Otti Opens $35m Beverages Facility, Marks New Era for Aba Industry
Dr Alex Otti
Kenechukwu Ofomah,Awka
The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has formally commissioned a privately owned multi-million-dollar manufacturing plant built by Ultimum Beverages Limited at the Osisioma Industrial Layout in Aba.
Inaugurating the project at Egbelu-Owor in Osisioma Local Government Area of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, Otti described the project as validation that Abia has regained its status as an investment haven.
He said his administration has created a business-friendly ecosystem aimed at attracting investors and driving sustainable economic growth.
In his speech, titled “The Fruits of Diligent Labour,” Governor Otti commended the leaders and pathfinders at the Kadji Group—the investment team behind Ultimum Beverages for believing in the Aba business ecosystem and its significant advantages.
“The Kadji Group, the investment team behind Ultimum Beverages, has demonstrated confidence in the Aba business ecosystem and its network of advantages by committing over $35 million to build a state-of-the-art production facility, with plans to increase this investment to $100 million here in Egbelu-Owor, Osisioma Ngwa LGA. Today’s event offers strong validation of our position that the phoenix has indeed risen from the ashes; what was once thought irredeemable has been transformed into an enduring symbol of hope and pride for our people.
“The roll-out of products from this expansive facility is clear evidence that we are heading in the right direction. It reinforces our long-held conviction that investors—whether foreign or local—can identify opportunities from thousands of miles away. They move quietly to locations where there are assurances of good returns, long-term investment security, and a supportive system for industry and innovation.
“The decision of the Kadji Group to invest in Aba quietly over a two-year period, without seeking attention, underscores the validity of our investment-driven approach,” Otti stated.
He maintained that his administration’s efforts since May 2023 have focused on resetting the business environment and making the state attractive to genuine investors.
“Beyond extensive investments in public infrastructure, we have restored security in communities previously plagued by criminal activity. Our streets are cleaner, and our human capital development is on a steady rise.
“Our preferred development pathway may not have attracted widespread applause at its early stages, but serious investors have taken note,” he said.
Governor Otti also called for collective ownership and protection of the facility and other investments in Abia State, urging residents to resist vandalism, obstruction, and other activities inimical to the state’s development.
In his address, the Chairman of Ultimum Beverages Limited and representative of the Kadji Group, Mr. Whalen Kadji, said the company was attracted to Aba by its strong entrepreneurial culture.
He attributed the investment decision to the favourable policies of the Otti administration, particularly its commitment to industrial development through improvements in infrastructure, power, water supply, and road networks, which have boosted investor confidence.
The Kadji Group thanked the governor for the prompt reconstruction of the 1.2-kilometre road leading to the production facility, fulfilling a promise made when the company earlier drew his attention to its poor condition.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Ultimum Beverages Limited, Mr. Austin Ufomba, said the company began as a bold vision to build a plant capable of competing globally, describing the establishment of the factory in Osisioma as a dream come true.
He added that by siting the factory in Osisioma, Aba, he had fulfilled his promise to bring investment to Abia State—a commitment he made to Dr. Otti based on his confidence in his leadership.
Ufomba thanked the governor for creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. He also noted that the plant would generate hundreds of jobs, stimulate ecosystem growth, and inspire young people, while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event was attended by members of the Kadji Group from Cameroon, a representative of the Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria, and several senior government officials.
