by The Governor, Dr Alex Otti has stressed the need for more effective collaborations between government and Non-Governmental Organizations for successful development initiatives.
Governor Otti who made his feelings known during an enlarged meeting with Heads/Operators of Non-Governmental Organizations in the state, held at Government House Umuahia, emphasized the need for partnership between government and NGOs in achieving the shared goals of sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
The Governor represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, while underscoring the critical role NGOs play in implementing projects and programs that directly impact on the lives of Abians especially rural dwellers, described them as change agents in promoting economic growth, human rights and social progress.
The Governor while disclosing that his administration is fully committed to streamlining administrative processes to make it easier for them to discharge their duties effectively assured of government’s preparedness to partner them in order to achieve development objectives in the areas of community development.
In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr Odinakachi Eme while expressing optimism that the meeting will provide valuable insights and foster partnerships said the present administration is focused on discouraging migration through job creation, infrastructural developments, provision of standard healthcare and quality education, SMEs, creating conducive environment for technology among others. 
Contributing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Assistant to the Governor on Vulnerable Groups and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Ifeoma Thomas, Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disability, Mr David Anyaele among others enjoined NGO operators to use the opportunity to connect with one another, share experiences, and identify potential areas for collaboration.
They pointed out that the initiative will help drive prosperity to the doorsteps of Abians.
In their speeches, the Executive Director, Initiative For Ideal Development and Emancipatory Leadership in Nigeria, Pastor Innocent Nwokocha, the Manager, Beatitudes Kidney and Eye Foundation, Mr Chukwuemeka Anyaogu, the Community Engagement Officer, Innovation Hub For Inclusiveness, Empowerment and Social Development, Mr Ajuma Jonathan Kalu among others while describing the meeting as first of its kind since the creation of the state, solicited government’s partnership as well as promised to cross fertilize ideas, experiences between them and government.
Our correspondent reports that the meeting which featured interactive sessions attracted the presence of top government officials.
