Governor Alex Otti Flags Off EU-Funded Social Protection Project Worth Ôé¼13 Million in Abia | SEE PHOTOS

https://youtu.be/mYOYbgHSiGg

.... Says His Administration Does Not Treat Poverty and Social Deprivation as Isolated Cases

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has declared that his administration will continue to tackle poverty and social deprivation in the state as part of a holistic approach to governance and human dignity.

The Governor made the declaration while formally launching the Support for Sustainable and Innovative Social Protection Systems in Nigeria, a Ôé¼13 million European Union (EU)-funded project targeted at improving the livelihood of vulnerable groups in Abia State.

The colourful event, which took place at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, also featured the inauguration of the Abia State Social Protection Council to be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, with members drawn from key MDAs, civil society groups, and religious bodies.

Delivering his address themed "Victory Through Partnership,ÔÇØ Governor Otti commended the EU for its consistent support in health, education, environment, energy, and social interventions. He particularly hailed the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, for selecting Abia as one of the pilot states for the project.

"This event sends a clear message to the world that Abia is committed to partnering with multinational development institutions to protect and restore the dignity of our people,ÔÇØ Otti declared.

The Governor further highlighted institutional frameworks already created by his administration, including:

-The Abia State Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection

-The Commission for the Welfare of Disabled Persons

-The Senior Citizens' Center

He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated Social Protection Council would broaden the scope of interventions and ensure vulnerable groups across communities receive adequate support.

Speaking at the launch, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the project-implemented by UNICEF and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in four Nigerian states including Abia-will run for 36 months.

According to him, the program is designed to strengthen Nigeria's social protection system, expand coverage for the most vulnerable, and ensure no one is left behind.

"When families have access to safety nets, inequality reduces, and poverty levels drop. Social protection investments also align with our shared goals in education, health, gender equality, and economic development,ÔÇØ the Ambassador emphasized.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Services, Judith Leveillee, described social protection as "not just a safety net, but a springboard.ÔÇØ

She stressed that the initiative would help vulnerable children and families break free from poverty and thrive.

On her part, the ILO Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Dr. Vanessa Lerato Phala-Moyo, affirmed that the project aligns with Governor Otti's vision for a New Abia and President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

She promised that the ILO, working with UNICEF, will provide safety nets for the most vulnerable to ensure inclusiveness.

The Abia State Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Felix, explained that the project will deliver four key results, including the expansion of the State Social Register to capture more vulnerable households.

In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike, praised the EU delegation for their commitment. He said their visit provided Abia with the opportunity for deeper conversations on shared development goals and would further strengthen the state's partnership with donor agencies.

"Your presence and feedback will help us design projects that address education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods more effectively,ÔÇØ Anosike assured.

With the EU, UNICEF, and ILO partnership, Governor Otti has once again demonstrated his readiness to align Abia with global development practices while ensuring that the poor, the vulnerable, and the socially deprived are not left behind.

[caption id="attachment_195267" align="alignnone" width="2048"] EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot with Governor Alex Otti[/caption]