Gov. Otti Delivers 24 New Utility Vans to Abia Lawmakers, Pledges Support for Local Manufacturers

[caption id="attachment_186483" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Gov. Otti Delivers 24 New Utility Vans to Abia Lawmakers, Pledges Support for Local Manufacturers[/caption]

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has officially handed over 24 brand new Roxettes Utility Pick-Up Vans to the 24 members of the Abia State House of Assembly, reaffirming his commitment to empowering lawmakers for effective legislative oversight.

The Governor presented the vehicles during a brief ceremony, where he handed the keys to the Speaker of the 8th Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa. He emphasized that the initiative was in fulfillment of his promise to equip the lawmakers with operational vehicles to facilitate their duties.

"I assured you that each of you would receive a truck to aid your oversight functions, and today, I am fulfilling that promise," Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti underscored the importance of supporting indigenous manufacturers, revealing that the vehicles were locally assembled in Abia by Roxettes, a company owned by an indigene of Umunneochi Local Government Area. He noted that the manufacturer is in the final stages of completing a factory in Obuaku, Ukwa West LGA, with road construction leading to the factory also nearing completion.

Reiterating his administration's commitment to improving local production, Governor Otti stated, "This vehicle was assembled in Abia State by Rosettes, and we already have a workshop in Ohia, Umuahia, while the factory is in Ukwa. Our goal is to strengthen local manufacturing and ensure value addition within our state."

He emphasized his policy of patronizing local manufacturers wherever possible to enhance product quality and economic growth. "I have a policy of supporting indigenous producers as long as their products meet the required standards. When we encourage our people to improve their craft, they become confident in their products instead of rebranding them under foreign names like Prada, Gucci, or Fendi," he added.

The Governor also revealed ongoing plans to establish an export growth lab in Abia in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support local manufacturers in producing export-quality goods.

"You may have heard that we are setting up an export growth lab, and the UNDP has pledged its support. We want to ensure our local manufacturers can compete on a global scale because our people are incredibly talented and can produce virtually anything with just a little push," he said.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Augustine Meregini, expressed profound gratitude to Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise. He noted that this was the second time the Governor had provided vehicles for the lawmakers since the inception of the 8th Assembly.

Meregini also highlighted the newfound unity among the Assembly members, attributing it to the Governor's leadership style. "We want to assure you that the House is more unified now, thanks to your leadership. Party differences no longer divide us because we are all focused on the development of Abia State."

"In the 8th Assembly, political parties do not define us. What matters is the collective vision to uplift Abia, and this has been made possible by your administration's dedication to good governance," he added.

The event was attended by key government officials and dignitaries, reinforcing the administration's commitment to fostering synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government for the advancement of Abia State.

[caption id="attachment_186481" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Gov. Otti Delivers 24 New Utility Vans to Abia Lawmakers, Pledges Support for Local Manufacturers[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_186485" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Gov. Otti Delivers 24 New Utility Vans to Abia Lawmakers, Pledges Support for Local Manufacturers
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[caption id="attachment_186487" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Gov. Otti Delivers 24 New Utility Vans to Abia Lawmakers, Pledges Support for Local Manufacturers[/caption]