Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Governor Alex Otti has outlined a bold vision for a skills-driven economy in Abia State, stressing that youth empowerment must go beyond job-seeking to building professionals capable of creating value across critical sectors of the economy.
The governor made this known yesterday while receiving the leadership of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, where discussions centred on the future of young people and the kind of economy the state is deliberately building.
Otti said sustainable development depends on training young people to become professionals, particularly in sectors such as insurance that underpin business growth, risk management, and economic stability.
“No one becomes a professional without learning,” the governor said, noting that his administration has made strategic investments in human capital development through platforms like the Abia Leadership Academy and TechRise, which he said are already equipping thousands of young people with leadership, digital, and future-ready skills.
According to him, the programmes are designed not just to prepare youths for existing jobs, but to position them to build careers, create enterprises, and drive value within and outside Abia State.
Governor Otti also commended NCRIB for its role in restoring confidence and trust in Nigeria’s insurance sector, describing insurance as a critical enabler of enterprise and long-term economic planning.
He welcomed the prospect of a strong partnership with the council, saying it would help create jobs, protect businesses, and deliver tangible benefits to Abia residents.
“We are open to partnerships that work, partnerships that translate into jobs, stability for businesses, and real value for our people,” Otti said.
Governor Otti congratulated the new NCRIB President and assured the council of the state’s full backing.
He also confirmed Abia’s readiness to host the 2026 NCRIB CEOs’ Retreat in Umuahia, describing it as an opportunity to further position the state as a destination for business and professional engagement.
Earlier, NCRIB President, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, praised the governor for what she described as visible and impactful transformation across Aba and other parts of the state.
She cited the rehabilitation of markets, road infrastructure upgrades, and the renewed confidence of traders and investors in Abia as a commercial hub.
Mrs. Ezeibe underscored the importance of insurance in sustaining development efforts, noting that infrastructure, commerce, and investments require effective risk protection to thrive.
She therefore sought closer collaboration with the Abia State Government to deepen insurance penetration and support economic growth.
The engagement reinforced Otti’s recurring message that developing people, fixing systems, and building credible partnerships remain central to Abia’s economic renewal strategy.
