Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, has expressed a keen interest in forging a partnership with Israel to leverage its economic and technological capabilities.
The focus areas for collaboration include enhancing human capital, bolstering agriculture, advancing the digital economy, and supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
During a visit to the Government House, Umuahia, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, commended Governor Otti for his leadership, particularly highlighting improvements in security within Abia State. Ambassador Freeman’s visit, coinciding with Israel’s 76th Independence Anniversary, underscored the significance of the occasion.
The Ambassador emphasized the shared entrepreneurial spirit between Abia, Nigeria, and Israel, noting the potential for collaboration, especially in agriculture and technology. He highlighted Israel’s expertise in agricultural innovation, such as water-efficient rice cultivation, and expressed the Israeli Government’s willingness to partner with Abia in education, technology, and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Innov8 program.
Governor Otti welcomed the partnership proposal, acknowledging the importance of collaboration in modernizing the economy. He praised the resilience and creativity of Abia’s citizens and outlined plans for an Abia Innovation Center to foster innovation and digitalization. The Governor affirmed his commitment to translating discussions into tangible actions for the benefit of the state’s residents.
The meeting, attended by members of the State Executive Council and senior aides, demonstrated Abia’s readiness to engage in fruitful collaboration with Israel across various sectors.
