The Abia State Government (ABSG) has secured approval from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to take ownership and revitalise the moribund Star Paper Mill.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this on Monday during a press briefing at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
He explained that reviving Star Paper Mill aligns with the government’s economic policy of resuscitating non-functional industries and repositioning them for private investment.
“The overarching interest of the state government in revitalising moribund companies is to create job opportunities for Abians and boost internally generated revenue. The state’s stake will be minimal but strategic, ensuring transparency and accountability in the operations of the company,” Kanu said.
He further disclosed that other moribund firms slated for revival include Afro Beverages, Aba Textile Mills, International Equitable Association, and Ken Biscuits, among others.
On environmental matters, Kanu revealed that the Ministry of Environment has begun house-to-house sanitary inspections across all 17 local government areas under the Keeping Abia State Clean initiative. He warned that defaulters will face prosecution under the state’s environmental laws.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner announced that the grand finale of the 2025 August Meeting, organised by the Office of the Governor’s Wife, will hold on Tuesday, August 26, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, by 10 a.m., with women’s empowerment taking centre stage.
He said the annual event, which concludes a series of August meetings across all local government areas, will be graced by Governor Otti, members of the State Executive Council, and other top officials.
Speaking further, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, described the August Meeting as a “local parliament for grassroots women,” commending the First Lady, Lady Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for mobilising women and championing empowerment initiatives.
According to Aghukwa, the finale will feature competitions, distribution of gift items, and the unveiling of new empowerment programmes for women and youths, with corporate partners such as Honeywell Flour Mills and Onga already on board.
Also present at the briefing were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
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