The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has praised Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s leadership style, describing it as a model for improving governance.
During a visit to the Governor’s home at Nvosi on Friday evening, Mills highlighted the positive changes brought about by Otti’s administration, particularly in infrastructure development and security.
“Your leadership in Abia has brought real change here, positive change. Your focus on infrastructure, on security challenges, has really transformed the state,” Mills said.
He added that the US values its partnership with Abia State and the entire Southeast region of Nigeria, citing tremendous opportunities for business and commercial interests.
Mills expressed admiration for the governor’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a more transparent and accountable government.
“Your administration’s commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering youth, and creating a more transparent and more accountable government really aligns very closely with our goals and what U.S. business needs to see if it’s going to invest,” he noted.
In response, Governor Otti appreciated the US Ambassador’s visit, describing it as an endorsement of his administration’s efforts.
“We know that it’s not always that the American Government visits a state. It’s a mark of endorsement as far as we are concerned here,” Otti said.
He expressed willingness to partner with the US in various areas, highlighting Abia State’s potential as the “SME capital of Nigeria”.
The governor showcased his administration’s reforms in critical areas such as healthcare, education, waste management, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME), and digital technology.
He emphasized the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability, citing the forensic audit conducted on the previous administration’s activities.
“We are not interested in witch hunting; we just needed to know where we were and how our resources in the last few years were used,” Otti explained.
“When the audit result came out, many public revelations were made, and we are still struggling with some of them,” he added.
THE WHISTLER reports that the US ambassador’s visit demonstrates the US government’s interest in deepening its partnership with Abia State and Governor Otti’s leadership style and commitment to good governance have earned recognition both locally and internationally, positioning Abia State as a potential hub for economic growth and development.
