Emelam Udo Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State rolled out measures towards improving the welfare of Abia workers to cushion the prevailing economic realities occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The measures include: a template to commence payment of transport allowance to civil servants and to raise the current salaries of civil servants by a certain percentage from this month as to emeliorate the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure the survival of civil servants in the present economic hardship.
Governor Otti who disclosed this cheering news while delivering the 63rd founders Day lecture series of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN , held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall ,UNN, said the gesture would go a long way to alleviating their economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidy.
Governor Otti whose lecture centred on the theme: “Petroleum Subsidy Removal; Dealing with the Challenges, harnessing the opportunities” noted that his administration had earlier granted tax holiday to micro,small and medium enterprises to enable them manage the shock the that emanated from the subsidy removal.
He noted that government has continued to streamline the revenue collection process to enable efficiency,cut out double taxation and make the system independent in ways that limit activities of middle men.
The State Chief Executive used the forum to announce plans to revive the Abia state Scholarship Board and grant scholarships and bursary awards to Abia students studying in various higher institutions across the country.
The Governor said aside Abia state,he would love to champion a conversation with his Governor Colleagues in the South East for the expansion of scholarships for thousands of brilliant students in the region.
Nothing must stand in the way of the education of our young people because we shall be
doomed if we compromise any further on our investments in quality education. I don’t just
mean funding the desperation to acquire certificates but something more holistic as this
University has been doing for 63 years. Education is something we must take even more serious” said Otti
The Abia Chief Executive noted that his extensive commitment in road rehablitation and reconstruction is aimed at increasing investments in the state which would ultimately lead to higher employment opportunities for the younger generation and expansion of business opportunities for MSMES.
” The ultimate agenda is to systematically improve the investment climate in Abia so that the environment does not sabotage the efforts of our entrepreneurs who pass through severe difficulties to remain in business” Otti. noted
He said that the planned launch of a 10 -billion naira MSMEs Fund as announced in his inaugural speech is still ion course while modalities to accessing the fund would soon be unfolded.
“The target shall be existing and intending entrepreneurs with innovative and bankable ideas,the present government in Abia is businees- friendly and the grand plan is to make Abia the leading MSMEs hub in all of Africa” Otti said.
