CIBN Praises Governor Otti for Transformative Economic Development in Abia

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has commended the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for the significant economic transformation recorded in the State under his leadership.
This commendation was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, and made available to journalists in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Professor Pius Olarenwaju, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led members of the Institute on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office in Umuahia.
Professor Olarenwaju noted that Abia State has recorded remarkable economic progress within a short period, including a 10 per cent increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP), an eight per cent reduction in poverty, significant investment inflows, and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.
“You have achieved, within a short time, notable economic progress, including a 10 per cent GDP increase, an eight per cent reduction in poverty in this part of the country, the attraction of significant investments, and the creation of over 10,000 jobs.
“We have read about these achievements in the newspapers, but it is even more gratifying to witness them firsthand and return to share the story with others. We sincerely appreciate you, Sir,” Prof. Olarenwaju stated.
He also lauded the Governor’s interventions in the social sector, citing strengthened healthcare delivery systems, reduced mortality rates, the introduction of health insurance schemes, and improved educational infrastructure supported by the implementation of free education policies.
While acknowledging visible improvements in road infrastructure and other ongoing development projects across the State, which he described as clear evidence of purposeful governance,Prof. Olarenwaju further commended the State Government’s Operation Crush security initiative, noting that it has enhanced public safety, boosted youth confidence, and stimulated economic activities.

The CIBN Chairman also praised Governor Otti’s long-standing contributions to the banking and finance profession and informed him of the Institute’s plan to organise an event later in the year to honour outstanding former bank chief executives for their impact on the Nigerian banking industry.
Describing Governor Otti as a goodwill ambassador of the Institute, Prof. Olarenwaju said the Governor’s achievements in public office have become a source of pride to the CIBN.
He added that Governor Otti continues to represent the Institute positively, having distinguished himself in the banking industry and now excelling in governance.
The CIBN President further called for deeper collaboration between the Institute and the Abia State Government in areas such as financial literacy, financial inclusion, completion of the CIBN State Secretariat, and infrastructural development, among others.
He disclosed that the Institute is currently implementing a national programme targeted at training 10 million women and youths on financial inclusion, describing financial literacy as a critical foundation for economic empowerment.
“We desire the active involvement of the State in this programme. As I mentioned earlier, there is a conditioned precedent to financial inclusion, and that is financial literacy.
“We are intentional about this initiative, and we will follow through,” Prof. Olarenwaju assured.
Responding, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainable development and stronger collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
The Governor stated that his administration is keen on deepening its partnership with the Institute, noting that the relationship is already well established and should be regarded as a given.
Governor Otti highlighted key achievements of his administration, including job creation, economic growth, poverty reduction, the introduction of free and compulsory education, and improvements in healthcare delivery.
He revealed that the free education policy has resulted in over a 100 per cent increase in school enrolment, adding that his administration has so far recruited 5,394 teachers, while the process of employing an additional 4,000 teachers is currently ongoing.
Commending the CIBN’s efforts in curriculum reform, Governor Otti expressed interest in adopting the Institute’s updated curriculum across State-owned tertiary institutions. He also welcomed proposals for regional conferences, financial literacy programmes, and broader areas of collaboration.
“The Institute’s programmes on financial inclusion and financial literacy for members of the public are extremely important.
“Even for those of us who believe we have some level of knowledge, we still make investment mistakes—not deliberately, but because of knowledge gaps. I am therefore pleased that the Institute is addressing this,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor was joined during the meeting by the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Uwaoma Ukandu; Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Cliff Agbaeze; the Accountant-General of the State, Dr. (Mrs.) Njum Uma-Onyemenam, FCA, and other senior government officials.