Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Hope beamed for quality infrastructural projects in Abia State as the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Dr Lars Ritcher, Wednesday, visited the Governor-Elect, Dr Alex Otti in his Nvosi Isiala Ngwa North country home.
Although Otti and his guest met behind closed doors, it is believed that the visit might not be unconnected with proposals for the grade one construction giant to the involved in infrastructural development in Abia.
Ikengaonline checks revealed that Julius Berger or any serious construction company has not undertaken any project in the state in the recent times.
A press release by Otti’s Aide, Kazie Uko, said the governor-elect had been receiving in audience, other high profile investors since his emergence.
According to the release, a number of high profile companies and investors have been streaming to the state for audience with the governor-elect.
It read in part: “Since being declared Governor-Elect of Abia on March 22, 2023 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Otti has been meeting with several groups, corporate organisations and individuals, many of whom come to felicitate with him on his victory at the polls, while some others come with proposals to partner with the state in the area of investments and infrastructure development.
“One of the earlier callers was Nigeria’s telecom giant MTN, whose team of senior management, led by the Chief Enterprise e-Business Officer, Lynda Saint Nwafor, said MTN would be looking at collaborating with the incoming Abia State Government in different sectors, including telecommunications access, empowering the small and medium enterprises (SMEs), education, security, and E-Governance among others.”
Otti had, in one of his interactions with the newsmen during the campaigns for the governorship election, declared that the mere fact that he was announced Governor of Abia State would attract many strategic investors and development partners to the state.
The governor-elect had during the inauguration of his Transition Council, hinted that he would drastically cut down the cost of governance and run a slim cabinet.
He also promised to invest in infrastructure and provision of a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
