Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has said his administration is focused on creating an environment capable of attracting investments, encouraging Abians in the diaspora to return home and improving opportunities for younger generations.
Otti stated this at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, when members of Umu-Aba Connect paid him a courtesy visit and invited him to their 10th Annual General Meeting scheduled to hold in Aba.
The governor congratulated the association for sustaining its vision and remaining united despite challenges.
He commended the group for choosing Aba as the venue for its AGM, saying the decision reflected confidence in the changes taking place in the state.
Otti urged members to remain committed to their objectives, assuring them that Abia was becoming increasingly attractive to investors and businesses.
He said his administration had “practically recovered Aba,” adding that the improved business environment was already attracting private investments, particularly in the hospitality sector.
The governor disclosed that Hilton was planning to come to Abia, while Radisson Blu had established a presence in Aba through the ongoing redevelopment of Enyimba Hotel.
According to him, the administration’s strategy is to create conditions that would encourage Abians living outside the state to return voluntarily.
“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,” he said.
Otti also disclosed that he had met with the Italian Ambassador and his team over possible collaboration with shoemakers in Aba.
He said the planned reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads would commence in October and help ease traffic congestion in the area.
The governor further announced plans for development at Ifeobara, including a lake and high-ground residential estates.
“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 also highlighted the administration’s investment in education through the construction and rehabilitation of schools, including Smart Schools, and invited members of Umu-Aba Connect to inspect the facilities.
Earlier, the President-General of Umu-Aba Connect, Dr. Chima Anyaso, said the association was founded by young and successful people born and raised in Aba who wanted to contribute to the development of the society that shaped them.
Anyaso said returning to Aba for the association’s AGM was significant, particularly for members who had relocated from the city because of deteriorating conditions in the past.
He commended the governor for his administration’s achievements and pledged the association’s support for his re-election.
The Vice President of the association, Ugochukwu Duru, also commended the administration’s efforts in infrastructure and security, saying the improvements had increased members’ confidence in returning to Abia.
Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba; Special Adviser on Policy and Intervention, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru; banker Alex Alozie and other government officials attended the meeting.
