World Trade Organization’s Director General, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advised the people of Abia State and their incoming government on how to rebuild the state, restating that “iron sharpens iron.”

She spoke virtually today at the inauguration of the Transition Council of Abia State Governor-Elect, Dr. Alex C. Otti.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, who was a Keynote Speaker at the inauguration, said governance in Abia State is going to get a facelift in Otti’s administration.

She made several recommendations for the new dawn, which include:
To think disruptive strategies, rather than the traditional way.

To attract international businesses into the state and raising of the local supply chain.

To ensure access to power, by looking at how to leverage renewable energy in Abia State. She said households can be powered by renewable energy.

On Internally Generated Revenue, she spoke on how to expand the revenue base of the state and depend less on the Federal Government.

The former Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister in Nigeria said Aba has to be the focal point of infrastructural development in Abia State.

Okonjo-Iweala Advises Abia, Otti, At Transition Council inauguration, Says ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’.

She also said healthcare must be given urgent attention and investment, stating specifically that 90% of pharmaceutical products are still being imported into the country. She said it is important to attract pharmaceutical companies to Abia.

On governance, Okonjo-Iweala is optimistic. She offered the recipe:”there must be transparency in our finances. Let’s set an example in Abia for good governance and financial transparency.”