Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for deliberate investment in training young people in the insurance profession as a pathway to building future professionals and expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian youths.
The Governor made the call on Monday, January 20, while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), led by its President and Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe, at the Government House in Umuahia.
Governor Otti stressed that professionalism is rooted in learning and structured development, noting that his administration has already prioritised youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Abia Leadership Academy and the TechRise Programme, which have trained hundreds of young people across the State.
“You don’t become a professional without learning. I am very particular about our young people, and that is why we set up platforms to train and prepare them for leadership and opportunities,” the Governor said.
Commending NCRIB for strengthening trust in the insurance industry, Otti said the organisation has played a critical role in bridging the gap between insurance companies and their clients, adding that the growing number of registered brokers reflects rising confidence in the sector.
Describing the presentation by the NCRIB President as innovative and value-driven, the Governor directed his Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr. Emmanuel Okpechi, Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation, Mazi Ugochukwu Okoroafor, and Technical Assistant, Mr. Charles Egonye, to engage the Council and explore modalities for a productive partnership with the State Government.
Governor Otti also congratulated Mrs. Ezeibe on her emergence as the 23rd President of the NCRIB, expressing confidence in her capacity to elevate the organisation’s profile nationally.
He further thanked the Council for choosing Umuahia as the host city for the 2026 NCRIB CEOs’ Retreat and assured of the State Government’s support for a successful event.
Earlier, Mrs. Ezeibe highlighted the importance of insurance in promoting sustainable economic development, business stability, and investment protection. She praised Governor Otti for what she described as visible transformation across Abia State, particularly in Aba and other commercial centres, citing ongoing rehabilitation of roads and markets.
She outlined areas of potential collaboration with the State Government, including job creation, business protection, investment promotion, healthcare access, and long-term value creation for Abia State.
The visit was attended by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; and other senior government officials.
