The United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP) has signed a Memorable of Understanding MOU with the Abia State Government to drive accelerated development and innovation in the area.
The signing ceremony took place at the country-home of Governor Alex Otti in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
On the occasion, the Resident Representative of UNDP Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, explained that the agreement would focus on digitalization, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), energy, and industrial expansion.
Attafuah said Abia as an emerging model of sub-national governance had proven that transformative development could be achieved in Nigeria.
She said the first MoU under UNDP’s Integrated Smart State of Accelerated Development initiative would help to facilitate the future of development in Nigeria.
According to her, Abia was the first state to sign such a framework, underscoring its role as a pacesetter.
Deeper cooperation with UNDP
Governor Alex Otti described the MoU signing as significant in formally establishing a framework for deeper cooperation with UNDP.
The Governor appreciated the UNDP Resident Representative whose support and collaboration with the state he described as consistent.
Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare and security of the people.
He equally harped on the need for government to make the business climate favourable for entrepreneurs to thrive.
Earlier, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the strategic partnership with UNDP.
Mr Mba-Uzoukwu noted that the discussions covered thematic areas ranging from energy and agriculture to gender and governance.
He anticipated a strong alignment between the government’s priorities and UNDP’s strategic pathways.
