By Obiabin Onukwugha
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has taken strategic steps towards poverty reduction in the state, as he with a delegation comprising representatives from the European Union (EU), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and UNICEF.
Otti announced this through his verified X handle on Thursday. He said, the meeting has afforded the state an opportunity to establish a reliable social protection system aimed st reducing poverty in the state.
The governor noted that the aim of the meeting was to assist the state government in building a sustainable social protection system through a reliable social register.
According to him, the absence of a structured social protection policy in Abia was at the instance of the meeting.
He said: “There absence of a structured social protection policy in Abia was at the instance of the meeting.
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“The aim was to assist the state government in building a sustainable social protection system through a reliable social register.
“”his would help tackle poverty and assist people within the vulnerable group. They also seek to understand our broad plan for social protection and align their efforts accordingly. This collaborative effort will provide technical assistance to ensure that our social register captures accurate demographic data. This precision is crucial for effective policy implementation.
“We want to thank the EU and its partners for considering Abia as one of the states to benefit from this initiative. We understand the challenges of data integrity.
“With a poverty rate of approximately 33% affecting over 5 million people, precise information is required for proper planning. Our efforts, since assumption of office, have been geared towards ensuring that we reduce poverty.
“We commended the European Union and its partners for this collaboration and promised that the Abia State Government will give them the necessary support and legal framework to drive the process.
“I was joined by the First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs Priscilla C. Otti, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix, senior government officials, Ms Chioma Osuji (EU), Mrs Chinyere Emeka-Anuma (ILO), Mr Segun Tekun (UNICEF) and other members of their delegation.”
