Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that his administration is more interested in forging partnerships with the United States than receiving aid or handouts, stressing that the state has much to offer in mutually beneficial cooperation.
A press statement signed by Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said Otti made the remark while receiving the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.
The US envoy commended Otti’s leadership style, noting that his reforms in infrastructure, security, and governance had positioned Abia as a model for good governance in the Southeast.
“Your leadership in Abia has brought real, positive change. Your focus on infrastructure and addressing security challenges has transformed the state,” Ambassador Mills said. “The United States values its partnership with Abia and the Southeast. There are tremendous opportunities here for business and investment, especially with your government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment.”
In response, Governor Otti welcomed the endorsement, emphasizing that Abia was not looking for charity but genuine collaboration that would deliver value to both sides.
“In terms of partnership, we don’t believe in grants and aid. We seek real partnerships, knowing there is a lot of value we can create together,” Otti said. “This is the SME capital of Nigeria, and there are many areas—healthcare, education, waste management, technology, and enterprise development—where Abia can work closely with the US to achieve shared goals.”
The Governor described the Ambassador’s two-day visit as a vote of confidence in his administration and outlined ongoing reforms across key sectors to strengthen economic growth and improve the quality of life for Abians.
He was joined in the closed-door meeting with Ambassador Mills by senior members of his cabinet, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and commissioners in key sectors.
Picture: Governor Otti and Ambassador Mills.
