Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the full realization of the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park (AIIP), Owaza, in Ukwa West Local Government Area, expressing confidence that the project will become a major industrial, commercial, and innovation hub for Abia and Nigeria.
Governor Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in his office when he received his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who led members of the State Executive Council and the newly appointed Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIIP, Ms. Sandra Ivonye-Ntofon, to brief him on their inspection tour of the project site.
Pastor Ajagba and his team had earlier visited Owaza to formally introduce the new MD/CEO to the host community and facility managers, assess the current state of infrastructure, and identify critical upgrades needed to position the Park for investment.
Governor Otti disclosed that the Park has continued to attract strong investor interest, revealing that a steel plant operating in another State is being relocated to the AIIP despite the huge cost implications – a development he said underscores investors’ confidence in the project.
“The issue is not whether that place will be successful. It is about how quickly you can achieve that,” Governor Otti stated.
The State Chief Executive noted that feasibility studies for the Park have been completed and explained that the blend of industrial production, innovation and commerce will make AIIP a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation and investment.
The Governor directed the new management to accelerate implementation and recover time lost since groundbreaking, assuring them of his administration’s full support, including resources required to commence operations.
The Governor also acknowledged the need to secure the project site through perimeter fencing and directed the Commissioner for Works to assess and commence work on a shorter access road from the expressway to the Park.
Governor Otti congratulated Ms. Ivonye-Ntofon on her appointment, stressing that appointments under his administration are strictly merit-based and that the leadership recruitment process for AIIP was designed to select the most competent and qualified candidates.
Earlier, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D., said the visit to Owaza was to evaluate the facility and determine infrastructure requirements to meet the expectations of Government and the international business community. He reported that the delegation received an enthusiastic reception from the host community.
“At the site, we made it clear that the Industrial Park is intended to attract companies that will support the industrialization of Abia State, especially the Ukwa West corridor. With the coming on board of the new MD, we will reinforce this administration’s commitment to building a virile economy for Abia State,” Pastor Ajagba said.
Also speaking at the project site, the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Godwin Adiele, noted that the Park is envisioned to accommodate several industries. He said that with site acquisition processes now completed and with the cooperation of his peace-loving constituents, the Government should accelerate implementation.
“This project is intended to bring substantial benefits to our people. It is expected to transform lives and bring meaningful development to Ukwa West and surrounding communities. We recognize that major projects are implemented in phases, and we appreciate Governor Alex Otti for remembering our area and siting the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park here,” Hon. Adiele stated.
In her remarks, the newly minted CEO, Ms. Ivonye-Ntofon, thanked Governor Otti for the confidence reposed in her and pledged to work with all relevant stakeholders to realize the objectives of the Park.
She described AIIP as an opportunity to build a national industrial and innovation hub that will serve Owaza, Abia State and Nigeria, assuring that “We are committed to accelerating the pace of work. Our goal is to give Ndi Abia a reason to be proud of a world-class industrial and innovation park located in their State.”
Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Traditional Prime Minister of Igiriukwu Autonomous Community, Owaza, Chief Uche Nwele, thanked the Government for leading the delegation to the site and assured that the community is ready to give the new MD the necessary cooperation to succeed.
Those in the delegation were Commissioners for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna; Environment, Hon. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; Lands, Hon. Chaka Chukwumerije; Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday; Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy, Mr. Kachi Etuluo, among other government officials.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
October 14, 2026.
