Abiriba Union to partner Abia Govt. on investment, agriculture; Hail Gov. Otti

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

Nvosi (Abia), Jan. 28, 2026

The Abiriba Communal Improvement Development Union (ACIDU) has expressed its resolved to support the Abia Government by attracting investors to boost socioeconomic development in the state.

The President General of ACIDU, Chief Uche Uwah, made this known on Wednesday, when members of the union paid Gov. Alex Otti of Abia a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Uwah said that the decision followed a meeting of the Union, noting that communities should not always rely on government alone but also contribute meaningfully to development efforts.

He said that the improved security situation and ease of doing business in Abia under Governor Otti had made the state attractive to investors.

He disclosed that some Korean investors had indicated interest in partnering with the state to establish agricultural processing factories in Abia.

‎”So we decided that we would support government by attracting investors to support the state government in advancing socioeconomic development, because Abia is safe and it’s ease of doing business has improved significantly.

‎”We are looking at partnering with the state government in areas such as agriculture.
‎
‎”We have a lot of Koreans that are interested and willing to come and partner with the state in the area of agriculture.

“They are interested in opening an agricultural processing factory in Abia, and then we’ll be exporting from Abia to Benin Republic and other West African countries, and not only selling in Nigeria,” he said.

Uwah commended the state government for its infrastructural strides, citing the Sir Joe Irukwu Way Road as evidence of the administration’s commitment to development.

He said that Abia, which once lagged behind in infrastructure, had witnessed remarkable transformation under Otti’s leadership, achieved within just two years of the administration.

The ACIDU president expressed optimism that more achievements would be recorded before the end of the governor’s tenure.

On power supply, Uwah lamented that Abiriba has been without electricity for about 15 years, forcing residents to spend over N500 million annually, especially during festive periods, on fueling generators.

He thanked the governor for ongoing efforts to restore power to the community and expressed hope that electricity would soon be fully restored.

He also appreciated the state government for the reconstruction of Akahaba General Hospital in Abiriba.

Uwah appealed to the governor to intervene in the erosion menace ravaging the community, urging the government to replicate the intervention carried out at the Ovom erosion site in Abiriba.

He identified Uzondi Okoronta, Agboji, Amaogudu and Agbokere as major erosion sites in the area, noting that several homes had already been lost, particularly at the Uzondi Okoronta site, while others were at early but dangerous stages.

Responding, Otti commended the Abiriba community for its unity and support, describing the town as his “second home” and a strong pillar of his political journey.

He also thanked the union for the warm reception and the well-organised event held in his honour, noting that Abriba’s unity remained a major strength.

He urged the community to sustain its cohesion and cultural values, adding that “when people are united, they can achieve much more because disunity only dissipates energy”.

He disclosed that issues, on power supply and erosion, raised by the union were already receiving attention, particularly electricity supply.

Otti said that Abia had assumed full regulatory control over power generation, transmission and distribution following the handover by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on December 24.

Otti said the state government had also concluded arrangements with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to take over the Umuahia ring-fenced power island, which covers Bende, Ohafia, Isiukwuato and Umunneochi local government areas, including Abriba.

“The idea is to keep power within Abia so that any electricity generated, including excess power from Geometric, will serve our people,” he said.

On healthcare, the governor assured that work on the Akahaba General Hospital was ongoing and nearing completion, while erosion-prone areas highlighted by the community would be inspected by relevant ministries.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting investment, stressing that investment decisions are driven by enabling environments rather than emotions.

“We focused on recovering Aba first then we moved to other parts of the state and now that we have done that, investment will naturally follow,” Otti said.

He expressed the resolve of the state government to encourage Abia citizens in the diaspora to invest back home.

The governor also confirmed that the Abia Government had fully taken over the Star Paper Mill after settling obligations with Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

He stressed that the government would not run the facility but seek credible private investors to revive it and create jobs.

“I have received a lot of proposals, including proposals from China, but I’m wary to hand it over to foreigners when a local set it up several years ago.

“So, Mr. President, it’s a challenge that I’m throwing back at you to say, yes, we’ve taken it back, but we still need our people to come and invest and turn it around and employ our people; that is all that I’m interested in.

“We will not hand over the company to people that will strip it of its assets. We want people with capacity, capital and character who can turn it around and employ our people,” he said.

Otti called on Abia sons and daughters at home and abroad to channel future expansions into the state, assuring them of government support and a conducive business environment.

Also speaking, the Chairman of ACIDU Education Committee, Prof. Mkpa Mkpa, described the current administration as transformative.

Mkpa added that the present administration’s achievements in two years surpassed what was done in the previous 24 years of civilian rule.

“I have witnessed and participated in all civilian administrations in this state over the past 24 years.

“I dare to say, without fear of contradiction, that in two years this administration has achieved what could not be achieved in those 24 years,” Mkpa said.

He expressed amazement at the massive road expansion in Umuahia metropolis, noting that infrastructure improvements once considered impossible had now become reality.

Mkpa also praised the governor for liberalising governance processes and restoring dignity to public service, particularly through the conduct and humility of government officials.

He recounted his personal experience of waiting eight years to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, noting that shortly after the current administration assumed office, he was contacted to collect the document.

“For me, it felt like a dream. I asked myself, could this really happen in Abia? This is a transformed Abia State,” he said.

Mkpa said that the governor’s leadership had restored hope and pride to many citizens who were previously sidelined in past administrations.