Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti has urged Abians at home and in the diaspora to bring their investments back to the state, saying his administration has restored security and created an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
The governor made the call while receiving a delegation of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, led by its General President, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah, at the Government House.
He said the recovery of Aba and other parts of the state was deliberate, aimed at laying a solid foundation for sustainable investment.
“It is good to talk about foreign investment, but a lot of local investments have gone out. Home is still home. We want our people to come back, and many are already doing so,” Otti said.
The governor challenged the Abiriba people to invest in the Star Paper Mill, formerly owned by their son, late Chief Nnanna Kalu, which the state recently re-acquired from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) after years of inactivity.
“We have paid AMCON. It now belongs to the Abia State Government. We don’t intend to run it. Our role is to encourage the private sector. If our people have the capacity and capital, we are ready to discuss,” he said, adding that reviving the mill could restore about 2,000 jobs.
Otti said he was cautious about handing the facility to foreign investors when it was originally established by an Abian, urging locals to seize the opportunity.
He also assured the delegation that efforts were underway to address erosion challenges in Abiriba, restore electricity to the area and across Abia North, and commence renovation of the Akahaba General Hospital.
Earlier, Chief Uwah commended the governor’s performance, citing road rehabilitation, hospital redesign, and the recovery of the Star Paper Mill, and pledged the community’s support ahead of the 2027 elections.
He also raised concerns about erosion and prolonged power outages in Abiriba.
Former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, praised Otti’s achievements, saying the governor had delivered in two years what previous administrations failed to achieve in 24 years, particularly in road infrastructure and land administration.
Top government officials, including the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, were present at the meeting.
