Otti: We’re Planning for Abia’s Future, Creating Environment to Attract Investment
Govt. Dr Alex Chioma Otti
Otti: We’re Planning for Abia’s Future, Creating Environment to Attract Investment
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has stated that his administration is deliberately planning for the future by creating an enabling environment capable of attracting investments, encouraging Abians in the diaspora to return home and providing better opportunities for the younger generation.
Governor Otti stated this on Thursday at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, while receiving members of Umu-Aba Connect, who paid him a courtesy visit to appreciate his administration’s efforts and invite him to their 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), scheduled to hold in Aba.
The Governor said the administration’s development strategy was focused not only on addressing present challenges but also on building an environment in which future generations of Abians could live, work and prosper.
“We are saying that we are planning for the future. We have the future in mind. We want our children not to experience the difficulties,” Otti said.
He said the government’s responsibility was to provide the infrastructure, security and other conditions necessary to enable businesses and individuals to make rational economic decisions about investing or returning to the state.
“The whole idea is just to do our own things at our own small level to attract our people. I see a lot of you relocating back anytime soon. But, it has to be an economic decision. We don’t force people; we create the enabling environment,” the Governor stated.
Otti said Abia’s improving business climate was already attracting new investments, particularly in the hospitality sector, citing the planned arrival of Hilton and the establishment of Radisson Blu’s presence in Aba through the ongoing redevelopment of Enyimba Hotel.
He said such investments would have a multiplier effect on the state’s economy by creating jobs, stimulating businesses and strengthening the hospitality and service sectors.
The Governor also disclosed that he had met with the Ambassador of Italy and his team over the possibility of establishing partnerships with shoemakers in Aba, stressing that investors would respond positively when the right environment was created.
“Once the enabling environment has been created, businessmen and businesses are rational,” Otti noted.
He said his administration had also made significant progress in restoring Aba’s economic activities, declaring: “We have left Egypt and we can’t go back.”
The Governor congratulated Umu-Aba Connect for sustaining its vision and remaining united despite challenges, noting that its members had demonstrated the resilience for which Abians are known.
“First of all, let me congratulate you for holding forth and refusing to be discouraged or disintegrated. If you had not held forth, like Abia people, who I am always very proud of because of their resilience, we probably would not be here today,” he said.
Otti commended the association for choosing Aba as the venue for its forthcoming AGM, noting that its members could have chosen another location outside the state.
He challenged them to remain committed to their dreams and continue contributing to the development of their home state.
On infrastructure, the Governor announced plans to flag off the reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads in October, saying the projects would help decongest the area and improve movement within the metropolis.
He also disclosed plans for further development at Ifeobara, including the construction of a lake and high-end residential estates targeted at residents in the upper-income bracket.
“It may be the next place you want to live in. Because we are building a lake there and then putting high-ground residences,” Otti said.
The Governor further highlighted education as a major component of his administration’s long-term development agenda, saying the government was committed to providing quality educational facilities, including Smart Schools.
“We want to provide an environment where they can go to school. Good schools, like the Smart Schools. I would invite you to visit any of the Smart Schools, whether commissioned or not. If you go to those places, you may want to relocate your child,” he said.
Earlier, the President-General of Umu-Aba Connect Association, Dr. Chima Anyaso, said the organisation was founded by young, successful and progressive individuals who were born and raised in Aba and were committed to giving back to the society that shaped them.
Anyaso said the decision to return to Aba for the association’s AGM was significant, particularly because some members had previously relocated from the city due to deteriorating conditions but could now return to their roots with renewed confidence.
He commended Governor Otti for what he described as his achievements in the state and for creating an environment conducive to investment and development. He also assured the Governor of the group’s support for his re-election.
Also speaking, the Vice-President of the association, Mr. Ugochukwu Duru, commended the Otti administration for developments across the state, particularly in infrastructure and security.
Duru said improved security and infrastructure had restored confidence among members of the diaspora and encouraged them to consider returning to the state.
He described the administration’s development efforts as evidence that meaningful development and effective governance could be achieved in Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Special Adviser on Policy and Intervention, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, Ph.D.; Aba-born banker, Mr. Alex Alozie; and other senior government officials attended the meeting.
