Ebonyi to Partner Abia in Commerce, Revenue Mobilization, Others

"We are here to tap from you, your ingenuity in commerce, your ingenuity in internal revenue mobilization, your ingenuity in governance, your ingenuity in peace and e-governance in the State "- Gov. Dave Umahi

Ebonyi State is poised to partner with sister state, Abia, in the areas of Commerce, Internal Revenue Mobilization, Peace and e-Governance. This was one of the fall outs of the ongoing working visit by the Ebonyi State Governor and Chairman of South-East Governors' Forum, Engr. Dave Umahi, and his team to his Abia State counterpart, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

Speaking at the Abia State Executive Council Chambers after being received by Governor Ikpeazu and his team, Governor Umahi said they were in the state for a number of reasons which includes to tap from the ingenuity of the Abia Governor in commerce, internal revenue Mobilization, Peace and e-Governance.

"We are here to tap from you, your ingenuity in commerce, your ingenuity in internal revenue mobilization, your ingenuity in governance, your ingenuity in peace and e-governance in the State "

He said they are in Abia to learn how to produce shoes, garments and other Made in Abia products because his team are ready to tap from Abia's ingenuity in production and manufacturing.

According to Umahi, Abia has made a lot of positive news, especially in the area of Made in Abia products and Ebonyi would be pleased to tap into that, while also calling on Governor Ikpeazu to support his state to succeed just like Abia is succeeding.

He also commended the Abia State Governor for his infrastructure development strides, noting that it's not easy to govern a very enlightened state like Abia and yet focus and push forward with many people oriented programs that are visible to all.

Umahi applauded the governor's relationships with security agencies in the maintenance of peace, cordial relationship with Abia Workers as well as his support for the presidency without regards to partisan differences.

The Ebonyi state Governor described Governor Okezie Ikpeazu as a governor who is more interested in the development of his state, as against political pursuits, adding that it is indeed an honour to have Ebonyi in Abia.

Governor Ikpeazu who was elated at the encomiums poured on Abia State by his Ebonyi counterpart said the visit was the first of its kind in the history of the state since he took over the mantle of leadership two years ago.

"I believe there is even more to learn from Ebonyi than Ebonyi can learn from us. I remember a few months ago when we were conceptualizing the Osisioma interchange, I went to Governor Umahi and was bold to inform the public through the press that I went to Ebonyi to learn how to build flyover bridges"

Ikpeazu who described the visit as a reunion of brothers said there's more to learn from Ebonyi and extended his hand of fellowship to the people of Ebonyi in whatever form necessary. "We are one people, as brothers and sisters and when one is lifted the other is also lifted".

He revealed that it became imperative to promote Commerce and industry in the state hence the building of "Abia Investment House" also known as "Abia One Stop Shop", to attract foreign direct investment as well as enhance ease of doing business in Abia state with smoother certifications.

Governor Ikpeazu further revealed that 14 Chinese investors are already in Abia and his administration targets at least 100 foreign companies in Abia within the next five years.

"Our target in the next 5 years is to bring 100 foreign companies to Abia."

While enumerating his five pillars of development and it's enablers the Governor said Abia is poised to revive cashew, cocoa and oil palm production to enhance the socio-economic development of the state.