Israeli Ambassador Compliments Gov. Otti On Security, Leadership Quality

The Abia State Government has expressed a strong desire to collaborate with Israel in developing its economic and technological potential, particularly in areas such as human capital, agriculture, the digital economy, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSME).

Governor Dr. Alex Otti, made this known on Tuesday during a visit to Government House in Umuahia by His Excellency Michael Freeman, Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria.

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,Otti’s leadership qualities were praised by Ambassador Freeman, who stated that his visit to Abia State is a testament to the good work that the Abia Governor is doing in the state, particularly in terms of security.

“Israelis are known for a variety of things. We are known for not taking security lightly. So, when I received the invitation and discussed coming to Abia State, I returned to my Embassy, to my security team, and informed them that I had been invited by the government to visit Abia State.

“I expected the response to be, ‘You are not going to Abia State, that is not happening,’ but it came back within a couple of hours, ‘Absolutely, we cleared that security-wise, you can go’.

“I think there is another one. I have been in Nigeria for two years, and aside from the FCT (Abuja) and Lagos, this is my first visit outside of those two places, which I believe is a tribute to you, your work, and everything that is going on here (in Abia),” Ambassador Freeman informed Governor Otti.

The Israeli Ambassador, who described his visit to Abia as significant because it occurred on the 76th anniversary of the Jewish nation’s independence, stated that Abia, Nigeria, and Israel share many similarities, particularly their entrepreneurial spirit.

He explained, “We both have a very young population. We both have a population that is innovative, determined to outperform their peers, and constantly striving. Nobody is really taking no for an answer, okay.

“For us, and I know it is the same for Nigerians, if the door is closed, you are coming through the window, and if the window is closed, you are coming in through the ceiling into the room, which is a very Israeli trait.”

He believes that by combining technology and innovation, the governments of Abia and Israel could accomplish a great deal in agriculture.

“We are fortunate to have world-class agriculture experts, particularly in the areas of cassava, rice, and cocoa production.

“Growing one kilogramme of rice requires 5,000 litres of water. It is a large amount of water, but Israel has discovered a technology that allows you to grow one kilogramme of rice with 1,500 litres of water, and you can grow it anywhere using drip technology,” he explained.

Freeman also stated that Abia had a growing reputation for working in education and technology, and that the Israeli government was ready to collaborate with Abia in this area.

He stated that the Israeli government runs an initiative called Innov8, which trains young Nigerian entrepreneurs and innovators. “We mentor them for six to nine months, and at the end of the programme, we help them secure funding,” he said.

The Israeli Ambassador praised the achievement of having full-time electricity in Aba, adding that such potential would allow both governments to focus on the digital economy, technology, science, and agriculture.

Governor Otti, who thanked the Israeli Ambassador for his visit and accepted his invitation to Israel, enthusiastically welcomed the idea of collaboration.

He stated, “I am very pleased to receive Your Excellency, the Ambassador, today in Abia State. I am more enamoured by hearing you speak passionately about some of the issues that are so important to us as a government and as citizens.

“I am overjoyed, and I can assure you without reservation that the state government will collaborate and work closely with you.

“Listening to you, you have a clear understanding of how the economy works, particularly the modern economy, and you have conducted extensive research, particularly on issues that are important to us in Abia.”

He stated that the citizens’ determination and resilience in the face of the current economic situation and the failures of previous administrations has served as motivation for him to continue developing policies and programmes that will improve their welfare and help businesses thrive.

“After conducting extensive research on what is important to us and what resources are available, I believe that the most important resource we have is human beings.

“What keeps us going is our people’s ‘can-do spirit,’ their creativity, innovativeness, and never-say-die attitude.

“Our people, despite the difficulties and failures of governance in the past, have persevered and fought.

“They are so resilient, and seeing them and their spirit inspires me to keep going. “I am encouraged to work for them,” Governor Otti stated.

The Governor stated that plans were underway to construct an Abia Innovation Centre to bolster the government’s commitment to driving innovation and digitalisation.

“This is a dress rehearsal; we have only just begun, and I am confident that in another year, things will look very different, particularly in terms of our people, innovation, digital technology, and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

“Our people do not want to be multinational corporations. They simply want to do their work in creative and innovative ways. I am confident that the next trip you make in less than a year will reveal something new,” he said.

Governor Otti stated that every successful transformation begins with a step forward and that the government was determined to put the ideas and intentions discussed into action.

The Governor was accompanied by several members of the State Executive Council and senior aides, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba, and the Principal Secretary and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, to welcome the Israeli Ambassador and his delegation.