Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Tuesday met with African Development Bank  Pesident, Akinwumi Adesina at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire for support on its various infrastructural and economic development projects.

The Abia governor specifically sought ADB 's support for  Abia's Integrated Infrastructural project  designed to boost massive infrastructure in the commercial city of Aba and the State capital of Umuahia

“Our vision is to leverage the capacity of our people to become the SME capital of Nigeria.  Our people are industrious and innovative. For instance, our people are known as top players in the leather industry. We have a new shoe factory that is producing over 50, 000 shoes. We particularly need the Bank’s help to address the State’s infrastructure deficit,” Ikpeazu told Adesina

It will be recalled that  Enyimba Economic City (EEC), a private sector driven  ambitious project which aims to transform the region into a manufacturing and industrial powerhouse and create 700,000 jobs over 5 years was presented at the Bank’s 2019 Africa Investment Forum.

ADB sources says the project has received significant investor interest.

In his response, Adesina said Abia State had “huge potential in agro processing and human resources. “The Bank’s role is to support governments like yours to transform their economies and create jobs,” he said.

Ikpeazu also requested the Bank’s support for the development of key agricultural value chains, including palm oil, rice, cocoa, cassava, maize and cashew, that would also create jobs for women and youth.

Among officials who accompanied the governor on the trip include Commissioner for Works, Chidozie Bob Ogu, Commissioner for Finance, Aham Uko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Ikechi Mgbeoji and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter Governmental Affairs, Chinenye Nwaogu.

“Over the years, Aba has evolved as a centre of entrepreneurship and SMEs.  The city has the potential to be a competitive industrial hub for Nigeria and for Africa. For this reason, the Bank will continue to support your vision,” Adesina concluded.

ADB sources says it has invested about $ 74.5 million in the State, across four critical sectors of power & energy (53%); education (25%); health (15%); and transport (7%).

Adesina further promised that the State will continue to be a key beneficiary of the Bank’s  for its Integrated Infrastructure Development Project and the Enyimba Economic City.