Abia at 32: I’ll prudently manage state’s resources for residents’ benefit, says Alex Otti

Alex Otti, governor of Abia, says he will prudently manage the available resources to the benefit of the people and development of the state.

In a statewide broadcast, on Sunday, to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the state, Otti asked residents to support his administration’s “rebuilding agenda” by paying taxes to further drive socio-economic development.

The Abia governor said his administration is also focused on improving the health and education sector in the state.

“I pledge to remain prudent in the management of your resources and do hereby assure you that accountability and responsibility shall remain central to my administration,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“Your resources shall be used to work for you and I pledge to continue to do my part.

“May I also invite you to do your own part because getting it right is a collective obligation.

“We have set up series of systems that support smooth and seamless payments across digital platforms for formal and informal sector payments.”

The governor appealed to the state civil servants to recommit themselves to being diligent in their duties and actively support the reform initiatives of the government.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries and securing the lives and property of the people.

“Education for us is the future and it is our goal to see that every child gets the opportunity to be taught and mentored,” Otti said.

“This is so as to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the 21st century economy, which favours mostly the skilled and properly educated.

“The present administration is unwavering in its commitment to refine governance processes as well as systems for efficiency and transparency in the state.

“We are currently working on a raft of reforms that would streamline procurement processes in the public sector to cut out abuses.

“The new framework would give genuine businesses operating in Abia a pathway to enjoy significant patronages from the government, as part of government’s initiative to support and grow local businesses.”