trade finance and economic development further enriches the council’s advisory capabilities. Both have been appointed as Honourary Advisors, reflecting their esteemed standing in the global economic arena.
The inauguration ceremony, held with great pomp and circumstance, underscored the gravity of the occasion. Governor Alex Otti emphasized the imperative need for diverse perspectives and insights to steer Abia State towards economic prosperity. He expressed his profound gratitude to the distinguished members of AGEAC for accepting the responsibility to contribute to the state’s economic transformation.
Ms. Arunma Oteh, in her inaugural address, highlighted the crucial role that an effective economic advisory council plays in shaping policies and strategies. She underscored the importance of collaboration among council members and their commitment to proffering innovative solutions to the economic challenges facing Abia State.
The Co-Chairmen, His Highness Muhammad Sanusi II and Mr. Bolaji Balogun, echoed Ms. Oteh’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses the unique economic landscape of Abia State. They pledged to leverage their collective expertise to formulate strategies that foster sustainable development, attract investments, and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Dr. Benedict Oramah, as Honourary Advisors, expressed their readiness to provide insights garnered from their extensive experience on the global stage. They commended Governor Otti for his foresight in establishing AGEAC and pledged their commitment to supporting Abia State’s economic vision.
As the inaugural ceremony concluded, the members of AGEAC embarked on their mission to chart a course for Abia State’s economic resurgence. The council is poised to serve as a beacon of economic wisdom, offering strategic counsel that propels the state towards sustainable growth and development. With these eminent individuals at the helm, the future of Abia State’s economy looks promising and ready to navigate the complexities of the global economic landscape.