Abia State government signed a Historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to foster strategic growth and economic development in the state.
The MOU was signed at the Governor’s Nvosi country home, Isialangwa South, where he lauded the UNDP for its strategic support to the state, assuring them of progressive deliverables.
“For us, this MoU marks a significant milestone in our journey. It means clearly that we can count on your support because we have a document.
“I want to say that I want to invest all my energy in this framework. We will go about doing what we have to do to ensure that we do not let you down,” Governor Otti declared.
Otti touched on the launch of the Aba Export Growth lab, hailing it as an initiative that will bolster the export of Abia-made products and have them compete on a global stage.
It was clear to us that if we do support our people in the fabrics and other things, we will be at such a competitive level that the world will begin to look. That is the essence of the Export Growth Lab, that we get our products refined in a situation where they can compete internationally. We need to see Abia’s products outside the shelves of this country,” he added.
The UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms Elsie Attafuah, reacted to the MOU signing, revealing that the MOU with the UNDP is the first of its kind with a Nigerian state. The agreement focuses on SMEs development, Digitalization, Energy, and Industrial expansion, and it is signed under its Integrated Smart State of Accelerated Development framework.
” Your Excellency, on behalf of UNDP, indeed the United Nations as a whole, let me say how proud we are of you for the vision that you have, for the exemplary leadership.
“Increasingly, Abia is showing the way as an epitome of the sub-national that is really doing what matters, and particularly in times like this,
Read More: Abia to Launch Aba Export Lab to Stimulate Economic Growth
” So we are here for the signing of the MoU, but also secondly to support you as we launch the Aba Export Growth Lab today. I think Aba is showing us the way, and we believe Aba is going to provide the economic renaissance that Africa needs,” Ms. Attafuah added.
Abia State partnered with the UN to develop a city master plan for Aba and other major cities in the state. These developments align with Governor Otti’s manifesto for Abia State.
The United Nations Development Programme works globally to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and promote sustainable development. In Nigeria, UNDP aids peacebuilding, economic development, renewable energy, and youth empowerment initiatives.
