Abia state Governor Alex Otti
Abia state Governor Alex Otti, has called on Abians in the diaspora to return their investments to the state for a meaningful growth and development.
He stressed that his administration has restored security and created a business-friendly environment.
Governor Otti spoke while receiving a delegation of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, led by its General President, Chief Yuccee Ottah Uwah, at Government House.
The group had secured a firm commitment from the Abia State Government to restore electricity to Abiriba, tackle life-threatening erosion and kick-start the remodelling of the Akahaba General Hospital.
Otti said, “We focused first on recovering Aba and stabilising the state. Having done that, we are now positioned to bring our people’s investments back home.”
He said foreign investment was critical to huge growth.
“Many of our people run manufacturing outfits in China, Turkey and elsewhere. Home is still home. We want them to start coming back, and many already are,” he added.
Otti specifically challenged the Abiriba community to invest in the Star Paper Mill, formerly owned by late Chief Nnanna Kalu, which the state government recently re-acquired from AMCON after years of dormancy.
“We have fully taken it over and paid AMCON. It now belongs to Abia State. Government will not run it; that is the role of the private sector,” he said.
He explained that the state was open to discussions with credible investors who have the capacity and capital to revive the factory and restore its nearly 2,000 jobs, stressing his preference for local investors over foreign interests.
The governor delegated key officials to engage Abians nationwide and in the diaspora to coordinate efforts at attracting investments back home.
Earlier, Chief Uwah commended the governor’s performance, citing major road projects, hospital upgrades and the recovery of Star Paper Mill, and pledged the Abiriba community’s support in the 2027 elections.
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