The Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has inaugurated the State Post COVID-19 Economic Advisory Council with a charge to them to develop a blueprint for the state to manage its economy beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor told the members of the Council, at an online meeting on Friday, to take into consideration the shocks generated by the pandemic and its attendant negative effects on the global economy and the impact on the Abia economy.
In a release made available to ABN TV, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Ikpeazu reminded the members that Abia is blessed with abundant human and natural resources that can be harnessed to support its economic development.
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“With the uncertain prospect of the crude oil-based Nigerian economy and its direct consequence on the economy of states, every state must look inwards and find sustainable means of survival. The immediate challenge of this Council is to assist our administration fashion out means of managing our economy post COVID”, the Governor said.
He told the Council members that they were carefully selected on the basis of their “solid personal records” and assured them that their recommendations will be fully implemented by government. He further assured them that all organs of government will be at their disposal in the course of their assignment.
Responding, the Chairman of the Council, Professor Anya O Anya thanked the Governor for assembling a group of experienced and patriotic economic experts from the State for this assignment and assured him that they will approach the duty with the highest level of patriotism and a deep sense of urgency.
Other members of the Council who took part in the meeting included a former Chief Executive of the Defunct Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Emeka Onwuka, Businessman and Chairman of Mainland Oil and Gas, Dr. Chris Odinaka Igwe, Traditional Ruler and Professor of Finance at the University of Lagos, Eze Professor S I Owuala, Economic Management Consultant, Sam Onukwue and Executive Secretary of the Abia State Planning Commission, Dr. Mrs. Nnenna Chikezie.
Professor Anya assured the Governor that other members of the Council will join them in their subsequent meetings.
