…As diaspora group urges Igbo investors to think home
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s impressive infrastructural strides in Abia State, describing them as transformative and capable of redefining the state’s development narrative.
Similarly, the Igbo Diaspora Investment Group (IDIG) has launched a campaign to sensitize Ndigbo on the need to channel their investments back home to the South East.
The group also pledged to make significant investments in Abia, citing Governor Otti’s commitment to building an investor-friendly environment.
National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, gave the commendation when he received the IDIG delegation led by its President, Dr. Chucks Obilor, during a courtesy visit in Aba.
Diwe noted that the infrastructural transformation currently taking place in Abia has rekindled hope among Ndigbo both at home and in the diaspora.
He stated that the massive road rehabilitations, establishment of industrial parks, and urban renewal projects being executed by the Otti administration had laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and investor confidence.
According to him, “Abia has become a model state for South East industrial renaissance. The governor’s vision aligns perfectly with ASITU’s long-standing campaign for the repatriation of Igbo wealth through the Aku Ruo Ulo investment initiative.
“The new infrastructure across Abia, ranging from modern roads to improved power and sanitation projects, has changed the narrative about governance in the South East. Governor Otti is making bold and deliberate efforts to reposition Abia as the number one investment destination in Nigeria. What we see happening here today is the kind of leadership that inspires our people in the diaspora to bring their wealth, technology, and expertise back home.”
Diwe, who had earlier donated ₦3 million to the State Security Fund during its launch in Aba and Umuahia, said the level of security being maintained by the Otti administration had made Abia “a haven for investors.”
He also commended the IDIG for its patriotic zeal and commitment to the development of Igbo land.
Speaking earlier, IDIG President, Chief Obilor, applauded ASITU for its consistent advocacy for unity, development, and economic self-reliance among Ndigbo.
He expressed concern over the recurring demolition of shops owned by Igbo traders in Lagos and other parts of the country, describing the development as a wake-up call for Ndigbo to prioritize investing at home.
Obilor said the group’s mission was to explore opportunities for direct investment in the South East and to collaborate with local stakeholders to build a resilient regional economy.
“Our people abroad are eager to invest back home, but what they want to see is transparency, security, and infrastructure. Abia under Governor Otti has become a model in that regard,” he said.
