GOV. OTTI CALLS ON ABIANS TO INVEST AT HOME, URGES ABIRIBA COMMUNITY TO REVIVE STAR PAPER MILL

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called on Abians both at home and in the diaspora to channel their investments back to the state as part of efforts to accelerate development and create more economic opportunities.

Governor Otti made the appeal on Wednesday, January 28, while receiving a delegation of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, led by its General President, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah, at his office.

The Governor said his administration has restored Aba and improved the business environment across the state, stressing that attracting investment remains a key priority.

According to him, government’s responsibility is to lay a strong foundation and create an enabling environment that will encourage businesses to thrive.

“We wanted to recover Aba first, which we have done, and extend that progress to other parts of the state. Having done that, we are now encouraging our people to bring their investments back home,” he said.

Governor Otti noted that while foreign investment is important, Abians have significant investments outside the country, including manufacturing ventures in places such as China and Turkey.

“Home is still home. We want to start by getting our people to return and invest here. And many of them are already coming back,” he added.

Star Paper Mill as Investment Opportunity

The Governor specifically challenged the Abiriba community to take interest in the Star Paper Mill, formerly owned by late Chief Nnanna Kalu, which the Abia State Government recently re-acquired from AMCON after years of inactivity.

He disclosed that the state has fully paid for the asset and is now willing to partner with capable private investors to revive the company and restore employment for nearly 2,000 workers, as it once provided.

“We have taken it over completely. It now belongs to the Abia State Government. We do not intend to run it because government is not meant to manage businesses. Our role is to encourage the private sector,” he stated.

Governor Otti said he had received proposals from foreign investors but expressed preference for local participation, emphasizing that Abians should lead the revival of industries originally established by their own people.

“This is a challenge I am throwing back to you. We need our people to come, invest, turn it around, and employ our people,” he told the ACIU President.

He directed his Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and relevant officials to engage further with Abians across the diaspora and major cities to coordinate investment inflows into the state.

“They don’t have to shut down what they are doing elsewhere, but whenever they think of expansion, their passion should be back home,” he said.

Erosion and Power Challenges

Responding to concerns raised by the Abiriba delegation over erosion and the lack of electricity in their communities, Governor Otti assured them that efforts were already underway to address the power situation across Abia North, while long-term solutions would be provided for erosion problems.

He also confirmed that renovation work at the Akahaba General Hospital would commence soon.

Delegation Commends Governor’s Performance

In his remarks, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah commended Governor Otti for what he described as remarkable achievements across the state, including road projects, the redesign of Akahaba General Hospital, and the recovery of Star Paper Mill.

He pledged the support of the Abiriba community ahead of the 2027 elections and informed the Governor of their plans to mobilize their global networks to attract investors into Abia.

Prof. Mkpa Praises Administration

Former Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, also praised Governor Otti’s performance, declaring that the Governor had achieved in two years what previous administrations failed to accomplish in over two decades.

“I have witnessed all civilian administrations in Abia State, but I dare say that in two years, you have done what could not be done in 24 years,” he said.

He cited improvements in road infrastructure, land administration reforms, and the professionalism of the Governor’s team.

The visit was attended by the Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Matthew Ekwuruibe, and other top government officials.