Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has called on investors who relocated their businesses from the state to return, saying ongoing infrastructure development and reforms have created a more favourable environment for investment.
Otti made the call on Sunday in Aba while commissioning the ORIS Signature Hotel, a hospitality facility developed by businessman and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Owelle Greg Okafor.
The governor said his administration had, over the past three years, deliberately focused on improving infrastructure and the business environment to attract investment and stimulate economic activity across the state.
According to him, the transformation taking place in Aba was the result of sustained efforts to tackle the city's infrastructure deficits and remove obstacles to business growth.
He said the government had also embarked on projects aimed at opening up the city, improving connectivity and creating conditions for businesses to operate more efficiently.
Otti cited the rehabilitation of Port Harcourt Road as one of the major interventions undertaken by his administration in Aba.
He recalled that the road was in a deplorable condition before he assumed office, adding that the government had cleared obstructions and debris before rehabilitating the major road corridor.
The governor said the broader infrastructure programme being implemented across Abia would continue to create new opportunities for investors and businesses.
He consequently urged investors who had previously left Aba, as well as those considering investing in the state, to take another look at the opportunities emerging from the ongoing transformation.
Otti said the time was right for investment in Abia, warning that investors who delayed could eventually find it difficult to secure opportunities as more businesses moved into the state.
“Time is ripe for investment in Abia,” he said.
The governor assured prospective investors that his administration would sustain efforts to provide the infrastructure and business environment required to support investment and economic growth.
He said the government was particularly focused on creating conditions that would encourage private-sector investment and expand employment opportunities for residents.
Speaking on the newly commissioned hotel, Otti commended Okafor for investing in Aba, describing the project as an addition to the state's growing economic base.
He said the facility would create jobs, contribute to the state's Gross Domestic Product and increase Internally Generated Revenue.
“This is going to add to the employment of Abia people, which is the number one priority for us. By the fact that it is going to also add to our Gross Domestic Product, reduce poverty, increase the Internally Generated Revenue, and provide comfort to travellers and lodgers,” the governor said.
Otti said the administration would continue to support investments capable of creating jobs, expanding economic opportunities and improving the standard of living of residents.
The governor's appeal comes amid the administration's wider infrastructure drive across Abia, particularly in Aba, the state's commercial hub, where road rehabilitation and other urban renewal projects are being implemented.
Leave a Reply