Why We’re Investing in Aba — Gov. Otti Declares At Grand Civic Reception In Isiala Ngwa

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his administration’s deliberate investment in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State, is anchored on the city’s potential to drive economic growth across the State.

Speaking at a Grand Civic Reception organised in his honour by the people of Isiala Ngwa North and South LGAs, Governor Otti explained that developing Aba was a strategic decision aimed at stimulating internally generated revenue to fund projects in other parts of the State.

“Aba occupies a prime place in our strategy. because that is our major commercial hub. Not just for Abia, but the South East and South-South.

“Our concentration on Aba is because we do know that Abba has the capacity to generate revenue for us to develop other parts of the state”, the Governor said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, noting that infrastructural development is simultaneously ongoing in all parts of the state, including Ukwa, Umunneochi and Umuahia among others.

Governor Otti also announced a December deadline for the completion of the Mgboko–Ntigha road project, stressed his administration’s commitment to delivering infrastructure across all zones.

The Governor who also spoke about the ongoing work on the Abia Airport City Project described the project as more than just an aviation facility but a full-fledged development hub, aimed to provide long-term economic benefits.

“We are not just building an airport; we are building an airport city. A three or four-star hotel is going to be there, and even the Nigerian Airport Authority is going to have a base there. There are going to be markets and shopping plazas”, the Governor stated.

He clarified that the location was chosen purely on technical merit and expert advice, not political considerations and disclosed that all affected landowners have been compensated in full.

“We paid 100% compensation to everybody whose land was affected,.

“If there’s anyone that has not been paid, it is not our fault. Maybe they provided a wrong account number, or there are three or four people struggling for the same space”, Gov Otti said.

He warned against attempts to frustrate the Airport lproject and cautioned the people not to be a stumbling block to developmental projects in their areas.

Governor Otti announced plans to transform the Sam Ihesiulo Stadium Okpuala, venue of the event, to a standard Stadium and directed Commissioner for Works and his Youth and Sports counterpart to commence the process.

He thanked the people of Isiala Ngwa for their support to his administration and promised to continue running an inclusive, people-focused government.

The Governor also used the occasion to welcome returning political stakeholders from other parties, including former members of the PDP and Accord Party, as well as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers who declared for the Labour Party during the event.

Speaking on behalf of the political leadership in Isialangwa North and South LGAs, a Chieftain of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, passed a vote of confidence on Governor Otti and applauded him for focusing on long-term development goals that prioritize infrastructure and human capital development.

“We are seeing tangible progress, roads, healthcare, education, and empowerment. These are not just projects for today, but foundations for sustainable development that will outlive this administration and drive socioeconomic growth in Abia”, Senator Nwokocha said.

Also the Member Representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe while urging Governor Otti to seek re-election in 2027, declared that there is no vacancy in Government House, Umuahia, until 2031 adding that the people of the area have resolved to work together and ensure victory across all 20 wards in both LGAs.

President of the Ngwa National Association, USA and Canada, Dr Ugochukwu Agu expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance, particularly in the education sector and disclosed that the Ngwa community abroad had launched support programmes to align with the administration’s developmental goals.

In his speech earlier, a Captain of Industry, Mr. Cyril Ishmael noted that the Otti-led administration has inspired renewed investor confidence in the state through visible infrastructural projects and reforms and announced that plans are underway to host an Economic Summit aimed at complementing the government’s drive to attract investments.

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