Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Emil Jones, Senate President, Illinois State, U.S.A, met Monday, August 1 to discuss areas of cooperation between the two states. The meeting, held at the Illinois State Building, Chicago, covered areas of mutual interest between the states such as healthcare, education and models of infra-structural development.

Dr. Kalu, in his speech, described Illinois as a model for the developing world in infra-structural development and expressed desire to studying their various designs for replication in Abia State. He said the roads were open for Chicago State University and Abia institutions of higher learning such as Abia State University in the area of exchange program. Governor Kalu noted that Abia institutions could also be reinforced by Chicago State University with research materials and educational support facilities.

The Abia State Chief Executive also noted that the Abia State House of Assembly could benefit a lot from the experience of the Illinois State Legislature and urged the Senate President to support efforts in bringing about lasting partnership between the two states.

In his response, the Illinois Senate President, Emil Jones, described Nigeria as a worthy partner in the development of Africa and expressed his willingness in supporting legislations on any form of partnership with Nigeria. He also volunteered to personally meet with the Vice-Chancellor of Chicago State University as relating partnership with Abia State University. The Senate President promised to assist in the development of Abia State legislature.

Iyke Ekeoma
Special Adviser to Gov. Kalu - Media Affairs

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