My Administration Does Not Treat Poverty And Social Deprivation As Isolated Cases – Governor Otti

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, has formally launched the Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Systems in Nigeria, an EU-funded Social Program aimed at improving the livelihood of vulnerable groups in Abia State.

Governor Otti also inaugurated the Abia State Social Protection Council to be chaired by the Deputy Governor of the State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, with members drawn from key MDAS of Abia state, civil society groups, Religious bodies etc.

Speaking during the program launch at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti commended the European Union for its committed support to the social and economic development of Abia and Nigeria at large.

Governor Otti, who titled his speech, “Victory Through Partnership”, stated that the event is very significant as it sends a clear message to the world that Abia is seriously committed to partnering with multinational development institutions to achieve aspirations that protect and restore the dignity of the human person.

Governor Otti noted that the EU’s interventions in health, education, environment, energy and large-scale support for vulnerable people have greatly improved the social and economic experience of tens of thousands of individuals and families and lauded the EU Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Gautier Mignot for the choice of Abia as one of the pilot states for the project.

He commended the UNICEF and International Labour Organisation partnership with the state government towards the successful delivery of the project, adding that the partnership will boost stakeholders’ confidence in the project and offer the people a platform to learn and grow their capacity.

The state Chief Executive while noting that his administration does not treat poverty and social deprivation as isolated challenges, noted that his administration set up well- structured platforms like the Abia state ministry of Poverty Alleviation and social protection, the Abia state Commission for the welfare of Disabled Persons and the Abia state Senior Citizen Center to practically drive the state’s social protection Programs in a manner that would yield the desired result in line with the vision of the government.

He expressed the hope that the recently inaugurated Social Protection Council will further broaden the scope and reach of the state’s efforts to cater to vulnerable groups across communities in the state.

In his remarks, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the project which is in partnership with International Labor Organization (ILO) and UNICEF in Nigeria will last for over three years, adding that the 13- million euros funded project, being implemented by UNICEF and ILO in four states of the federation including Abia is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection system, expand coverage for the most vulnerable, and ensure no one is left behind.

He said that Investment in social protection complements the EU’s shared goals in education, health, gender equality, and economic development, noting that when a family has access to safety nets, it reduces Inequality and poverty levels.

Speaking, the UNICEF Chief of Field Services, Judith Leveillee, while expressing joy to be a partner in the implementation of the Social Protection System Strengthening Project with her sister agency, the International Labour Organisation, said they are committed to the full implementation of the program in the state.

She added that the Social protection system isn’t just a safety net, but a springboard that allows people to live with dignity, describing it as a project that allows children, vulnerable people to grow out of poverty and thrive.

In her speech, The Country Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO)office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Lerato Phala-Moyo, said that the project speaks to the vision of Governor Otti in the new roadmap of the new Abia and alsi to the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the organization will partner the UNICEF to implementing and providing social safety nets to catch the most vulnerable in the society.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs Blessing Felix, said that the 36-month programme is designed to deliver 4 key results, including the expansion and updating of the state social register to ensure that it integrates more poor and vulnerable households into the register.

In his vote of thanks, the Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning,
Mr Kingsley Anosike expressed gratitude for the visit of the EU Ambassador and other members of the delegation, describing it as a privilege to host such esteemed donor partners whose unwavering commitment and support play a crucial role in driving the development agenda of Abia state forward.

Mr Anosike stated that their presence and active engagement during this visit have significantly contributed to strengthening the invaluable partnership between Abia State and their renowned agency, and added that the visit provided Abia with an exceptional opportunity to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about shared goals and aspirations.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the time, expertise, and resources they devoted to thoroughly understanding Abia’s local context, which will undoubtedly inform and enhance the design and implementation of future projects, emphasising that insightful feedback and recommendations have been immensely valuable.

Finally, he assured that this would encourage the state to leverage the agency’s global experience to effectively address pressing issues such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihood programs in Abia.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
September 25, 2025.