Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has called on Abians at home and in the diaspora to bring their investments back to the state as part of a broader strategy to accelerate economic growth, industrial revival, and job creation.
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 the Government House. The visit provided the Governor with an opportunity to outline his administration’s economic vision and to challenge Abians, particularly the Abiriba community, to take advantage of the renewed business-friendly environment in the state.
According to Governor Otti, his administration has made deliberate efforts to stabilise and recover key economic hubs, especially Aba, which he described as the commercial heartbeat of the state. He said that restoring order, security, and infrastructure in Aba was a strategic first step toward rebuilding investor confidence and creating the conditions necessary for sustainable private-sector-led growth.
“For us as a government, some of the things we do are about laying the foundation and creating the enabling environment for investment to flow in,” Governor Otti said. “We wanted to recover Aba first, which we have done, and extend that to other parts of the state. Having done that, we have armed our people with the confidence to bring their investments back home.”
The Governor stressed that while foreign direct investment remains important, local investment is equally critical and, in many cases, underappreciated. He noted that a significant amount of Abia-owned capital is currently invested outside Nigeria, with many Abians operating manufacturing and commercial ventures in countries such as China and Turkey.
“It is good to talk about foreign investment, but you will be amazed at how much local investment has gone out there,” he said. “A lot of our people have manufacturing outposts in China, Turkey, and elsewhere. Home is still home, and we want to start by getting them to come back. Thankfully, many of them are already responding positively.”
Governor Otti used the occasion to issue a direct challenge to the Abiriba community to invest in the Star Paper Mill, a once-thriving industrial facility originally established by their son, the late Chief Nnanna Kalu. The mill, which had been moribund for several years, was recently reacquired by the Abia State Government from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Expressing satisfaction with the interest shown by the ACIU delegation in the revival of the facility, the Governor disclosed that the state government has fully paid AMCON and now has complete ownership of the Star Paper Mill.
“I’m happy you also spoke about Star Paper Mill. We have taken it over completely. We have paid AMCON. It now belongs to the Abia State Government,” he said.
Governor Otti made it clear that the state government does not intend to directly manage the paper mill, emphasising that running businesses is the responsibility of the private sector. He explained that the role of government is to create the right conditions for enterprises to thrive and to prevent strategic assets from collapsing.
“As a government, we don’t intend to run it. That’s not our job. Our job is to encourage the private sector, because it is the private sector that runs businesses efficiently,” he said. “But it would be irresponsible for us to sit back and allow companies like that to die.”
He disclosed that the Star Paper Mill, when fully operational in the past, employed close to 2,000 workers and had a significant multiplier effect on the local economy. Reviving the facility, he noted, would not only restore jobs but also stimulate related industries and supply chains.
The Governor revealed that his administration has received several proposals from interested investors, including foreign firms, but stressed his preference for local participation, especially given the mill’s historical roots in Abia.
“I’ve received a lot of proposals, including proposals from China. But I’m wary of handing it over to foreigners when a local person set it up several years ago,” he said. “So, Mr President, this is a challenge I’m throwing back to you and the Abiriba people. We have taken it back, but we need our people to come and invest, turn it around, and employ our people. That is my primary interest.”
Governor Otti directed his Chief of Staff, commissioners, and relevant line ministries to engage further with the Abiriba community and other Abians across Nigeria and the diaspora in a coordinated effort to attract investment back to the state. He stressed that Abians in Lagos, Abuja, Jos, Ghana, and other locations should see Abia as their first choice when considering expansion.
“They don’t necessarily need to shut down what they are doing elsewhere,” he clarified. “But whenever they are thinking of expansion, their passion should be back home.”
During the meeting, the Abiriba delegation raised concerns about persistent erosion challenges affecting several communities in the area, as well as ongoing electricity supply problems. Governor Otti assured them that his administration is already implementing holistic interventions to address the power challenges, not only in Abiriba but across the entire Abia North zone.
He also assured the delegation that concrete solutions would be provided to tackle the erosion menace, which has continued to threaten lives, property, and infrastructure in parts of the state.
In addition, Governor Otti disclosed that renovation works at the Akahaba General Hospital would soon commence, as part of the administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality medical services for residents.
The Governor thanked the Abiriba community for what he described as their consistent leadership and developmental initiative, recalling their role in hosting him in Aba on June 12 of the previous year. He praised the community for setting the pace in communal organisation and development efforts.
In his closing remarks, Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s resolve to partner with communities, private investors, and the diaspora to rebuild Abia’s economy. He urged Abians to see the current moment as an opportunity to reinvest in their homeland and contribute to a new phase of industrial growth and shared prosperity.
“Abia is ready,” the Governor said. “The environment is improving, the opportunities are there, and the doors are open. This is the time for our people to come back, invest, and help us build the Abia of our dreams.”
