Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has told the United States that Abia State seeks partnership rather than aid or handouts.
Otti stated this when he received the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia. He said his administration was eager to collaborate with the U.S. in key sectors of development.
The governor expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an endorsement of his administration’s efforts to reposition the state.
“We know that it is not all the time the American Government visits a state. For us, it is a mark of endorsement,” Otti said.
“In terms of partnership, we don’t believe in grants and aid. Rather, we seek collaboration because there is a lot of value we can add by working together. I believe there are many areas where you can be of help to us, and we can also be of help to America. This is probably the SME capital of Nigeria.”
Highlighting his government’s reforms in healthcare, education, waste management, small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and digital technology, Otti called for partnerships that would yield mutual benefits.
He also welcomed the U.S. envoy’s two-day working visit, describing it as a positive signal of growing ties between Abia and the United States.
In his remarks, Ambassador Mills praised Otti’s leadership style and reform agenda, describing him as “a powerful example of how to improve governance.”
Mills said his visit was aimed at discovering more about investment opportunities in Abia and exploring ways to deepen U.S.–Abia relations.
“Your leadership in Abia has brought real, positive change. Your focus on infrastructure and security challenges has transformed the state. It is a powerful example of how to improve governance across the Southeast,” Mills said.
He stressed that the U.S. valued its partnership with Abia and the entire Southeast region, noting that both sides stood to gain from stronger collaboration.
“There are tremendous opportunities here for our business and commercial interests, and for Nigeria’s. Your administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a transparent and accountable government aligns very closely with our goals—and with what U.S. businesses need to see if they are to invest,” the envoy added.
