Otti Unveils Waste-to-Wealth Project, Moves to Acquire Afro-Beverages in Aba

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that his administration is set to launch the Waste-to-Wealth Initiative, a groundbreaking project designed to convert waste materials into valuable resources that will drive the state’s economic growth.

Governor Otti made this known on Thursday at the Government House, Umuahia, during the October edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” the state’s monthly interactive media engagement. He noted that while his administration had successfully tackled waste collection and disposal since declaring a state of emergency on waste management, the next step was to transform waste into economic assets.

“We are now moving to the next stage of waste management — proper treatment, recycling, and conversion into useful products,” Otti said. “We’ve carried out extensive studies and discovered that, though costly, it is feasible. Like in Austria and parts of Europe, we aim to turn waste into gas, methane, and power. We are already in discussions with potential partners, and several agreements have been signed. Soon, the Waste-to-Wealth project will be officially flagged off in Abia State.”

The Governor also revealed that the state has finalized arrangements to acquire Afro-Beverages (formerly Afro-Leverages) located along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway. According to him, the company, currently owned by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), will be purchased through a seven-installment payment plan beginning next month. This follows the state’s earlier acquisition of Star Paper Mill.

Otti clarified that the government’s intention is not to manage these companies directly but to revive them through partnerships with private investors and experts. “Government is an enabler. We want these industries to come back to life as major employers of labour for our young people,” he emphasized.

The Governor also outlined progress in the education and health sectors. He announced that 4,000 additional teachers will be recruited before the end of the year, bringing the total number of new hires to over 9,000 to address the shortage of educators. Dilapidated school buildings, he added, will be demolished and rebuilt.

In the health sector, Otti revealed that the ongoing recruitment of health workers has attracted applicants from outside Nigeria, noting that the process has remained transparent and merit-based. He also urged Abians to remain vigilant and promptly report any security threats to the appropriate authorities.

Governor Otti further directed that the November edition of his monthly media chat be hosted at the newly remodeled Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.