Tag: Abịa state

  • Otti Promises Irreversible Reforms as Abia Enters Next Development Phase

    Otti Promises Irreversible Reforms as Abia Enters Next Development Phase

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said his administration will devote the next four and a half years to strengthening ongoing reforms and consolidating development achievements recorded since assuming office.

    Otti described the progress made in the state over the past three years as the beginning of his administration’s transformation agenda, insisting that more far-reaching changes were ahead.

    The governor spoke on Sunday at the South-East Conference of Dominion City Global, held in Aba, where he assured residents of his commitment to improving infrastructure and accelerating development across the state.

    He described the achievements recorded so far as a “dress rehearsal”, adding that the administration’s priority in its remaining years would be to establish reforms that would be difficult to reverse.

    According to him, the government is focused on implementing practical policies and projects rather than making promises that cannot be fulfilled.

    Otti also disclosed that his administration was working towards providing a stable electricity supply across Abia State as part of efforts to improve economic activities and the living conditions of residents.

    The governor reaffirmed his commitment to fairness and equal opportunities in public service, declaring that residents would not face discrimination based on their state of origin.

    He maintained that everyone living in Abia was regarded as an Abian and entitled to equal treatment, adding that appointments into government positions were determined by merit rather than religious affiliation or other considerations.

    Otti also urged Christians to demonstrate their faith through meaningful actions, emphasising that religious beliefs should be reflected in their conduct and contributions to society.

    Earlier, the President of Dominion City Church, Pastor David Ogbueli, praised the governor for what he described as purposeful leadership and commitment to transforming Abia State.

    Ogbueli described Otti as an answer to the prayers of the people, commending his administration’s projects and approach to governance.

    He encouraged the governor to sustain his development efforts, stressing that leaders who deliver positive results should be recognised and encouraged.

    The cleric further argued that societal progress depended on the willingness of citizens to condemn wrongdoing and appreciate good conduct.

    “If you want society to work, condemn what is bad and those that do it, praise what is good and those that do it,” he said.

    Ogbueli also observed that Abia was attracting increasing positive attention across the country, citing improvements in infrastructure, electricity and the business environment as indications of the state’s changing fortunes.

  • Otti Targets US Investors As Abia Hosts AFRICANDO 2026

    Otti Targets US Investors As Abia Hosts AFRICANDO 2026

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, is seeking to attract American and other international investors to the state through the 2026 African Diaspora Conference and Expo, AFRICANDO, scheduled to hold this month.

    The initiative is expected to bring together investors, business executives, policymakers, development partners, diplomats and entrepreneurs to explore business opportunities and strengthen commercial ties between Africa and the United States.

    The governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, disclosed the plan in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday, describing AFRICANDO as an opportunity to convert international engagements into concrete investments and business partnerships.

    According to him, the conference, themed “Deepening U.S.–Africa Commercial Ties in the Era of AfCFTA,” will connect investment opportunities across Abia and other African markets with American capital, technology, expertise and distribution networks.

    Ajagba said the state’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial base, particularly in Aba, places it in a strong position to benefit from expanded trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

    He noted that the Otti administration was investing in infrastructure, strengthening public institutions and improving the business environment to attract private-sector investment.

    The state government also plans to take international delegates on visits to manufacturing clusters, businesses, strategic economic locations and government-backed projects to enable them to assess investment opportunities directly.

    Ajagba said the conference would focus on sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, consumer goods, energy, financial services, healthcare, transportation and logistics, science and technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

    A major component of the event will be a Deal Room and Investment Marketplace, where prospective investors will be presented with investment-ready projects from Abia and participating businesses.

    He stressed that AFRICANDO was an international economic platform hosted by Abia, rather than an event limited to the state, adding that the government was working with organisers to ensure it produces business agreements and sustainable partnerships beyond conference discussions.

  • 20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

    The graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, and were rescued seven days later following a coordinated operation by security agencies.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

    Iniedu said the rescued graduates had been taken for medical examinations and would receive necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.

    The operation reportedly involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

    However, the authorities did not disclose details of the operation or announce any arrest, while the suspected abductors were said to remain at large.

    Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.

    The police spokesperson also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assured Nigerians of the force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

    A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the news but said the family was waiting to see or speak with the victim before making further comments.

    Meanwhile, Uzodimma commended the security agencies for securing the release of the prospective corps members.

    The governor said the government deliberately kept details of the operation confidential to avoid compromising the rescue effort and ongoing investigation.

    He also thanked the families of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal, assuring residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

    The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also praised the security agencies for the successful operation and expressed solidarity with the families of the rescued graduates.

    The victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen reportedly intercepted them.

    The abductors had initially demanded N50m for each victim, amounting to N1bn, before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5m per person.

    The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to traditional leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.

  • Otti Mourns Abia-Born Pilot Killed In Ondo Air Crash

    Otti Mourns Abia-Born Pilot Killed In Ondo Air Crash

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has mourned Squadron Leader Ahamefule Ahah Man-Ugwueje, an Abia-born pilot who was among the 25 people killed in the Nigerian Air Force aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

    The Nigerian Air Force ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, crashed in Igbokoda on Monday while on a routine flight from Benin City to Lagos.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti described the crash as a painful tragedy that had caused grief to the victims’ families, the Nigerian Air Force and the country.

    The governor expressed particular sadness over the death of Man-Ugwueje, who was from Umuahia, Abia State, and had married Flight Lieutenant Damilola Adekunle in Abuja on September 19, about two weeks before the fatal crash.

    Otti said Man-Ugwueje’s death shortly after his wedding made the tragedy even more heartbreaking, noting that the young couple had barely begun their life together.

    The governor extended his condolences to the families of all the victims, the people of Umuahia, the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Government.

    He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased and strength for their loved ones to cope with the loss.

    The Nigerian Air Force had earlier confirmed that all 25 people aboard the aircraft died in the crash and released the names of the victims.

    Man-Ugwueje was identified as one of the five crew members aboard the aircraft and served as its co-pilot.

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation.

    Aneke also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

    Man-Ugwueje’s death has continued to attract attention, particularly because of his recent marriage to Adekunle.

    Photographs and videos from their September 19 wedding ceremony in Abuja were shared online by vendors who participated in the event. The couple held their Holy Matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, The Masters Place, in Utako, Abuja, followed by a reception at the Nigerian Army Conference Centre in Asokoro.

    Information from Man-Ugwueje’s social media profile indicated that he hailed from Umuahia, Abia State, while Abuja was listed as his current city.

  • FG Moves To Boost Aba Textile Industry, Agriculture In Abia

    FG Moves To Boost Aba Textile Industry, Agriculture In Abia

    The Federal Government has begun discussions with the Abia State Government on possible support for businesses in Aba’s textile and garment industry as well as the state’s agricultural sector.

    The Special Adviser to the President on Industry, Trade and Investment, John Uwajimogu, disclosed this on Wednesday during a meeting with Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia.

    Uwajimogu said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and the state while identifying opportunities for federal projects and investments.

    He said the government had recognised Aba’s industrial potential, particularly its concentration of textile and garment businesses, and was considering interventions to address challenges affecting the sector.

    According to him, infrastructure and access to finance remain among the major constraints facing businesses in the cluster.

    “One of the biggest things that we see coming out of Abia State is the strong industrial capacity in Aba, particularly in the textile and garments sector,” Uwajimogu said.

    He added, “We have been thinking of how, from the federal level, we can support the businesses that are working in that sector and have come up with ideas on how we can address some of the biggest binding constraints that they often face, one being infrastructure and the other one being finance.”

    Uwajimogu said the Federal Government was also interested in bringing more of its projects and programmes to Abia, adding that the engagement would help identify areash where both governments could collaborate to stimulate economic development.

    Also speaking, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority, Cornelius Adebayo, said the agency was seeking the state government’s support for its agricultural development plans in Abia.

    Adebayo said NALDA’s mandate included using agriculture as a tool for poverty reduction, adding that the agency wanted Abia to participate in its Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate programme.

    He explained that the programme was designed to bring farmers together, provide necessary infrastructure and improve access to security, agricultural inputs and markets while creating sustainable sources of income.

    Adebayo expressed optimism that Abia could host a major NALDA agricultural project, including a processing facility, and appealed to the state government to provide suitable land for the initiative.

    Responding, Governor Otti said his administration was ready to work with NALDA and other stakeholders to develop Abia’s agricultural sector.

    The governor said the state had fertile and arable land capable of supporting the production of crops including cassava, yam, cocoyam, oil palm and cashew despite its relatively small landmass.

    Otti said increased investment in local agriculture was necessary to reduce dependence on food imports, noting that food importation also placed pressure on the foreign exchange market.

    He said the state would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at increasing local production and strengthening agriculture as part of its economic development strategy.

  • Otti Urges Igbo Traders To Embrace Manufacturing, Digital Commerce

    Otti Urges Igbo Traders To Embrace Manufacturing, Digital Commerce

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Igbo entrepreneurs to move beyond conventional trading and embrace manufacturing and digital commerce to remain competitive in the changing global economy.

    Otti made the call on Monday in Umuahia at the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organised by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.

    The event was held under the theme, “The Igbo Charter and Development of Ala Igbo.”

    The governor said while trading had historically been central to Igbo economic activities, the changing business environment required entrepreneurs in the South-East to expand into manufacturing and technology-driven commerce.

    Addressing concerns over the growing presence of Chinese traders in retail markets, particularly in Lagos, Otti said the response should not be to remain in the same segment of the market but to move into areas that offer greater opportunities for production and digital sales.

    He said his administration was already pursuing that transition in Abia by supporting manufacturers and promoting digital platforms for businesses.

    According to him, physical markets would remain important, but entrepreneurs needed to take advantage of digital commerce to reach customers beyond their immediate locations.

    Otti said Abia was positioning itself as both a manufacturing and trading hub, with digital commerce providing an avenue for businesses to compete in international markets.

    He said his administration was also investing in technology training for young people through the TechRise initiative.

    The governor noted that some young Abians who benefited from the programme were already working remotely for international technology companies from Aba.

    Otti also assured the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide of his administration’s support, describing the theme of the celebration, “Njikọ Ka,” meaning “Unity is Supreme,” as relevant to the development of the South-East.

    He said his administration had established what he described as a strong foundation for the development of Abia and pledged that the state would continue to witness transformation.

  • Abia Secures N1.24tn Private Capital Investment Approvals

    Abia Secures N1.24tn Private Capital Investment Approvals

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that the state has secured approvals for about N1.24tn in private capital investments to drive infrastructure development and expand economic activities beyond the capacity of public funding.

    Otti made the disclosure in Lagos on Wednesday at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Meet the Governor Series, where he spoke on “Repositioning Abia for Enterprise, Industrialisation and Sustainable Economic Growth.”

    The governor said the investment pipeline comprises about N914bn in joint ventures and N327bn in design-build-operate-transfer concessions, with market development, power and energy among the areas targeted.

    He added that the flag-off of some of the projects would commence soon.

    According to Otti, his administration is focused on creating stable economic conditions that can attract and retain long-term private investment.

    He said investors were more concerned about predictable policies and viable projects than expensive investment promotion campaigns.

    The governor disclosed that the state’s N1.01tn 2026 budget allocates 80 per cent to capital expenditure, while internally generated revenue is being used to fund recurrent obligations. He said external and private capital would be directed towards infrastructure and other assets capable of supporting economic growth.

    Otti said Abia was being repositioned as a regional destination for investment, noting that investors were highly sensitive to uncertainty.

    He identified quality infrastructure, security and responsive institutions as key factors in building investor confidence and attracting long-term capital.

    The governor said his administration had therefore prioritised road construction and rehabilitation to improve connectivity, open up business locations and restore confidence among businesses and investors.

    “We took on long-abandoned roads in our important business hubs and fixed them to announce our intention,” he said, adding that hundreds of kilometres of roads had been rehabilitated since he assumed office.

    Otti, however, noted that infrastructure alone was not enough to attract investment, as investors also considered the wider economic environment before committing funds.

    During a fireside chat with Bongo Adi, a professor of economics at Lagos Business School, the governor highlighted opportunities in Abia, attributing the state’s growing prospects to the resilience of its people and increased adoption of technology.

    He said sustained leadership and effective governance would be essential to making Abia more competitive globally.

    “When people see leadership and when they have tasted leadership, they know,” Otti said.

    He added, “In 10 years, I see an Abia that can compete globally. If Abia were to be a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world.”

    Earlier, President and Chairman of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Abimbola Olashore, called for clear and predictable policies, responsive institutions and quality infrastructure to strengthen investor confidence in Abia.

    Olashore said businesses and investors needed an enabling environment, security, access to markets and meaningful partnerships to expand their operations and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

  • We’re supporting Nnamdi Kanu’s family, his rights sacrosanct: Abia Govt

    We’re supporting Nnamdi Kanu’s family, his rights sacrosanct: Abia Govt

    Abia State Government is actively monitoring the situation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is an indigene of the state and is currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja, with a view to ensuring that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected.

    We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.

    The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    We therefore wish to call on all citizens and visitors to continue to be law abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a break down of law and order.

    While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.

    Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.

    Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.

    All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety.

    Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way.

    Thank you.

    Chief John Okiyi Kalu

    Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State

    06/08/2021