Governor Otti Reaffirms Commitment to pulling Abians out of Poverty as Abia Signs MOU With IOM
The Abia State Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Organization for Migration to strengthen cooperation on migration management and economic development. The agreement aims to ensure humane and orderly migration, encourage diaspora engagement, create employment opportunities, and tackle irregular migration, human trafficking, and smuggling.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Paola Pace, IOM Chief of Mission, emphasized the need for a strong collaboration to protect migrants while ensuring migration remains a choice rather than a necessity. She stated that the United Nations IOM team was in Abia to explore avenues for strengthening partnerships with ministries, departments, and agencies while attracting donor support to the state.
Governor Alex Otti, in his remarks, reiterated that while IOM is commonly associated with facilitating migration, Abia’s focus is on bringing people back to the state to contribute to its development. He assured the IOM delegation that his administration is committed to creating a welcoming environment for both local and international partners, emphasizing that Abia State is open to all for investment, work, and residence.
The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation, including making migration a choice by addressing economic challenges and enhancing regular migration pathways, diaspora engagement to attract investments and collaborative opportunities, policy research and legislative reforms to mainstream migration issues, job creation and skill acquisition initiatives in partnership with government agencies and the private sector, protection of migrant workers and improved welfare conditions, reducing irregular migration and tackling crimes like human trafficking and smuggling, and facilitating cooperation between Abia State and international partners within and outside the United Nations system.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his commitment to lifting Abians out of poverty, a vision that led to the establishment of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection. He assured the IOM team that his government will continue to prioritize economic empowerment and provide opportunities for Abians to thrive.
As part of this collaboration, Governor Otti announced that the state would allocate office space for IOM operations in Abia, further cementing the long-term partnership. This MOU is expected to bring positive economic and social impact, reducing forced migration and positioning Abia State as a hub for sustainable development and investment.
